Makin moves y'all! Would like a few more Fitbit friends :)

[kcadams1980]

I'm pretty excited about the progress I've made since getting the Charge HR on May 11th - 8.2 lbs lost! I lost about 30 lbs about 2 years ago just getting back into a semi-regular running routine after a few years COMPLETELY sedentary and eating junk (this happened after a major thoracic surgery in 2012, 6 wks on FMLA and chronic pain as a result - long story), but then stalled out at around 155-160lbs (I'm 5'6" btw, 35 yrs old). I was only running 3, MAYBE 4x/wk and then completely vegetating on the couch every weekend with my dogs and wine (don't judge me!). I was essentially gaining and losing the same 5 lbs every week. 

In March, I started a new job (I'm a social worker) at a MAJOR cancer hospital in the TX Medical Center that shall remain nameless - the med center alone + the actual hospital is like a mid-sized city. Compared to my previous job in an outpatient clinic setting, my non-exercise activity level shot WAY up. Oh, and my wonderful employer provides staff with an amazing fitness center (way nicer than the old 24 hr fitness I was going to before) with locker rooms/showers/etc, so I now go in (very) early every work day to either run (3 days, 3.5-4mi) or X-train with weights. I was still doing the zero activity+lots of wine+being lazy and ordering chinese on the weekend, so I wasn't seeing the weight loss results I was expecting. I got the FitBit to be more mindful about what I was eating and to try and motivate myself to get just some light activity in on the weekends.

It's REALLY worked. I'm down to 148lbs now, my original goal is 145, and I've gained quite a bit of muscle in a very short time (I've always built muscle really quickly). I just got the Aria and am totally nerding out to that thing as well (I can't help it, I like graphs). I don't drink at all during the week, but I still like my wine on the weekends 😉 Only now, I watch the cals in vs out and make up for it by jogging around the living room for 10-15 min (I look ridiculous, but who cares, my husband is asleep during the day so it's just me and the dogs). We've also stopped with the ordering take-out all the time which helps as well. So I don't usually LOSE weight on the weekends, but at least I'm not blowing my whole week like before. 

Anyhow, apologies for the lengthy post - if anyone wants to friend me, I'm down! I have a few FB friends that I do workweek challenges with, but it'd be fun to get a little more diversity with the challenges.

Kelly

[USAF-Larry]

Great to see your progress, @kcadams1980!  I'm glad that the FitBit has been able to keep you motivated to get out there and get moving.  Remember, though, it is a Lifestyle change, not just a short-term weight loss or exercise routine - you need to develop the habit of healthy living.  Sounds like you are on the way! 

[WendyB]

You have done excellent! Congrats on your success!

[Wolf17 · Accepted solution]

As a PT, I can say you seem to be making all the right moves. Set high goals, i.e: Commit to making your changes a lifetime positive habit. Stay motivated. View workouts as "playtime". Try to limit weight lose to .5 to 2 lbs. (max.) per week. Slow and steady will keep the weight off. Eat a balanced input of food (throw out the term "diet"; diets don't work). Try to maintain a balance of 50% carbs; 20% - 30% Protein and 20% - 30% Healthy Fats, and be mindful of portion control. Write down (journal) everything you eat and all exercise. This is a great habit to maintain. Balance exercise with aerobic, strength, mobility, balance and flexibility exercises. 

Keep up the great work and have fun!