Hangin' in there Topic

John 04/30/12
Its been almost two years now that I have been using MND to manage calorie balance, which has resulted in a 40kg weight loss. Even with my BMI in the healthy range I feel that I have to continue to manage calorie balance, otherwise sacrifice all the progress and go "off the wagon." I like the new Withings integration, but $60/year is a lot for the upgrade. I understand MND has to find a way to make money somehow, but $60 does seem like a lot. Overall, I have found MND to be essential to achieving balance, then maintaining that balance. So far, so good. Thanks!

Febrown 05/01/12
That is wonerful 2 years. I will celebrate my 2 year aniver. of reaching my goal weight in Aug. Could not have maint. without this site. With the stats from Clinical Studies listing an 80-90% weight regain for people that loss I consider myself very lucky to have maintain the 140 pound weight loss and grateful for finding this site.

I am now considering the fitbit. More out of curiosity.

Best-Fran

Dietitian 05/02/12
Congratulations to you BOTH, Yamanote & Fran! I am in awe of both of your accomplishments!

I have enjoyed maintaining my modest weight loss for about 2 years now. I agree with you, Fran, tracking does work - for large or small weight loss!
Kathy

John 05/02/12
I haven't been into fitbit, but its sounds interesting. I have considered buying the Nike Fuel Band, which is similar to fitbit. There are a few sites that compare the two - seems more features for fitbit, waterproof and cooler design for Fuel. I have been using Runkeeper iPhone/web app and Garmin to measure and track running distance and time. I created a custom exercise in MND for running at my weight and heartbeat per kilometer calories burned (69/kilometer). I have a whitings scale, which works great. Would like to get the BP monitor someday as well. All this high tech health is getting expensive. FYI, two books I read recently I highly recommend, both by Marion Nestle, distinguished NYU nutritionist. "What to Eat," and "Why Calories Count"

Dietitian 05/04/12
Yes! Marion Nestle is great - I have both books as well. Am about to dive into both this summer for fun reading.

I also love Brian Wansink's "Mindless Eating." I broke out into laughter during some of the chapters.

Best,
Kathy

John 05/19/12
Thanks. I will read that book too. Sounds interesting.

Quantumonion 05/31/13
I've been using FitBit+MND since Oct 2012 and they've both been instrumental in going from 206 lbs to 131 lbs in six months. Fitbit tracks calories expended and MND does the same for calories, ahem, acquired.

It's a great combination and has kept me on track for the duration!

Now the challenge...

I've found that losing weight is MUCH more exciting than maintaining weight.

During the weight-loss period, weigh-ins hold the promise of an "Awesome! Passed another 10lb milestone!" experience. Whereas during the weight-maintenance period, it's more like "Whew, sure glad I didn't gain any weight this week." Or (horrors) "Drat, need to be even more disciplined next week!"

At some point (for me it's around 130 lbs) you'll reach a barrier. My goal was 135, which I've attained, but then lowered to 125 since it's still within a healthy BMI range for my height. Reaching 125 from 131 has been waaaayyyyy harder than reaching 195 from 206 (which was no piece of cake). Just a heads-up for those approaching their goals! Then again, this last mile in itself is a challenge :-)

All the best to everyone on similar journeys!

qo

Febrown 05/31/13
I agree.Ilost 140 pounds. will be 3 yr in aug that I reached the 130 pounds loss(my original goal. It is so much more difficult to maint. I also use the fitbit . I try to get in 14,000/day.Best of luck.

Fran

If you would like a friend on fitbit let me know

Dietitian 06/05/13
Wow - great achievement, Quantumonion! And Fran, you are awesome with 3 years in maintenance.

Hey, I'm a dietitian and am only rocking a 20 lb weight loss maintenance and I still find that a challenge! But we find things to motivate us and facilitate maintenance of those healthful habits, right? And the most important thing of all - getting back on the horse after a fall.
Best,
Kathy

Quantumonion 06/11/13
Thanks Fran and Kathy!!! My sister introduced me to Fitbit (and I her to MyNetDiary) and the both of us persuaded her daughter to carry a Fitbit. Exceptional motivational tools both. Much respect to you two for your persistence! Most can lose a few pounds, but completely forgetting where you put them for years running is another matter altogether. Here's to a flat graph under the "Chart" tab for the next year at least :-)

qo

Hangin' in there