Diet and Exercuse

[NY2TX]

When I started Fitbiting in late March, I weighed 254 at 6'2" and 65 years old. Dieting alone has never worked for me, for a variety of reasons. Once I got serious about this, I realized that passive walking wasn't the answer either (at least for me).  So I began a daily program of walking 3-5 miles per day during the week and now, 5-7 miles a day over the weekend. While I am uncertain about the calorie estimates used, especially after I made my first weight goal on June 4th, I calculate that I have been burning 1000 or more calories daily than I eat and lost a total of 13 pounds in the month of June.

My walking is at a brisk pace, usually averaging 15:00-15:30 per mile.  It's hard work but it has been worth it so far.  I'm now within 3 pounds of my next interim weight goal. I might even get to eat a few hot dogs this weekend for the 4th of July

[Odyssey13]

@NY2TXWay to go! You've shown that determination and hard work pays off.

Enjoy the hot dogs and don't forget the mustard and relish!

[NY2TX]

Thanks @Odyssey13 but we'll hold the relish and probably go with low fat Hebrew National doggies. I've used alot of rationales for what I've done so far, including that my daughter gave the FB to me for my birthday.

I could be losing more weight than I have if I'd give up some of the things I like every day, including my ice cream every night. But I've always liked eating salads for lunch, and getting back into an exercise routine, even after 25-30 years of leading a sedentary existence was pretty easy. The hard part is the South Texas heat, especially in the afternoons when it is easily 90°F (we'll see how it goes when the temps start reaching into the 100°'s).

[Odyssey13]

@NY2TX  I've tried eating healthier and paying more attention to what goes in my mouth. The other day I asked myself what it was that I most missed with food and couldn't come up with anything.

Your daughter also use a Fitbit? It was good of her to get you one for your birthday.

You have a great attitude and it seems you're doing a good job of sticking to your goals. Wish there was something you could do about the weather. I was in Houston once in May and it was very hot and humid, so I can only imagine July there!

[NY2TX]

@Odyssey13, t here's absolutely nothing wrong with the weather, and San Antonio is NOT Houston (it gets hot, but generally not that humid, especially at the height of the sun - it's usually more humid for my weekend morning walks than my after work walks).  But the heat adds to the weight loss.  I carry water in my 50 oz Camelbak and still generally drop between 3-4 pounds of water weight during my late afternoon/evening walks.

As for attitude...well, I was an athlete in my younger days (high school and college soccer and track and then a jogger into my late-30's), I know how to listen to my body, can work/walk through minor leg pains, and was motivated by the fear of my weight hitting 260 lbs.  I also want to have my doctor take me off of some of my meds - my resting heart rate has dropped from over 80 bpm in early March to around 60 bpm today.  My daughter got her Fitbit as part of a "goodie bag" at a corporate thing and as I approached my 65th, she thought it was a good idea and asked me if I wanted one (I did).  As far as I know, my experiences as posted on Facebook have led to at least 4 of my high school friends getting a Fitbit.

Once something works for me, I generally stay with it.  So I walk longer distances, slower at first and then I speed up.  My endurance has increased dramatically.  Everyone has their own motivations and abilities...what works for me will not necessarily work for anyone else.

[whome]

I am in Austin, and although we do have to watch out for the heat, we don't have to shovel the sunshine - lol

[NY2TX]

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@whome wrote:

I am in Austin, and although we do have to watch out for the heat, we don't have to shovel the sunshine - lol

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To me, the key to the heat is staying hydrated and NOT going out at Noon. But the heat also makes it easier to get and stay loose.  And sweating makes you feel like you've done something.

PS: I love South Texas 🙂

[whome]

@NY2TX - I take it from your screen name that you didn't start out here - SA is kind of the northern edge of south Texas, I think, because we can sure get a lot further south - Have you ever been out to visit Big Bend National park? Alpine, Marfa, Terlingua and such? I highly recommend it.

[NY2TX]

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@whome wrote:

@NY2TX - I take it from your screen name that you didn't start out here - SA is kind of the northern edge of south Texas, I think, because we can sure get a lot further south - Have you ever been out to visit Big Bend National park? Alpine, Marfa, Terlingua and such? I highly recommend it.

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@whome, nahhh, :), but my wife is from here and that's what got me across the border.  Haven't been out to Marfa yet but wife wants to go soon (she has a friend with an art gallery out there).  San Antonio is clearly South Texas...look at the map and show me any other large population center.  I know there are people who would disagree with me.