New to FitBit - Over 100+ lbs. to lose...

[MrsDMACS]

Hi, I'm new to FitBit!  Just joined today and am excited to have the FitBit so that I can see my progress in numbers.  I'm a data girl....the more the better for me. 

I was wondering if there is anyone that would like a "buddy" on their weight loss journey.  I have the support of my loving family and would also like to find some cyber FitBit friends to share with (and help keep me accountable!)  I have over 100 lbs to lose and will be taking it one day at a time.

[MyGoalMet]

I got my first FitBit in December of 2012 when I hit 300 lbs.  Since then I've lost over 180 lbs by moving more and controlling my portions. 

I've been a vegetarian for 33 years, so the Paleo diet isn't for me.  Frankly,  I decided to chuck the idea of another diet and learn to eat in a way I could sustain for the rest of my life.  I visited a registered dietician (not a nutritionist) for advice in how to increase my protein since that had always been an issue for me.  Now I eat at least 80 grams of protein a day and drink at least 80 oz of water a day.  I have found it really helps to ensure proper amounts of fluid and protein.  I've been maintaining at 118 lbs (I'm 5'4) for the last 6 months.  It really hasn't been difficult at all once the dietician helped me find a way to eat that is sustainable forever.  Exercise has become so much easier without the excess 180 lbs that was forcing me into a sedentary lifestyle. 

I wish everyone success in attaining their goals.

[iamtoni]

Hi, MrsDMACS...I've had my Fitbit for months, but just started using it on Friday...today is Sunday, 6-15. Finally got brave enough to try the techno stuff (I'm a 71-year-old great-grandma) and have been successful so far in everything except the "sleep mode." Just going to give it a little more time! Love the food logging!!

I also have more than 100 lbs. to lose and with my age + arthritis + tendency toward couch potato-ness, I'm not in very good shape. A senior-citizen gym owner has graciously allowed me to go to his gym at 5 a.m. 3 days a week and he kind of guides me because I was starting from THE BEGINNING!! My daughter stops by two days a week and we are now walking and have challenged each other to a 5k walk on July 19 in our town.

I stay active socially, but not physically and am looking toward improving. I'm into The Daniel Plan and starting a small group maybe next week with a couple of friends. It seems I need the "spiritual" encouragement + motivation to please God! I won't preach to you...just thought I'd mention it.

I know you've been on your journey for a while now and I would like to be one of your buddies and hear your story and how it's going for you.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

[iamtoni]

I'm with you!!! But just starting today! I won't be on here every single day, but would love to buddy-up with you!

[fiftyfly]

Hi Iamtoni,

I know how challenging it is to take those "first steps" to fitness.? For years, I too have been on the couch.? You know it your heart you have to move because you know you "can move" but something has to click to motivate yourself.? For everyone that is as individual as weight gain or loss.? Please know, I am rooting for you, I can relate to every weight loss challenge ----- I should be an expert but for some reason I have to repeatedly learn this lesson.? Just know daily movement and healthy food choices equal weight loss.? My 15 year old son taught me that lesson.? Best wishes and keep stepping.

Fiftyfly

[iamtoni]

Thank you! I'm enthusiastic now...hope it lasts! A young lady I know wanted to "friend" our Fitbit stuff, but she wants to compete & I don't. Just need plain ol' encouragement and you gave it!

[Mike_in_LR]

Both my wife and I now have Fitbit ONEs, have had mine since the beginning of June and bought one for my wife yesterday - she was getting jealous! Trying to do 10,000 steps a day and at least 30 minutes of 'intense' exercise so we're walking all over the place! Last week we were on holliday in (hot) Spain and still managed to average 17,718 steps a day - plus one day, we climbed 41 'floors' (it was very hilly where we were, plus our apartment was on the fourth floor!). Slowing down now back at work but determined to lose weight - I need to lose around 20 pounds. Another holiday in Ibiza in September so determined to look better on the beach by then! 

[FB_Opus]

I'm on the same goal - I've lost 78 so far and want to hit the century mark by my 40th birthday in September.  Buddy up if you want!

[EmeraldRose]

I have about 100 lbs I want to lose, but a more realistic goal for me is probably around 80 lbs. 

I've had the fitbit a few months, but really gotten motivated the last couple months. I have been hitting 10000 steps for the last two and a half weeks, and it feels great! I was using my Wii Fit for ten minute "walk breaks" throughout my work day (I work from home) and 10000 got easy!

So, this week I switched to my old aerobic step board from years ago. Now I am struggling with my ten minute walk breaks. I am having to do some of my steps on the floor or jogging in place. I am stubborn though, so I will get back up there...and then maybe even add in the extra steps. O.o

Long way to go...

[iamtoni]

Emerald Rose ( I LOVE that!!!), Sounds like we're about in the same boat! If I could lose 100 lbs., I'd be a happy camper! This FitBit has really helped me in the few days I've used it...and I'm hoping for months/years of help from it! Good for you for being stubborn....that's what it takes! Do you have home support? I work three days a week at our museum, but I totally forget to get up & walk around at least once an hour or so. I do have to walk some days and some days, not so much. Let's stick with it...and each other!

'

[iamtoni]

GOOD FOR YOU!! You can make it by September!! Just make sure to do it in a healthful way! That's my mantra now, even though I'm "obese", I'm a lot healthier than I was a couple of years ago...no diabetes, even my kidney function improved after drs. said it wouldn't! We're on this journey together!

'

[fiftyfly]

I agree, I believe the competition comes from within.? It took a lot for us to get motivated and move.? Lets be support ---- that is everlasting.? Have a great rest of the week!

[FitFamilyFaith]

I would also love some new friends. Feel free to add me!! (:

[fiftyfly]

Hi --- wow, 78 pounds so far.? You will make the century mark by your birthday.? Care to share any insight.? I have lost 12 pounds since May and trying to ramp up the steps and workouts. Have a great week!

[FB_Opus]

Thanks @fiftyfly!  Happy to

It was actually very easy to do (and maintain).  I followed a few guidelines from some favorites of mine on how to look at my input/output

1) A great Bloom County comic about the simplicity

2) Alton Brown (Good Eats) explaining food and changing the perspective of how I looked at food (skip to 3m 36s)

Then I spent a few weeks preparing my body by going on a reduced diet but not actually dieting.  I eat the following:

1) Breakfast: Bowl of fibrous cereal (Special K, Cheerios) with a banana

2) Snacks: Baby Carrots throughout the day

3) Lunch: 2 nonfat probiotic yogurts, an orange, and 4 Twizzlers

4) Dinner: A protein (steak, chicken, fish), chicken salad in a whole wheat wrap, or a chef's salad

5) Fruits, fruits, and more fruits

After a couple weeks, I started purposeful walking (exercise).  Started with a mile a day, then gradually increased it to now where I walk 6.5-7.5 miles.  I then added using an elliptical 2x's a week for an hour.  After a while, it turned into a hamster wheel so I switched to Krav Maga (3x's a week) and Yoga (1x a week). 

To help me reach wight goals, I developed a 'dangling carrot' system where for each milestone I would treat myself to something I wanted to buy or do.  I'm still a kid at heart and love Lego so I put a few sets ahead of to earn and I've always wanted to do skydiving but was too heavy, so that was my ultimate goal weight (which I am now 1 pound shy of as of my last weigh in).

The trick was/is to not deprive yourself of eating, but eat wiser.  I used to go out or order in a lot and now I do it sparingly (with friends) and still order foods I like or even try new things.  As long as you maintain a regiment, you'll stay on track.  My friend/trainer told me at the start to think of this as a marathon, not a sprint.  You'll get there as long as you pace yourself and don't tire yourself out.

I use apps like RunKeeper to log my activities and the Flex really helps me stay on target.  There is some satisfaction in having those five lights dance when you hit your daily goal.

So that's how I'm doing it - just having fun and enjoying the process, rewards, and activities.  Do things like themed 5K's - they are fun.  If you dread doing any form of exercise it becomes a chore and thus you don't want to do it.  I love waking up at 4:30am on weekdays so I can hit the streets for a 7.5 miler.  By the time I'm mentally awake, I'm all ready 3 miles in!  Krav Maga lets me flex and relieve stress and Yoga helps calm me down after a work week.

Hope this helps!

[iamtoni]

Good on you!! I'm not sure how to buddy up with someone...do I just reply & post?? 

[iamtoni]

Not sure how to add friends! I'm a 71-year-old great-grandma & while I'm not technology challenged, I'm slow...can someone help me?

[fiftyfly]

Wow, I appreciate all your weight loss strategy.? I see you have made a definite lifestyle change to good health and that is my overall goal.? Definitely, I will try some of your strategies and share.? Keep up the good work and keep stepping!?

[fiftyfly]

Hello fellow FitBit friend.? Yes, I have support at home but like everybody in the world it is finding the time. I work full time and have a teenage son (he just lost 43 pounds)!? I have to fit it in early morning and night time stepping.? I have been averaging 4,000 to 5,000 steps.? I am trying to do more (again, fitting it in).? At work I am tied to a phone ----- sitting!? I have set a scheduled timer on my FitBit to remind me to get up and stretch or step.? We know, this is a lifestyle change (4 Life).? Have a great day!

[EmeraldRose]

Hey guys 🙂

To do a friend request, just click on a user's name link. It'll bring you to their profile page. Under their name here, you should see a link that says "go to user's fitbit.com" or something like that. If you click there, you will get to their fitbit profile and you should see a send friend request link.

[bayhonharley]

I sent you a friend request!