06-08-2017 09:26
06-08-2017 09:26
Good afternoon!
I've been going at this by myself, but I finally decided to stop in and see what others may say.
In the past (while I was in college), I was very active, but a couple of years ago I got a full-time job, marriage and all the fun responsibilities, so I stopped working out like I used to (7 days a week, with breaks only if I had a cold).
I've been bringing myself back into it, but the weight doesn't seem to be coming off. It's frustrating! I only weight myself once a week on a Monday, to log it before I start the week off. For the past 3 of those, I barely saw any change, apart from 2 pounds initially.
Hence, a question of how accurate is FitBit tracking. I tend to presume it's not AWFULLY accurate, in terms of calorie burn during exercise, but what about other aspects?
I work out 6 days a week for 1.5 hours (intensive circuit for 30 minutes & elliptical for 30 minutes before and after that), my average calorie intake for a day is around 1500, which is a comfortable range for me, and allows me the benefit of eating a bit more on the weekends, when I want to have a meal out with family, for example.
Still, the fact that the weight isn't coming off is frustrating. What could be an issue? Just looking for feedback from people who've been through the process.
My averages / day:
Steps - 12000
Floors - 7
Miles - 5.2
Calorie Burn - 4000
Active Minutes - 125
Stats:
Height - 6ft
Weight, atm: 262lbs
To note after all that: I do have a lot of muscle. I did close combat martial arts for a while, so I have absolutely zero issue with exercise in terms of intensity (it's hard as hell, but my body can manage it still). Obviously, it's not perfect and I want to die after each workout, but I don't feel like I'm working at max capacity, yet.
I don't feel restricted with food, either, but I am wondering if FitBit tracks calories well. I eat almost the same thing every day though, and it's fine accourding to MyFitnessPal, as well.
Any ideas?
10-31-2018 11:22
10-31-2018 11:22
Hi @pjf53 - I had several thoughts after reading your last 2 posts.
11-05-2018 01:54
11-05-2018 01:54
My advice, for what it's worth, is throw your scales away. Weighing yourself can get obsessive and as I see it not very informative.
Thus instead of using scales get a mirror. Better still a camera. Look at yourself? Better? Worse? Fatter? Thinner?
If you're exercising them the view in the mirror and your selfies should improve. That's better than constantly checking the bathroom scales.
I've always thought they should rename Weightwatchers and call it Flabwatchers instead.
11-06-2018 01:58
11-06-2018 01:58
@Crutchbender wrote:Thus instead of using scales get a mirror. Better still a camera. Look at yourself? Better? Worse? Fatter? Thinner?
The mirror and photos can be useful progress indicators. However, they won’t detect the tiny changes that take place in the short term (day to day, week to week, or even month to month). Even if there are changes, you (and people who see you everyday) may not detect them. Have you noticed how it’s people you know that haven’t seen you for a long period of time (several months) who make comments on how different you look?
The mirror/photos and the scales don’t need to be mutually exclusive, they can be complement each others. Same with body measurements, btw. You can look at averages and trends instead of individual weigh-ins. I personally would be in the dark if I only had the mirror as a way to assess whether things I progressing the way I want. Stepping on the scales every morning (which I’ve been doing for 5.5 years) now feels as natural as brushing my teeth. And not being able to do it (e.g. when travelling out of town) feels as awkward/disturbing as not being able to brush my teeth.
Dominique | Finland
Ionic, Aria, Flyer, TrendWeight | Windows 7, OS X 10.13.5 | Motorola Moto G6 (Android 9), iPad Air (iOS 12.4.4)
Take a look at the Fitbit help site for further assistance and information.
11-07-2018 18:27
11-07-2018 18:27
I can tell you from experience that I was averaging what I thought was that, however until I really started tracking and I mean faithfully I never saw all the hidden calories, and I was really just fooling myself. The calories were much higher than I thought, try tracking everything for one week and really see what it is, oh and weigh your food, it's far more accurate. Hopes this helps.
11-08-2018 04:41
11-08-2018 04:41
Thanks. I too am a Type 2 diabetic. I came off my meds after a year of healthy eating. I drifted back to bad habits and ended up back on my meds. I'm now focusing on healthy eating again and anticipate good results although I worry the yoyo may wear out if I don't permanently focus on healthy eating.
11-10-2018
05:11
- last edited on
11-10-2018
12:33
by
AndreaFitbit
11-10-2018
05:11
- last edited on
11-10-2018
12:33
by
AndreaFitbit
hello I really want to lose weight but I do not know where I want to start yesterday someone sent a site to me where I can fall in 2 weeks with a diet called the 2 weeks diet I'm going to get it I think.
Moderator edit: word choice.
11-10-2018
07:41
- last edited on
11-10-2018
12:34
by
AndreaFitbit
11-10-2018
07:41
- last edited on
11-10-2018
12:34
by
AndreaFitbit
Hi,
So I reviewed the link. After looking at it I think it will be another version of the Keto diet. Have you actually tried Keto? I have the entire program from Drew at fit to fat, I can send it to you and save you some money!
I am finding it hard to eat clean, so I try to reward myself from time to time with foods that aren't good, but it's about a balance, not something you can eat every day, but say Saturday or Sunday is your treat day. Limit it to one thing you really like. So if you like ice cream go out to a shop and have one, but just one. Don't buy it and have it in the house, that's not a weekly treat it becomes the norm. Hope that helps.
It's still a struggle for me. I've lost 30 pounds in the last year and have been maintaining it. I have 15 more pounds to go to be where I was 15 years ago. It's not easy when everything is so readily available and quick, but those things are processed and designed to keep us over weight and sick.
Moderator edit: updated post.
11-10-2018 10:57
11-10-2018 10:57
@SheriOnTheGo wrote:So I reviewed the link.
That link will likely be removed by a moderator, as it redirects to a site promoting a commercial product (which is in violation of the Community guidelines). Relevant part of the guidelines: Please refrain from posting content that would constitute advertising, spam, or any other form of unauthorized solicitation.
I have the entire program from Drew at fit to fat, I can send it to you and save you some money!
Your offer may be well-meaning, but it looks like that program is protected by copyright and offering to give it away for free is in violation of their terms & conditions. I’m sure there’s plenty of information on keto freely available on the internet, so there’s no need to steal anyone’s intellectual property.
Dominique | Finland
Ionic, Aria, Flyer, TrendWeight | Windows 7, OS X 10.13.5 | Motorola Moto G6 (Android 9), iPad Air (iOS 12.4.4)
Take a look at the Fitbit help site for further assistance and information.
11-10-2018 13:32
11-10-2018 13:32
11-10-2018 15:22
11-10-2018 15:22
I recommend you use the Fitbit website to log everything you eat with a daily calorie limit. I'm a 65 year old male, 195 pounds, 5'9" and mine is 2000. At that calorie level I have to be careful what I allow into my body focusing on good proteins, fats, fruits and vegetables. I am avoiding processed food and added sugar. Added sugar makes it very difficult to stay on track as changes in blood sugar cause hunger. French fries are out too. And so is alcohol. I feel great.
Of course daily activity and exercise is also necessary but what you consume is far more important.
11-27-2018 11:05
11-27-2018 11:05
Hey there! I like to workout at anytime fitness. I make sure the calorie count is on when I use the treadmill. The main issue I've noticed is that while the calorie count is the same on both the treadmill and my fitbit when I run, the calorie count on my fitbit is significantly higher when I walk than what is shown on the treadmill. I'm not sure why this is, as I don't hold onto the treadmill at all (my hands are always swinging). I've tried changing treadmills and it makes no difference. I actually think the treadmill is more accurate, or at least act that way because if I am wrong then I tend to eat more calories than if I assume I have a lower calorie budget. I hope it helps answer your question.
12-23-2018 06:06
12-23-2018 06:06
Morning!
Okay, first off, I'm a senior and I have just starting using the FitBit Charge 3 (as of Oct. 12/18). I've had a rough year health wise and I thought I had better get me arse in gear before it was too late. So.....I started hitting the pavement! Set my goal at 10,000 steps a day but have been averaging closer to 12,000. I have been consciously trying to reduce my caloric intake and have almost hit the 850,000 steps/500 mile mark. You would think that would result in some weight loss! Nope, hardly made a dent! Two things I noticed, my legs and um.....derriere have gotten thinner but my waist is almost the same! Very frustrating and makes it difficult to wear pants.....every try to put pants on an apple? : ) I know it has to be due to my caloric intake but hey....I expected better results.
Cheers!
Lyle
12-23-2018 06:35
12-23-2018 06:35
I too am a senior male.
Congratulations on acquiring and using the Fitbit. It is a great tool for measuring activity and comparing daily changes. My step goal is 14,000. Bear in mind the calories burned calculation may not be accurate. For me it runs 10 to 20 percent higher than reality.
As for weight loss I can say with very high confidence your diet needs adjustment. First I recommend you set a daily calorie limit. Mine (for weight loss) is 2,000. At that number you need to be cautious what you allow into your body. The wrong foods (predominately those with added sugar) will cause hunger after you have eaten that better foods do not cause. Essentially you want a balanced mix of protein, fat and good carbohydrates. The Fitbit web page has a great tool for tracking what you eat. As for alcohol I recommend you refrain during weight loss. It is empty calories that often brings on hunger and mindless eating.
01-19-2019 03:06 - edited 01-19-2019 03:08
01-19-2019 03:06 - edited 01-19-2019 03:08
increasing strength thru weights is said to increase metabolism and weight loss because muscle burns more calories than fat
U may be toning and gaining muscle and that weighs more
rely more on measurements and think if how U feel not what U weigh
dont restrict calories more than could slow your metabolism and also cause rebound yo yo effect
with 4000 burn U could be hoarding calories and fat because your body needs more
consult a nutritionist
01-19-2019 07:26
01-19-2019 07:26
01-19-2019 07:40
01-19-2019 07:40
01-20-2019 01:59
01-20-2019 01:59
@PappyJ wrote:So.....I started hitting the pavement! Set my goal at 10,000 steps a day but have been averaging closer to 12,000. I have been consciously trying to reduce my caloric intake and have almost hit the 850,000 steps/500 mile mark. You would think that would result in some weight loss! Nope, hardly made a dent! Two things I noticed, my legs and um.....derriere have gotten thinner but my waist is almost the same! Very frustrating and makes it difficult to wear pants.....every try to put pants on an apple? : ) I know it has to be due to my caloric intake but hey....I expected better results.
@PappyJ: it’s possible to lose weight by "out-exercising" your diet, but 1) it’s very hard and 2) it most likely requires more than the standard 10k steps / day to do it. However, it’s more or less what happened to me when I started my Fitbit journey back almost 6 years ago and I switched from very sedentary to very active.
Here is how my step count evolved from April 2013 to August 2013:
II started barely hitting the 10k mark, and it felt like a huge effort at the time. However, after about one month, I was at around 15k and by week 10 I was at 20k+ and kept that for the rest of the summer.
I started at 75kg (April 2013) and by the time I got my Fitbit Aria, I was already down to 70kg. I steadily lost another 5 kg during July-August. These got recorded, thanks to the Aria’s automatic syncing ability:
This 10kg (22 lbs) drop was achieved almost entirely by "out-exercising" my diet, as I still continued to eat more or less as previously. Since then, I have educated myself on nutrition and retrospectively thinking, I could have lost the same amount of weight with far less steps, so if weight loss is your goal, you should really start paying attention to what and how much you are eating. Or you need to hit far higher step counts.
Dominique | Finland
Ionic, Aria, Flyer, TrendWeight | Windows 7, OS X 10.13.5 | Motorola Moto G6 (Android 9), iPad Air (iOS 12.4.4)
Take a look at the Fitbit help site for further assistance and information.
01-20-2019 06:28
01-20-2019 06:28
01-20-2019 07:55
01-20-2019 07:55
@PappyJ: I wouldn’t worry too much about your body "adapting" to the same exercises. First of all, burning calories isn’t the only purpose of physical activity, which (as you noticed via your RHR) has benefits of its own on your fitness, health and overall well-being. Secondly, one hour of physical activity (even if it’s the same everyday) always puts you in a better spot than one hour spent in couch potato mode. So just don’t be afraid of walking the same routes everyday: there are also benefits in establishing habits via keeping your routines the same. I’ve found the same applies to eating, btw: I see nothing wrong in eating more or less the same things on the same schedule everyday. It’s far easier and less stressful than having to eat a menu that changes everyday, just to keep my body "guessing" (as the argument sometimes goes). What you may want to do at some point is keep the walking, but add some resistance training to your regimen. This is especially important for older folks like us, as losing muscle mass is part of the aging process, so we need to do something to stop, or at least slow down, this unwanted evolution. Over the years, my mix of physical activity evolved from 100% cardio (walking, running) to 60% cardio / 40% resistance training (weight lifting), in terms of time spent doing it.
Dominique | Finland
Ionic, Aria, Flyer, TrendWeight | Windows 7, OS X 10.13.5 | Motorola Moto G6 (Android 9), iPad Air (iOS 12.4.4)
Take a look at the Fitbit help site for further assistance and information.
01-20-2019 08:34
01-20-2019 08:34