Weight Loss: 80+ pounds to lose!!

[Alecia]

Hi, I'm new to the site and I have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight and keep it off. I've come to the conclusion that I need lots and lots of support and motivation to actually be successful and make this life style change stick! I need buddies to help me through my wt. loss journey! If you are out there and in the same boat give me a shout out and we can work together and help each other be more successful!!!!!

[Alecia]

Welcome @JanetD so happy to hear from you.  I really enjoy my fitbit.  I don't know you are using it already but I absolutely love tracking my food on myfitnesspal.  I synced my fitbit to myfitnesspal.  MFP has an absolutely awesome database and it's easy to find different foods on it.  I really think I should be getting advice from you since you have already lost 40 pounds!!! Thats great.  As for as exercise I like Zumba, it's a great workout and it's so much fun.  I recently got into Spinning and thats a very good workout!!  Feel free to add me as a friend.

[Alecia]

Hey @pavanne I hope you are feeling better and I hope you got right back on track.  Don't let it keep you down too long.  

[pavanne]

Thanks Alecia,

I went out for a walk today and while it wasn't as long as usual. I was able to get walk about half the distance. I am hoping for a full route tomorrow. Thanks for the encouragement.

Pavanne

[Alecia]

@pavanne no problems that's what we are all here for, as much motivation and encouragement as possible!!! ; )

[Alecia]

Ali wrote on The Get Fit Discussion in the How do you get those extra steps in Topic:

Zumba loving friends - just read this morning in Chatelaine (Canadian) magazine. "Zumba just got a ringing endorsement from Danish researchers. It's one of the best fat blasters out there and, surprisingly, is an amazing bone builder! A 12 week study asked women to Zumba, play soccer or relax for an hour two or three times per week. Those who got their groove on not only lost more fat - they also increased their levels of the bone strengthening protein osteocalcium. Party on!" And it's fun. So Zumba on friends. Keep moving.

Thought you all might be interested in this bit of info.  Thanks @Ali 

[JanetD]

Hi Alecia! No, I haven't started using myfitnesspal yet. My doctor is the one that suggested getting a fitbit. He said he uses it along with myfitnesspal and that it really helps with tracking calories, etc. Gary and I each got one the next day and it's been really great so far. I've read alot about synching the fitbit with mfp, but am not really sure what the advantage is? Is the food tracker better on mfp? I have been overweight my whole life but when I moved to Phoenix 4 years ago I really piled on the pounds. I hit 257 and was so shocked and scared. My mom passed away from heart disease at 49 and I am the age she was when she had her first heart attack. I made a doctors appointment and it was the most humiliating experience to ask for help but it was the best thing I ever did for myself. He did a bunch of tests and it turns out I have hypothyroidism. He put me on a med for that and an appetite suppressant. I started counting calories and joined a gym. I see the doctor every month and we set new goals. It's been really challenging, but it is working. I am determined! I haven't been able to get to the gym as often as I was going, my work schedule changed and I get up at 3:40 am now. By the time I get off, it's all I can do to get home, make dinner and fall into bed. We go to the gym or ride our bikes on the weekends but I really need to figure out a way to get more sleep so I have enough energy to exercise during the week. The good news is this schedule only goes for another few months. I would love to try zumba, it looks like a lot of fun. I have absolutely no rhythm so that could be interesting! I haven't made the 10,000 step goal yet but should be able to this weekend. Have a great day tomorrow and thanks for the warm welcome!

[Foofoo]

Hi JanetD.

   What part of Phoenix do you live in?  I am in Phoenix also, NEar Cave Creek and Bell rds.   Noticed it started getting hot out already.   Looks like I'm going to have to start hitting the gym soon since it will be too hot to do anything outside.

Foofoo

[JanetD]

Hi FooFoo, I am in Glendale, around 99th ave and the 101. It has been getting warm the last few days, I'm not ready for summer. We love riding our bikes but I don't think we are going to be able to much longer. What gym do you do to? We go to Planet Fitness here in the west valley. Today my goal is get to 7000 steps and tomorrow 10000. I can do this! Have a great day!

[SusuBlooms]

Hi All!  I want to join in the group.  I find it incredibly motivating to work towards a common goal with others in similar circumstances.  I'm 44 and need to lose (at least) 80 pounds.  I've have been wearing a fitbit for a while, now, but haven't gotten serious (this time) until now.  This is a difficult journey so maybe we can make it better by supporting each other.  Hang in there everyone!!!  And thank you Alecia for starting this conversation! -Susu

[Candice723]

Hi all, my name is Candice. New to the community but have had my fitbit since last October and I LOVE IT! Every month, I try to get a few more steps than the month before, but I was hoping to add some friends so I can have some motivation... I'm in California, looking to lose 90ish more pounds, already down 50 since October. YAY! Anybody need some step competition/motivation?

[Alecia]

Welcome to this Discussion @SusuBlooms, I would Luv to be of any assistance possible during this journey!!!! We can definitely help each other out on this site! Oh and you are welcome. ; )

[Alecia]

Welcome @Candice723! Congratulations on your awesome loss, I can only hope that I can stay motivated enough to loose and keep loosing until I reach my goal for once!!!

[Alecia]

Well FB Friends I've been out of town since Thursday evening but getting back Sat afternoon. Haven't been Able to sync my FB, but I did get over my 10,000 steps. Have to get back on it when I get back. I think I needed a break from my workouts, now I feel rejuvenated and ready to start again! How has everyone else been doing??

[Alecia]

Hello everyone,  Im so happy to be back and on my routine again.  Where is everyone??? Where are my motivaters I need you!!! : )  Don't leave me hanging.  Is everyone staying on track, eating right and workingout, getting atleast those 10,000 steps in??  Im looking forward to Zumba tonight. Im in need of a good workout after my roadtrip.   Have a great day!!

[pavanne]

I have been having a hard time the last couple of weeks keeping up the exercise and diet. I am hoping to get back on track by taking smaller workouts and making them everyday. I have not been doing so well the last couple of days with my calories, but will get back on track with that too. So, here to cheer everyone on and just keep working on it. 

[Alecia]

@pavanne Im so happy to hear from you!! Don't give up, keep trying! Baby steps if need be but dont give up!!!

[JanetD]

Hi everyone! Alecia, you are my inspiration! I have been doing fairly well on the calories but am having the toughtest time fitting in more exercise. I am on the craziest schedule. I get up at 3:40 am in order to get to work by 6 am. I am off at 2:30 pm but am usually so tired, its all I can do to run errands if needed and go home. I start preparing dinner and we try to eat as soon as my honey gets home around 5:30. I try to get to bed by 7:30 or 8 in order to get enough sleep. This whole schedule changes in July, but in the meantime, I really need to figure out how to better manage my time. I can't seem to work up the energy to do more after work. I know I will feel a lot better if I did. The other issue is the timing of my meals. I am trying to stay between 1300 and 1400 calories a day. I have breakfast at 4:30 am, a morning snack about 9 am, lunch at 11:30 or 12, an afternoon snack around 2 and then dinner at 5:30. I am usually really hungry by dinnertime and get really grouchy if dinner needs to be pushed back at all. I never was like that before. I just read an article that when your blood sugar dips, it causes you to not being able to control your anger as well. Anyone have any tips or tricks that might help? How are you fitting in extra time to workout?

[JanetD]

@Pavanne, one day at a time. You can do this!

[Foofoo]

Hi Everyone.

Hope all are doing well and staying motivated.
So today I carried in a large bag of dog food from the car and grunted and groaned as I wrestled it open and picked it up to dump it into the plastic bin. As I carried the empty bag Out to the trash I noticed it said 50 pounds. I had such a mixed reaction when I related what I just struggled with carrying and moving to my own weight. One thought was "wow! I'm gonna feel awesome when I don't have to lug all of that extra of me around" but also a little shame, "how could I not have noticed this much extra weight and what it must be doing to me, no wonder my feet hurt at the end if the day".

I'm glad there are people in the same boat as I am in my struggle, or rather our struggle, to vent to. I think most people who don't struggle with their weight have any clue how much of a psychological journey that losing weight entails.

Love and motivation to all,
Foofoo

[LaurenRN85]

Hi gang!

I was doing well when I caught a nasty stomach flu and haven't gotten back into my routine.  I did play tennis and will get back on my schedule. I have such a hard time starting.  I know when I start to see the changes I'll be motivated to keep going.  Need motivation 

Thanks alecia for starting this disucussion and all that have joined and write.  It is supportive to know I'm not alone.  

Good luck all and keep eating healthy, working out and inspiring one another

Much appreciated.  You all are a blessing to me

Lauren