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The Math is Working

‎03-03-2017 07:33

‎03-03-2017 07:33

I just dropped my calories in and calories burned for the past two months into a spreadsheet (to get my total calorie deficit) and divided by 3,500 (calories needed to burn to lose a pound) and I am pleased to report that the math is working for me.  🙂  I've actually lost a pound MORE than the math says I should have.

 

This makes me happy.  I've been so confused about the whole calories burned "goal" that Fitbit calculated for me and all of the other bells and whistles like stair climbing and water drinking and sleeping enough and cardio fitness levels and resting heart rate and other badge goals ad nauseum.

 

It's working.  I can do this!  I can really do this!

Sunny - 45 - F - Virginia - Charge 2
Best Answer
8 REPLIES 8

‎03-03-2017 08:07

‎03-03-2017 08:07

You totally got this!

Karolien | The Netherlands

Best Answer

‎03-03-2017 10:33

‎03-03-2017 10:33

@TravellingSunny- congrats!  I found mine was a little off (~10% off over 6 months), but I also ate too little at the start.  My personal history tells me that I need to eat well over my very long journey.  Glad to hear that it's working for you.  Woman Happy

Anne | Rural Ontario, Canada

Ionic (gifted), Alta HR (gifted), Charge 2, Flex 2, Charge HR, One, Blaze (retired), Trendweight.com,

Down 150 pounds from my top weight (and still going), sharing my experiences here to try and help others.
Best Answer

‎03-03-2017 18:32

In response to A_Lurker

‎03-03-2017 18:32

@A_Lurker: I'm starting to think I'm like you in this. I hadn't lost an ounce all week, eating my 1250 calories and working out like a crazy women. Then yesterday, because of circumstances, I ended up eating more than I'd planned (but still more than 750 calories under what I burned), and dropped half-a-pound overnight. Not sure I'll keep it, but I might try reducing my deficit to 750 instead of 1000 on a regular day and see if that works better for me.

 

@TravellingSunny: Today my thighs and calves are killing me, and I blame you :). Gonna walk on a nice flat treadmill tonight (though I did get 25 floors today anyway).

Best Answer

‎03-03-2017 20:01

In response to RachelShrinks

‎03-03-2017 20:01

@RachelShrinks- I've always kind of been that way.  It's almost like my body decides to hold on to the weight until it's sure I'm not trying to starve it to death.  Of course I also have a history of dieting myself into illness (doing too much on too little food).  I'm actually trying to slow my losses down at the moment so I'm back to calorie counting as it's way too easy to over or under eat.  I need to make a point to eat more earlier in the day.

Anne | Rural Ontario, Canada

Ionic (gifted), Alta HR (gifted), Charge 2, Flex 2, Charge HR, One, Blaze (retired), Trendweight.com,

Down 150 pounds from my top weight (and still going), sharing my experiences here to try and help others.
Best Answer

‎03-04-2017 04:10

‎03-04-2017 04:10

Congrats @TravellingSunny Sounds like you found what works! Keep going!

Community Council Member

Wendy | CA | Moto G6 Android

Want to discuss ways to increase your activity? Visit the Lifestyle Forum

Best Answer

‎03-05-2017 08:41

‎03-05-2017 08:41

Yay, congrats! I can so relate to this! For years I have struggled with trying to eat enough to be healthy but still lose weight - I always ended up undereating, getting famished then bingeing and going back to old habits, or eating to satiety and just staying the same weight. I love being able to see calories in the dashboard and trust that I'm on track. 

 

Even if the fitbit targets aren't 100% accurate, they still provide a good baseline. I pay the most attention to the calories burned/eaten graph and the weight graph, make sure I'm getting at least 10K steps, and use the nutrition log to plan and track my calories and macros. I don't really use the other features as much. I do a consistent, moderate deficit most days and a moderate surplus on my weekly carb refeed day, and am FINALLY losing!

Best Answer

‎03-05-2017 16:58

‎03-05-2017 16:58

 

@TravellingSunny awesome work! Keep it up!

Elena | Pennsylvania

Best Answer

‎03-05-2017 18:05

In response to A_Lurker

‎03-05-2017 18:05

I had the same experience.  I was so excited to find out that I could actually lose weight, I stayed on a low carb diet, also low in cals for about 8 wks.  It worked great for the first 3 wks but then I hit a plataue, had less energy for my workouts.  I adjusted my diet to include more carbs and cals and am starting to lose weight again and now have energy for better workouts.  Trying to find the right combo for me.  

Best Answer