New Guy Here - want to lose 85 -100 lbs

[CoffeeAddikshun]

Hi everyone... I just got my Fitbit Charge yesterday with some gift certificates I received for Christmas (and a little of my own cash).  I'm looking for a few motivational buddies because I need to lose a lot of weight.  I'm 37 years old with two jobs, a wife and two kids.  Though I'm not diabetic or even pre-diabetic, I saw a physician who is recommending a diabetic diet to lose weight, and I didn't want to start until Christmas was over.  I'm also planning on doing a smothie every day and after about 3 weeks of walking daily, I'm going to start the Couch to 5K program to get me jogging up to 30 minutes straight (9 week-program).  I did this last year and had lost quite a few pounds doing it (without the dieting), but have let myself go since then.

Anyways, I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the features of my Fitbit, but learning as I go.  I don't have any friends here yet, so I thought I would take the opportunity to introduce myself and see if anyone else could use an accountability friend.  I'll figure out the friend request thing after I get home from work tonight, but until then, have a great day!

[SunsetRunner]

Hey coffee

Id be happy to be a friend.

Name is david
Live in philly
39 yrs old
Married with two wonderful girls

I have lost and gained 150 lbs, twice.
On my third and hopefully final venture to lose 150lbs

Im down 70 lbs in 9 months.
Need another 60. Hope to have that down by april.

Fitbit had been a real big help. Its kept me honest and active. The message board is filled with great people with the same goal. Become healthier people..

[thistimeforreal]

I'm here too!

Although I'm not married and don't have any kids, I'm 24 and I do go to nursing school full time and have a full time job as well so I'd say I'm pretty busy! I gained about 15 pounds this semester and am dying to get that plus another 75 off, so we're looking at about a 90lb weight loss goal. 

I've lost 80lbs before but gained it back and then some, so I'm pretty upset at myself, but I'm in it for real this time. 

[BB86]

hey im pretty new on here too. looking for friends help stay encouraged. Looking to lose about 50lbs 

[kaitsparky]

I'm here too!

I've lost and gained weight for most of my adult life (I'm 24.)

I'm tired of being uncomfortable in my skin. I'll lose 40 lbs by April and keep it off, for good!

If you need anything, I'm here.

Kait

[zybch]

Getting active is a great start, but reducing food intake is probably more important and WAY more difficult.

Portion control and cutting out as many carbs (anything based on wheat, potato, rice etc) as you can will help you reach and maintain a target weight imeasurably.

I'm down to 110Kgs (about 220lbs I think) from over 240Kgs, and while its taken 2 years I couldn't do it just with activity increase.

For all its 'faddiness' the atkins diet isn't a bad place to start.  Lots and lots of protein and very few carbs.

Your body gets into the habit of ONLY using eaten carbs/sugars for fuel and you need to get it to switch to using your stored fat.  The best way is simply to stop eating that stuff so your body has no choice but to 'eat itself' and its fat reseves.  Thats also where the protein comes in as muscle tends to be easier to use as energy than fat so you need to keep your muscles healthy with lots of protein.

Good luck though.  Its a great feeling when you reach or exceed your goals and get healthier (and sexier) as well.

[CoffeeAddikshun]

Thanks!

[LilyBethSmith]

Hi!  I got a fitbit Flex for Christmas.  I'd love to be a motivational buddy! Over the past three years, I've dropped 133 pounds.  Still have 17 to go to get to my goal, and wow-- December has been a challenge.  Seriously, I'm at EXACTLY the same weight as on December 1st.  LOL.  I just want to say this-- 85 to 100 pounds seems intimidating, but just take it 10 pounds at a time.  You can do this.  🙂

I am 42, married, going back to school, looking for people working on their health goals to connect with. 

I did the couch to 5K two years ago.  Good program.  I now run 3 times a week.  I did a 10K back in October, and will likely do another in spring and start training for  a half-marathon-- need to find the event and actually sign up, though.  🙂

[CoffeeAddikshun]

It seems like the holidays are the most evil... my work has been doing potlucks every week, and sometimes twice a week.  They're killing me because there are some great cooks there.  My problem has always been portion control.  I can talk myself into eating anything, but it takes a lot for me to get that "full" feeling (no matter how much fwater I drink).  

We have another potluck next Tuesday, but I'm still not sure what I'm going to bring... don't want to be the bad guy by bringing a veggie tray that no one will touch, but would love some suggestions.

[sespick]

Hi there,

Im a newbie too, really pleased with this Christmas present! Just need to start using it and get some pounds off!!

Would love to be friends and help each other keep motivated.

My names Sarah. Aged 43 from near Manchester UK.

I work as a Family Nurse and have 2 fab children and hubby who all keep me busy.

Id also like to start running and looked at couch to 5k. Its just a bit cold for me at the minute 🙂

Not sure how to send friend requests so please send them if you know how.Good luck everyone and keep stepping!! 🙂

[CoffeeAddikshun]

I added you sesplck... if you click on someone's name, then click to view their fitbit profile, there's an "add friend" option.  There may be a simpler way I'm not aware of though.  I would think they would add something in the forum posts, but haven't seen it.

[EmersonFitbit]

Hey everyone.

It's great to see such encouraging, positive conversation here on the forums. I hope that everyone here reaches their health goals, and that they can maintain them as well.

Best of luck to everyone in the new year. If you have questions about your devices, I'm always here!

[BaconBit]

Happy New Year to all ! I've had my Charge since Dec 3rd I love it so far. 

On Jan 2nd I'm starting a clean eating challenge for 30 days and a new exercise program and possibly adding in Couch to 5k. 

I've been over weight most of my adult life and my dad died at an early age ( 62) of heart issues. 

I'm 46 and although I've followed his gene pool with other problems the heart is not one I wish to take lightly. 

I've started by setting a small weightloss goal that seems more feasable to attain for my first 30day challenge. And then I'll move on from there. 

I live in Oregon the rainy wet pacific NW. Outside activities are few and far between but I have a small gym set up for myself and my husband ( who by the way is very fit). 

I would love the extra encouragement. So feel free to request me as a friend. 

God speed and I hope you all have a wonderful 2015 !

[teatime23]

I'm new here too!

I am 23, have a 3 y/o son and a mostly full time job as a managerish person at a tearoom.  So all around pretty busy.  I could use an accountability friend as well!  i am so lazy on my days off of work i rarely meet my step goals( ive had it since Chistmas) and i love the community aspect of the fitbit system! if youd like to friend me I would love to be on this journey with you!

[Small_onion]

Hello all!

I think I have had fitbit for about 2 weeks.  My girlfriend and I decided to get them over the holidays.  The irritating part is she went and got the Misfit shine because it "looked prettier".  Now bascially I am all alone and don't have to be accountable to anyone.  This is were you guys come in.  Realistically I could stand to lose about 100 pounds but I'd be happy to lose half of that. But to keep ourselves motivated we are planning on going on a cruise in April so losing as much weight as possible before we go is the goal.I think fitbit is a good tool but without friends, it sort of feels incomplete.  So please feel free to add me.

Good luck to everyone!