70+ lbs. to lose, and I need others to join my journey. New to Fitbit

[AliceGrimm]

Hello!

I am new to Fitbit, and I have a Fitbit One. I am a colllege student, so I have that as a priority, I am also studying for an exam to certify me for actuarial science. So, I have two other things that wll be eating up a lot of my time. But I really need to lose about 99.9 lbs. And I would absolutely love more motivation and inspiration of others trying to lose a great deal of weight, or who have, or who just love fitness. I need to be held accountable. I have lost 20 pounds multiple times, but then I gain it back and more. I would also like to meet and get to know people because a fitness community usually has some pretty amazing people.

So I hope we can be friends and challenge each other. I will probably have lots of really dumb questions, this site is still new and a tad bit confusing! Thank you for you time!

[lyro]

Hi Alice.  Welcome to FB and the forums.  Had my FB since July and I'm very pleased with the results.  The forums, activity groups, challenges, and friends are all great motivators!  Sent you a friend request.

[AliceGrimm]

Thank you! I am glad to hear you are pleased. Like I said in my invite, I was a little anxious buying it. The activities and challenges sound interesting. I can tell there are lots of great people here, but being new I feel like an outsider, I can't wait to be apart of this great community. I am sorry if that sounds cheesy! I just think there is a very positive fibe, and positive thoughts are good for the soul!

[lyro]

So true about positive thoughts. I have found everyone here very encouraging and friendly.  I have made a lot of FB friends and you will too.  The more you post, join groups, and do challenges, the more involved you will be before you know it!  The FB has not only been motivating for me, but fun as well!  I hope it will be for you too.  If I can be of any help, just let me know.  

[AliceGrimm]

Thank you so much! Could you post me a link to the challenges page that you were talking about in your message, I am not sure if I can find it on my own!

Thank you so much for the support and encouragement!

I have a question too. On the dash board it has this "Calories Burned" and it makes you put a daily goal? What is that goal? Like how many calories you plan to burn by working out... or calories you burn if you don't eat the same amount as you BMR? It has me really confused.

Thank you so much!

[lyro]

I think you are referring to the daily amount of caloric deficit.  For example, if you wanted to lost 1 lb./week, you would need to have a weekly caloric deficit of 3500 calories; or 500 calories per day.  You can set your own goal here based on your desired weight loss if that makes sense.  There is one tile that just shows how many calories you have burned thru BMR and exercise, and the tile with the needle shows caloric input vs. output.  I hope I am making sense here.  Please, if anyone can explain better, please jump in.  I messaged you the group link.

[AliceGrimm]

Thank you for that!

Um, it is the one with the little flame inside, and when you go to the upper left hand corner it does talk about BMR. I know what BMR is, I was just confused by this tab. I think it is telling me how much I burn by BMR since midnight till midngiht. But what is the daily goal for? It isn't like I can magically change my natural BMR. I know it can be changed with strength training and stuff.. It was just confusing. lol

Thank you so much!

[lyro]

Oh, I think that one is the BMR that is calculated from all of your personal info (ie-height, wt, gender).  If I remember correctly, i think there is a setting to turn calorie estimation on or off.

[AliceGrimm]

I heard a bit about that. Some say it is better to turn it off and some say it is better to leave it on.

My first day I thought it was asking me what I wanted to be eating wise. It was at 2,6_ _ something.. so I changed the "daily goal" to 1500.. and later I realized it had something to do with BMR. I was afriad I accidently changed my settings for that.. so I looked it up on MyFitnessPal. Apparently, just being I burn 1,696 calories. And reading other threads I sorta got the idea you were suppose to add 500 to that number, which I got 2,196, so now that is my daily goal.. to something...

lol I am sorry my question and my wording is so confusing!

Thank you so very much for everything!

[Nana64]

  Hello Alice. I am also new to fitbit. (got it for Christmas). I have been on my treadmill every day this new year and, I find I have to be brutaly honest with what I eat, my activity and how much I eat. I am also finding myself being more careful about what I am eating now since I cannot believe how crappy some of the things I eat really are! And, I have now lost 8 lbs and my jeans aren't pinching off my ability to breathe so much now!

   You can do this! Do not give up! Be as honest with the Fitbit no matter how hard it is. Sometimes, being honest with ourselves is harder than licking your own elbow. I have 25 lbs left to lose but that no longer really matters to me. I just want to be healthy and feel better.

   If you are looking for some good healthy snacks instead of the usual 'college quick bites' look to pinterest. I am finding all kinds of good things on there. Good luck to you!

[AliceGrimm]

Thank you for the pininterest tip! And congradulations on losing 8 lbs! That is amazing! It sounds like this was the perfect motivation for you if you are working out that much and changing your habits. I have a long way to go, so I am a bit nervous, especially with so many other things trying to get my attention. Thank you so much for your encourangement! I know you will make your goals! And I think being healthy and fit is the best one!

Thank you so much!