Out of shape and new to fitbit

[debdebdeb]

So, got my charge hr today.  I'm 61, and I'm very much out of shape.  It has been hard to find someone who can relate to being older and it feels like I'm starting on the bottom rung.  

How to keep motivated is probably the hardest thing.  Anyone have stories or references to keep it going?  All my friends are younger, which is great, but sometimes it's hard to relate.  

Well, I guess we'll see how the fitbit might be able to help me stay focused.  

deb

[gordiet]

Hello Deb, I'm Gordon, I'm 62 and lost lots of weight with the FitBit plan. If you are going to the gym and working out that's great but that is not the answer alone. I cannot emphasize the " What You Have Ate " tap on your dashboard enough. It is very important to track the amount of calories and even more important to track the amount of fat we consume. The key to lossing weight is reducing the amount of fat we consume, I have become an absolute hawk when it comes to checking fat content in anything I eat now. When I started the program on Dec. 27/14 I was 205 lbs. my goal was to get to 175lbs. I achieved that goal by Mar. 31/15 infact have exceeded it , now I weight 167 lbs. and I'm maintaining this weight. What is also nice that my body fat is now below 20% which is good for people our age. I'm telling you all this stuff only to again the emphasize the importance of fat decuctiion in your diet. Eat less bread, [not saying no bread at all] , substitute with rice cakes and ryvita bread slices. After you get the hang of it you will learn to come up with substitutes. Your going to do just fine, Good Luck. 

[debdebdeb]

Thanks, Gordon, for the quick response. Your story is very helpful - I've started tracking my food intake today. I decided to set a reasonable weight goal of -20lbs, and then go from there. I want something attainable, ya know?

Working out during the week is really hard. I need to figure out a way to do that...

Anyone else have a story to share?

deb

[EdsonFitbit]

Thanks for taking a break from stepping to visit the Community @debdebdeb! You might want to take a look at this awesome post @Giftie created to motivate Fitbit users. Additionally, I've found this great thread that you will love. Nice work! Now, let's get back to stepping! 

[WendyB]

Welcome to the forums Deb! Great to have you here!

Happy Stepping!

[debdebdeb]

Thanks, @WendyB! You're a 10K Racer? That is awesome!

[TeAdams]

Hi Deb,

I am Terri, 52 and have been with Fitbit since they started.  Motivation I have found comes from with in.  I have lost weight and gained with Fitbit, but not because of Fitbit.  Life is life whats important is get up and move as you move more and control your diet weight loss will come.  I love Fitbit and the interactive tools that go with it.  Get some friends on here and play the challenges we all help eachother stay focused in the community.  you can add me as a friend if you like.  Good luck on your journey...

Terri A.

[debdebdeb]

Thanks, Terri! Once I figure out how to add a friend, I will do that - I really appreciate that!

[Rainafterthesun]

Consistency is key! I found that Fitbit really helps because even on days I'm "settled" in, I make myself go for the walk (knee is bad for running) to get the steps. It's kind of sad to log in and see the steps under 1k, 5k, etc.

Also helps me control my eating because a lot of times I'm full but I just by habit pick up something, or I guess because there's an abundant amount of food choices and I'm low on discipline.. It's a lot better now and I've found food that makes my mouth happy and body feel good. Good enough that on days I indulge I don't feel so bad.

Best of luck to you, (: