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!!!!!

[bethlnz]

I got my fitbit flex about two weeks ago and I love it.  Came across this forum and I have 85 pounds to lose. Trying for goals of 10 punds at a time and am trying to come up with some fun rewards for each 10 lost. 

[JanetD]

Hi, @Yoliepop , @SunsetRunner , @Binky-36 , and @bethinz! I'm glad you're here. 🙂  I have had the fitbit flex just a couple of weeks and I really love it. It helps me stay accountable and it motivates me to keep moving. The best part though is connecting with other people who are fighting the same battles I am. Feel free to add me as a friend, I am happy to help any way I can. How did everyone do through Easter? I have to admit, I was a little upset at my fiancee Gary's mother. She knows I am working on losing weight and that Gary is a diabetic. Heck, she is diabetic, along with Gary's dad and his sister (they live with his sister). So his mom put together big baskets of goodies and sent one home with us. It's hard to resist the chocolate and I hate nagging Gary not to eat it. I have been throwing it away a little at a time! Other than that, it was a great weekend. Went to the gym last thursday, friday and again today so that was better than it has been! Hope you all have a fantastic day tomorrow. Can't wait to hear everyone's update!

[Binky-36]

I was wondering why you chose that tracker? Is it easier than the one in
Fitbit?

[bethlnz]

I hear you on the Easter treats. I have learned over the years that I cannot have certain foods in the house - I eat them with no regard to portion size or moderation. Ice cream for example  - I have zero control. I've accepted that about myself and now only buy treats for the kids that I do not like.  If I do really want a treat, I will splurge on a just pint-size container of Ben & Jerry's instead of a full size carton. Drop the Easter treats off at a retirement home - they will divvy them up between the residents.

[JanetD]

Hi @Binky-36  The flex is the fitbit that goes in the wrist band. My doctor actually recommended it. He uses it too and felt like it might be another tool we can use in my weight loss. The only issue I have had so far with it is when I ride my bike. It doesn't count each pedal as a step, which was ok, because its not really a step and I can add the bike ride as an activity. But the flex would go into sleep mode repeatedly. Every time I hit a bump the flex would vibrate and go into sleep mode. Next time I will just leave it a home. Might be a good time to charge it! Which fitbit are you using? Are you making the 10,000 steps? Have a great day!

[JanetD]

Hi Bethinz, I have that same problem with portion control. I have stopped buying cartons of ice cream because I couldn't keep it to the 1/2 cup recommended serving size. But I do buy treats. I get the carb smart or lower calorie ice cream bars and just leave room in my food plan for them. They are usually 80 to 150 calories. Because they are individually wrapped, it's easier for me to stick with just one. And it helps me feel like I am not depriving myself, I can still have something sweet and delicious. Check them out if you get a chance, there are quite a few options available. I am trying to stick between 1300 and 1500 calories per day. What is your daily calorie goal?

[Binky-36]

The flex. So far I like it. My husband and I got them for Easter. I'm
curious if you like My FitnessPal better than the food tracker on the
fitbit dashboard. Haven't hot 10000 yet, but I'm getting there. 🙂 if
you'd like to be friends I'd like that. 🙂

[SunsetRunner]

Hey everyone, day 2 using fit bit and day 1 being at work. Yesterday when I was off I found it pretty easy enough to get to 15,000 but really had to try hard to do it today...even walked around the house about 7 times to get the last 800 steps in!! I like the idea of a goal! My walk to work gave me 6,000 steps but I had to go somewhere after work so couldn't walk all the way back.
I like the idea of the individually wrapped 100 cal treats, I might try them out. I know I won't stick it in the long term if I have zero treats!!

[Alecia]

@Binky-36 hey I personally love MFP because the database is huge!! You should check into it.  I also sync Mapmywalk with it too.

[Alecia]

@SunsetRunner hey happy to hear you hit 15,000!!  I use to do those 100 calorie snacks, but not anymore, they just don't do it for me.  I would end up eating more than one!! lol  They would be 200 or 300 cal snacks! LOL.

[cherkyle]

Hi all! I have 84.5# to lose and have been struggling for years. Any advise, encouragement, motivation, recipes will all be greatly appreciated!!

[staceybug85]

My name is stacey- I have 100 lbs to lose. I have been stuck at my current weight for years. I have tried every diet i can think of and still....at this weight. I enjoy walking- HATE running. A light jog may be ok 🙂

I dont have a support system here- I dont have close family or friends that live around me so no one to motivate me or walk with me to get my steps up.

I did however get 11,000+ steps in the other day! 🙂

[Binky-36]

Good luck! I'm looking forward to this journey and meeting new people along
the way!

[SunsetRunner]

Personal best of over 17,000 today! Most exciting. My fit bit seemed to be having trouble syncing today. Anyone experience that previously?
I find having a lot of food available to eat when the snacking demons come is good...so that you pick up melon or carrots & not a bag of crisps. It's certainly a lot more work though!!

[bethlnz]

Like so many, I have been "trying" to lose weight for years. This time around, I am finding the fitbit to be so helpful in monitoring my activity level. I have a desk job so I can't move much during the day, but am trying to take long walks at night - and even jog a little (I am doing one of those couch-to-5k training programs). Have yet to hit 10,000 steps, but once the weather gets better here in the north, I plan to walk at lunchtime too.

I also love the fitbit for its sleep monitoring. I know I need to get more sleep on a consistent basis for my health, mood and sanity. And I know I eat when I am tired (stressed, lonely, sad, bored...) so the last couple of nights, instead of eating, I've thought about my sleep goals and gone to bed. More sleep, less calories - that's a step in the right direction!  Have a great weekend everyone! 

[MCBOLIN]

Hi, I am new to the forums and boards but not new to fitbit. I have lost 111 pounds and maintained that weight for 9 months so far. I am looking to shed my last 20 and gain some friends along the way and expand my fitbit community.  I am determined to live the best life ever and NEVER go back to who I used to be. To  the best health ever!

[JanetD]

@Binky-36  I haven't really used my fitness pal much. I use it when I want to use the bar code scanner to add a food, but that's about it. I like the fitbit goals and tracking so far. I know Alecia uses my fitness pal and is really pleased with it. How are you doing on your steps? I usually get about 8,000 on a typical day but on days I go to the gym, I get 12,000 or more. Just need to get to the gym more often!

@cherkyle  welcome! I have 77 pounds (ok, so fitbit says 77.2) to lose. I have lost 41 since October and it has been a struggle. I am not giving up though, so those pounds might as well start packing! Lol. I am keeping my calories between 1300 and 1500 and shooting for a 1000 calorie deficit per day. What are your goals? I have found this group to be very inspiring and it had definetly motivated me. You can do this and I'm happy to help.

@staceybug85  It is hard when you don't have friends of family nearby. I'm in the Phoenix, Az area, not sure if you are nearby or not. But, the great thing about this is that it doesn't matter where we all live, we can still motivate and encourage each other. Hitting 11,000 steps is terrific! You got this!

@SunsetRunner  Yay! You're my hero! 🙂

@MCBOLIN Wow, 111 pounds is phenomenal! Congratulations!!

[MCBOLIN]

Thanks!! It was actually really easy. I just found a program that worked 🙂
Sent from my iPhone

[cherkyle]

Thats fantastic @MCBOLIN. You say you found something that worked?? That is my problem - I know what to do, I just have a hard time sticking to it - so I feel like either I am not ready or the program is not right for me. 

What worked for you?Did it take a while to get accustom to it? I seem to do good for a while, then my old habits creep back up and blow everything. 

[LaurenRN85]

@JanetD 

Hi Janet! 

Wow that's a tough schedule and I get it.  I work 12-14 hour days on my feet  and don't feel like working out either when I get home either but  I just know when I do I sleep better and get that much closer to my goal  Its about making the COMMITTMENT .

As far as calories great for you that you are watching them.  I'm amazed what i've learned by logging my food.  I'm still not good about it every day but it is making me aware of choices. I'm sticking to more fruits,5 per day and veggies.  If you haven't read Dr Furhman's book eat to live its great. I think its more important to look at the food choices. Since I've read his book and made a few small changes I've lost 30 lbs!  I still have the 60 to go but I'm doing it!   I have steel cut oats in the morning with berries and mixed nuts and seeds and that last till lunch sometimes dinner  no need for snacks.  Drink  water instead!  When we feed our body the "right" nutrients we don't need as much food because we are full longer. 

I think as women we don't commit to ourselves and that's where we fail to "manage" our time.  YOU are worth it and deserve to have your "me" time.  Make your committment and ask your family for support and we are all here to support you too.  Set an alarm on your phone for 30minutes for your self and get out and walk!  Maybe its 2 15 min walks.  however you see fit that will work . Do it during your work day.  Can you get out and walk for lunch?  Walk to a bathroom that is further away?  take the stairs? Park your car furthest away?  These are some small tips that I do.

Good Luck.