May Day Challenge 2016

[KAnn]

13 weeks until May Day 2016!  Who wants to meet both their step and calorie goals for 13 weeks straight using the Fit Bit trackers?  Let's see how great we feel when we meet the goals!  

Simply record each week if both calorie and step goals were met. 

Anyone game?

[Sandy212]

I'm in.  I just started trying to take back my life.  Ist day!  Sick & tired of feeling sick and tired!  I really need help from friends going thru it too!  Let's do it!

[Liglinister · Accepted solution]

I would love to!

I am rather new to this, but so up for the challenge!

[KAnn]

Here is what I have in mind.  Each Monday, report back two percentages.  The first percentage is how many days from the previous week were your daily caloric goals met.  The second percentage is how many days of the week were your step goals met.  

For example:

Last week...80/100.  (I met my daily caloric goal 80% (because I EXCEEDED my caloric goals and ate too many calories!!!!).  I met my step goal for each day!  Therefore, 80%/100%.  Does this seem simple and understandable?  If not, I am open for suggestions.  

[Sandy212]

Sounds good to me.  I think the biggest mistake I've made in the past is no accountability, so I can back out and no one is the wiser!  Lets do this!  Thanks for your support and help with motivation!  🙂

\

[KAnn]

Since Fitbit APP begins each week on Sunday, my week 1 is complete.  Here are my statistics:

Caloric goal:  80% met (began last Wed; met caloric goal  only 4 of 5 days)

Step goal:  100% met (met step goal every day!!)

Plan: week 2 ~do better with my caloric goal

[Sandy212]

First week, I set my goals for 7500 steps per day, as I just started, meet or exceeded that 5 of 7 days.  Food intake was also on track for 5 days.  I pushed really hard, but didn't loose any weight.  Very frustrating.  I think I need to re-evaluate my diet more.  I cut portions down alot, and cut out extras like bread with meals.  Must need to do more.  Have to keep trying.  We'll see.

[KAnn]

Hi, Sandy.

Perhaps expecting weight loss "right away" is unrealistic.  Have you considered on meeting the step goal for "x" amount of weeks (say 3 weeks) then increase the step goal.  If you keep the caloric goal constant and gradually  increase the step goal, you should see success.  Most Americans under-report their caloric intake when recording; however, simply recording (overtime) leads to success.  Relax, this is a journey and their is no "time limit".  This little "May Day" exercise is just a kick start for putting oneself into daily self-accountability.  Over time, the accountablity will become a habit.  

In summary, thanks for reporting after the first week....I was ready to cancel this challenge due to minimal interest from the Fitbit Community.  Even if it is just you and I on this 13 week adventure, I will support your efforts.  Hang in there, enjoy the journey and never give up.

[scottie0714]

Hi there...is it too late to join this challenge?  13 weeks (or 11 now) is right up my alley!

[KAnn]

No, it is not too late

I was not posting due to lack of feedback.  Welcome.

[Sandy212]

Thanks for your words of encouragement.  I am still in it for the long hall.  Not so good 2nd week, knee issues, may need surgery.  I am still working towards my goal, though.  I started physical therapy and joined a gym so I hope to improve my stamina.  That seems like a good place to focus.  Still doing my treadmill in the mornings too.

Don't loose faith in me.  You are helping me more than you know.  Thanks for that.

[scottie0714]

Perfect.  Can you tell me the format that we are putting in? Or are we just letting each other know if we met both goals?

I met my step goal 5 out of 7 days. Also met my calorie goal.  Lost 3.5 lbs this week! YAY me!

[KAnn]

Great Job Scottie0714!  Welcome to our little group.  The format for this feed is reporting if you met both your caloric and step goals. Or, you state what your weekly goals are and we will offer support via this forum.  Nothing "radical" is being promoted.

My report for the last two weeks:

I have a weekly step goal of 80K steps / week.  (It has taken me over two years to get to that goal, Sandy)

Week of Jan 31:  82.5 K steps

Week of Feb 7:  78.5 K steps (met goal at 98%)

I have a caloric goal...but I am revising my goal (for right now) to record my intake a minimum of 5 days/week.    In reviewing my data, it seems like when I record, I meet my goal.  I get busy, add up the calories in my head; but that isn't working.  So for the next few weeks, I am simply going to track "my tracking".

RE: my weight.  I dusted off the scale and stepped on it.  Now I have my baseline.  I will report my results at next post.  I would love to drop 10 pounds...but for now, I want to be accountable for meeting my step goal and resume regular caloric "tracking".

Don't give up, Sandy.  Perhaps chair exercises and focus on increased fruits and vegetables (known for their anti-inflammatory potential).  Remember, it is a journey, not a race.  There wil be good days and bad days.  The ultimate goal is better lifestyle-habits.

[Hills143]

15% step goal, not measuring calories yet due to struggles entering my intake.

[dancefoxtrot]

sandy212

I'm struggling with knee issue as well. Sometimes physical therapy helps. I have an appt. with the ortho doc on monday. It is an old injury to the old cartlege in my knee that I aggravated by dancing toooooo much 4 weeks ago. 

Challenge is not to eat as much as normal since I can't burn as much now. Since I'm home more I have to be careful not to eat even many portions of healthy junk like many handfuls of nuts, or too much hummus, etc.. 

Barb g

[PatCol63]

I just got my FitBit today and am learning how to use it. I would like to join this challenge to help me stay accountable but I don't know how to set daily goals yet.

[KAnn]

Well, hello! Welcome aboard.  Is your question related to the use of the FitBit/logistics and setting it up? or just setting daily goals "in general"?  If it is a general question about daily goals...sometimes it is best to have the initital goal to observe the data.  Observe how many steps you take.  Observe how many calories that you consume.  Keep us posted.  When I got my Fitbit (Christmas present 2014) I gave myself one month for obersvation.  After one month, I had a solid idea of "what had to be done"!!

[PatCol63]

Thanks KAnn. I am just learning. I was trying to follow the HELP instructions for setting goals but I am not able to find how to do it. I am going to take you advice and just post what I am getting for steps for a while. At least I'll have a place that I can come to stay accountable 🙂

[Tabim]

Hi, Count me in! Just got my FitBit Charge HR. I want to lose 35 pounds by my 59th birthday this July. I just linked myFitnessPal with my FitBit and I am readyto lose!!   I believe this will be my very best year in all things. 

My step goal is 10,000 a day. Some kind of workout 4X a week. Either at the Y walking, or just dancing around my living room 😄  I am on the 1200 calorie intake.  I have been 100% last 10 days, and have lost 4lbs. I usually weigh in on Sundays, so I will report in then. Good Luck Beautiful Losers!!

The Journey is always special, when shared with friends. Please add me!  

MFP- Tabi57

//www.fitbit.com/user/4BZMM7

[KAnn]

Hello, Tabim.  You have a tall order for your 59th birthday this July!  Welcome.

Here is my report for the week:

Met my step goal of 80K steps/week at 91%

Met my goal to track my calories daily for the entire week

My reflections on the data/week are as follows:

I want to add Nordic Track to my workout...I have the apparatus, dusty as it is...might as well use it to see if it will tone my back and arms.  My goal is 30 min (total)/week plus the 80 K steps.  I have also added 5# free wts about every other day...let's see where this gets me.

RE: my calories...even though FitBit tracker states I "nailed it" daily, no wt loss.  Therefore, I changed my goals in FitBit and established a "set" caloric goal.  Let's see if this helps. I made the goal realistic for lifetime goal...not an instanteous-weight loss goal.  I want the wt to come off slowly and permanently

RE: my stress.  I have to admit my work stress is so high...it is taking its toll on my sleeping pattern; which in turn negatively impacts health and weight loss efforts.  Nonetheless, the tracking helps in that I don't wander into severe stress eating as I am inclined.  

In summary, 8 weeks left until May Day!  What say you group members...how was your week?  What did you learn?  How are you going to adjust your plans to achieve your goals?  Were your plans realistic or radical?  My hope is that you do not give up...keep on trying!