How do you do it? Long post you've been warned.

[captainpixie]

I'm new to this Fitbit lark. I've been dealing with the DWP the last few years, my health went down the pan BIG time thanks to them and they have managed to now make one of my main disabilities even worse. (still really fuming about that). Recently I've been given time to breath thou. I'm in horrible state health and weight wise and I'm slowly trying to make things better.

Got a Fitbit blaze on sale and I'm trying to use it to help with the weight thing. Recently I've gone from never leaving the house unless dragged out for hospital appointments or GP's to doing a small walk almost every day. This is a big thing for me. I'm overweight and I have crippling self confidence issue's and I loath my body, my frame of mind is set in such a state that I'm terrified of making people uncomfortable just from the site of me. It's not a good headspace to be in. It make's being out in public difficult. I'm also epileptic. I have fit's (absences) and now because of DWP related stress I am at high risk of having fully body seizure's. I had my first one after my first round of court tribunal hearings in relations to benefit's etc, I wont bore you with the detail's. Needless to say afterword's I was fuming about it. I was and still am also really scared. It basically boil's down to two thing's. 1) I cant use a gym, I've been told there insurance will not cover them or me if I fit and get hurt or break there equipment and 2) I can't go too far on my own.

I do a circuit of my local part, it's just over 1 mile, I circle round and take the long path back home when I've finished walking it. my whole walk is 1.41 miles Long at the moment and it takes me just over half an hour now to do it which is a big improvement from two week's ago, it took me around 50 minuets the very first time I tried it.

What I'm asking is, What more can I do to be more mobile. I live out in the country so there's not much around apart from walking, my town is small and mostly full of hill's, so many hill's, which is good in a way I guess as I live on one such hill. I dont have many friend's. My best friend is far more mobile than me and I know I'd just slow her down, she's getting fit as well but she's not as bad as me. See I'd really like to get my health to a point where I can go on a walk with her and keep up. she never rushes me or anything but I'd like to be able to keep up with her. 

So any advice really from you all would be appreciated 🙂 

So sorry about any spelling and grammar issues, I'm very dyslexic so it can get interesting at times! 

[WavyDavey · Accepted solution]

Hi @captainpixie,

The trick is to keep your short term goals realistic. You have a lot on your plate, health-wise. So it will be important to take small steps towards improvement.

One way is to slowly increase the distance of your walk. Another is to walk the same distance, but try for better pace/time. Do this very gradually, giving yourself the ability to cut back on the effort as your body requires.

Lastly, I would definitely recommend keeping your doctor in the loop on your exercise and diet routine. Best of luck!

[lavabelle]

Congrats on starting your journey to better health! That's a big step.

I agree with Dave about continuing to walk, making your walk progressively longer or harder by adding hills for example, or going faster. If you are consistent, you'll find your fitness improving and your desire to do more will also increase. 

I add more time to my walk as I get fitter, and more hills too. I am also walk/running as I get fitter...we all have to progress the same way 🙂

Wishing you the very best and keep checking in and updating us on your progress 🙂

Cheers!

[captainpixie]

Thank's, My G.P is helping with the find side of weight lose, I honestly hadn't thought to get her advice on the physical side of it. she's always encourage me when it comes to my health so I'll talk to her about what is and isn't realised when it comes to exorcising, but I know she'll be happy that Ive going out, even if it's only for a little bit 🙂

[GershonSurge]

@captainpixie,

In my opinion, there is nobody in the Fitbit forum who can give you the type of help you need. I suggest you go to this forum and make the same post in the introduction topic. It is possible to become slim and fit using this way of eating. It's also possible to make most of your medical conditions a distant memory. 

The only problem with this way of eating is people tend to eat too little at first. There is no reason to be hungry while eating the right foods. 

Keep in mind, doctors have virtually zero nutritional training. They are a horrible source of information as there is a perception of them being an authority when most are the opposite.

[captainpixie]

That’s very true, I’m actually in weight Watchet’s because of my GP, she helped me find a gruop locally. Its not easy but it is healthy and the lady that runs the gruop is very nice. My Mum goes as well, we both doing it together. I’ve lost half a stone which is good so far. It’s been interesting for sure.

Sent from my iPhone

[GershonSurge]

@captainpixie,

I still suggest you go to the discussion board I recommended. The vegan weight watchers plan does look healthy. 

If you are diabetic, let your doctor know before changing your diet. You will have to monitor your sugar level carefully during the first few days. Same thing if you are taking blood pressure medication. The way of eating will cure type-2 diabetes virtually 100% of the time. Most people are off meds within a couple weeks. Blood pressure can take longer.

Focusing on exercise is not a way out of this. Exercise alone will not change your health by a significant amount. 

[captainpixie]

I will do thank you. I realise it’s a balance between diet and exercise. I’m under a dietitian with regards to eating and my diet. The exercise thing is new to me and I just wanted to know how other people with disabilities handle exercise and keeping motivated.

Sent from my iPhone