About NewDawn

@DebiW awesome news! Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing! One pound a week is a great goal and I wish you the best... I was up and down for a long time; finally 46lbs off over 1.5 yrs. Patience and doing our best truly pays off long term. ... View more

@DebiW checking in to see how you you are doing. Your last post was hopeful and appeared you felt better about waiting to see. It made me smile and today I hope that you are experiencing the positive. ... View more

@SukieP fitbit is for everyone... age matters not 😊 nor does ability 😊 goals are always your personal best. You can create any exercise that fits Your needs easily. From number of step goals to your favorite way to stay fit. Check out fitbit help click on your device to see how. Need more help we are here for you. Go to Dashboard ...Log ...Activities... explore opportunities. May your journey be awesome!    60 years young am I 😊  Illness struck hard in my 30's and eventually led to an early label of disabled. My personal belief that anything is possible allowed me to beat many odds with nutrition and movement. I was walking again in 2007.  Surprising doctors friends family; the very same who wanted to put me in assisted living at age 46.  My full-time job is rebuilding me; I refuse to quit.    Fitbit... Fitbit Community... Fitbit Challenges... in my opinion... all positvely priceless to improve health no matter age or ability! ... View more

@rlhRunner Welcome to fitbit! You will love this journey. Check out the community groups to see if any of them interest you... friends are everywhere followed by motivation and inspiration... not to mention challenges... you can friend me if you like... good luck! ... View more

@divedragon @MustangMark @awood08 inner dialog is priceless... however not everyone is able to proceed the same... some people do need to slow down... important factor is to do our personal best and it will always pays off... listening to our bodies is important.. thank you for sharing... kudos for positive inner dialog... we can do anything in time... ... View more

@DebiW    I agree with @Bigrodsr first post. Second post not so much because...  Muscle is lean and defined tissue ... a pound is a pound is a pound... you can weigh more and look better with muscle that is the awesomeness of a fit body... again ... a pound is a pound. Thanks for your post! Have a great rest of your day! ... View more

@DebiW how frustrated you must have felt... honestly so many things can factor out ups and downs on the scale... when I was younger I did gain that much in a day ... often... water retention was the culprit. Could be extra sodium or medication or literally anything... including the time of day, your bowels and theory has it that a full moon really plays havoc with our internal body.   Overtime I became a vegan and my weight is more consistent without the processed foods. My weigh ins now are always at the same time of day because as the day goes on the weight does increase... when I see the doctors I always weigh myself at home fully dressed  to see the difference between scales and find the weight is within a pound or two of their scale. Also noticed that if my scale is not in same location it can make a difference (I don't yet have the Fitbit Scale it is on my wish list).   You seem to be doing everything you can. Your weight loss did decrease after three days. The beauty of Fitbit is we can see our ups and downs and go back to check out what we ate and or did; information is priceless. I wish you the best as you continue on your journey. To better health and fitness! Personal best is how I proceed... ... View more

@redheadmermaid Welcome to our Fitbit Community! And Congratulations on your October Wedding! Best thing to do is browse around. Losing weight is a challenge getting fit is priceless. I will send you a friend request and welcome you to join me and my Fitbit friends in our challenges. Your options for encouragement are endless here our community is very positive. Feel free to click the help link below for more information. Join FitForFood click on the link at the bottom of your dashboard and enjoy your journey. FYI I lost 17lbs from May to December last year thanks to #Fitbitlove ... View more

@DivaDiba0212 how did you make out at the doctor? You are in my prayers. Hoping that relief is found soon for you. Sending you love gentle hugs smile dawn ... View more

@Odyssey13 wrote: @DivaDiba0212  FM, as I call it, is an ugly beast that demands to be heard when it roars. I try to ignore it, but often the roar is too loud. I take no medication for it and no longer see the doctor.   When it hurts the most, I try to fight back. There are days when brushing my hair makes my arms ache and there are days when I feel as though I have boundless energy. Never knowing which day it will be keeps me on my toes. I've learned to listen to my body and know when to push and when to rest.   It's possible that feeling exhausted is due to the time of the month, which happens to us women. You may have a demanding job and a busy home life. Whatever your life throws at you, you're trying to juggle it all, aren't you? Problem with juggling is that if too many things get tossed into the air, it's easier to let one or two fall. You're only human and there are times you will need to rest and recover.   When I hurt the most, I count my blessings. There are many people in the world who are worse off and my complaining won't help. What I can change is my attitude and sometimes it's a struggle. Each day is a new chance to do my best.   Don't be afraid. What is fear? False Evidence Appearing Real = FEAR   We can be our own worst enemy. You're facing this and going to a doctor to see what's happening and that is a brave thing. You have it within yourself to face whatever comes and to handle it with strength you've never knew you possessed. You can do it. Believe in yourself.   Stay in touch and let us know how things work out for you. Keep stepping and don't look back.   Welcome to your new forum home.         @Odyssey13 wrote: @DivaDiba0212  FM, as I call it, is an ugly beast that demands to be heard when it roars. I try to ignore it, but often the roar is too loud. I take no medication for it and no longer see the doctor.   When it hurts the most, I try to fight back. There are days when brushing my hair makes my arms ache and there are days when I feel as though I have boundless energy. Never knowing which day it will be keeps me on my toes. I've learned to listen to my body and know when to push and when to rest.   It's possible that feeling exhausted is due to the time of the month, which happens to us women. You may have a demanding job and a busy home life. Whatever your life throws at you, you're trying to juggle it all, aren't you? Problem with juggling is that if too many things get tossed into the air, it's easier to let one or two fall. You're only human and there are times you will need to rest and recover.   When I hurt the most, I count my blessings. There are many people in the world who are worse off and my complaining won't help. What I can change is my attitude and sometimes it's a struggle. Each day is a new chance to do my best.   Don't be afraid. What is fear? False Evidence Appearing Real = FEAR   We can be our own worst enemy. You're facing this and going to a doctor to see what's happening and that is a brave thing. You have it within yourself to face whatever comes and to handle it with strength you've never knew you possessed. You can do it. Believe in yourself.   Stay in touch and let us know how things work out for you. Keep stepping and don't look back.   Welcome to your new forum home.         Well said! I think we met due to our Fibromyalgia... one day at a time one hour one minute one second is all we can do... and .... not overdo it... stress is my biggest demon...   ... View more

@DivaDiba0212 Fibromyalgia... got it... it is a challenge that I would not wish on anyone. I have been using a Flex since May and really improved... but... I remain way under the activity of the "norm"... all you can do is the best that you can and I would be more than happy to join you on your journey... slow and steady win my race and if you are working I expect that you are fried on your days off... I am sorry that this demon is with you but we can be active within our individual norm... gentle hugs ... View more

@peterseaford sorry to hear that they removed that part... I did not know. Currently  I don't use mine ... but I had planned on it just for curiosity. The important part with lifestyle changes that I have come to realize during my 59 years on this planet is that it is not the inches or the number on the scale as much as how my clothes feel and the medical lab results. But documenting is helpful. I track my food in MyFitnessPal.com because it is linked with Fitbit. Maybe you can check it out to see if MFP offers you the ability to track your inches. Best of luck to you! ... View more

@Mel2 congratulations on your progressive journey toward the vegan lifestyle. I so get what you mean about dairy and cheese... I was lactose intolerant so I had more incentive to stay away from dairy and it  fueled my desire to learn how to make my own plant based foods... milks and cheese included... it is so easy once you get the timing down. Eating raw does require one to plan ahead for anything dehydrated or faux dairy and it is worth it. I loved to cook and bake and now I have a new way of uncooking and unbaking that meets my needs in a much healthier way. When I say 95% Raw Vegan it is just that and at times even higher.   The remaining 5% comes into play as a vegan but is cooked and has the occaisional "real food" as my friends call it. Every week I make a big pot of vegan soup or stew and break it down to freeze and eat when I seek the warmth of comfort food. Then there is the occaisional bit of real ice cream or a candy bar or pizza or fresh baked bread... basically the foods I love that don't like me but I just have to have them once in a while... I am only human and will not deny myself that pleasure or I can get grumpy. Truth is I want it less knowing it is ok.  No red meat since 2006. But I'd be lying if I said I never had an egg or a serving of chicken or fish since then but you will not find those foods in my home. Except for 4 cans of tuna and salmon on the top shelf of my cupboard in case of an emergency.    I dehydrate many foods and make great flax crackers to dip in nut pulps. Chips, trail bars, cookies and deserts that are way yummy and no preservatives. Raw soups and lots of green drinks and smoothies...  Learning to "un" cook has been a wonderful experience. and yes the better we eat the pounds do fall off. But if you over do it with raw or vegan the pounds will accumulate as well. Nutbutters are my downfall.   There are many books for vegans and raw foodest out there. Many are not sorted in a way that I find easy to follow. There are a couple good raw vegan video channels on my Roku Food Channel that are quite interesting. I learned how to make an unsloppy joe with mushrooms and it was soooo good.  Once you get into it you will love creating your own recipies as there are no rules. I love to dehydrate foods and wish I had the energy to do more of it but my health holds me back. Bulk cooking and uncooking is a great  way to free up time for other fun things in life. You can get in a rut eating salads and there is no reason with the variety of ways to prepare raw foods. I have found that I duplicate most meals and they taste better. Raw spahetti and sauce is excellent. All about thinking outside the box. Most important in uncooking is to be certain that you soak and rinse seeds and nuts. I use quinoa and   I wish you luck and hope that the list below is helpful: Books: 1. RAWSOME by Brigitte Mars (my go to and the first book I bought, filled with why go vegan, lists of foods, nutritional benefits and excellent recipies) 2. Ani's Raw food kitchen ( good all around information and many good recipies) 3. The New Whole Foods Encycloopedia ( I was never able to eat fresh foods and when I found this is opened my eyes to a new world ... ) Kitchen Appliances: 1. Vita Mix 2. Good Food Processor (Kitchen Aide) 3. Dehydrator (Excalibur) 4. Ninja 3in1 that is now even better (for cooking hot foods)   I'm going to check out that blog you mentioned; thanks.            ... View more

@mimipam  great answer.  I'm right behind you in age; just turned 59 last month. You are blessed to have someone at home to help you along and I love your "MYA".  My dog, Grace keeps me moving.   Sorry the @function is not working but: @Gandhi @mczoo59 @dragonfly       I enjoyed your input as well; thanks for sharing.   It is the people, all of you, who motivate me. My Flex is my lifeline providing my why for progress and regression. With everything in one place it has simplified my efforts.   Why or how are best proven by stats. Documentation saved my life and I continue to document as much as I can. For me nutrition, exercise, belief in self, faith and setting goals are necessary to achieve better quality of life.  Action and Knowledge equal power!    My Flex tracks my sleep and steps, I log other data, Fitbit automates the data in a fun way with charts and graphs and I get to connect with likeminded people within our Fitbit Community. It has become a win win for me.   Making Fitbit a constant in my daily routine was a smart decision. My accumulated data provides the knowledge to see where to make changes. Since mid May I have lost a 6.5lbs and more than doubled my number of daily steps. My documentation and actions have allowed me the insight to why I kept regressing. Slow and steady was my norm but I learned that Slower and steady needed to be my new norm.    In short I have lost the use of all parts of my body at one time or another over the past twenty five years. Miraculously I am alive and have regained ability. My reality is that I know my invisible illnesses exist and I can loose my ability in a heart beat like I did February of 2013 at the peak of recovery or I will simply go about my day.  Either way I will stand up and when I do I will continue to pace myself and do everything humanly possible to continue to beat the odds. I step out in faith and keep on keeping on because I believe there is so much more to come and thanks to this little device and the support and sharing of our Fitbit community my job of maintaining me is a little bit easier.  @CoachLynne  you asked us to share because you are interested... will you share with us?    ... View more

@jenniferlynn57 this link will help you with all devices. Simply click on your device and click the link that best suits your needs. http://help.fitbit.com/  Depends on where you want to delete your entry; on computer, cell or other app. Let me know if you have any problems. Easy way online is look for the x on the left of the item as you hover over it then click. My Windows phone with MyFitnessPal I hold over the food and it provides the option to delete; same for activities. Hope this helped you. ... View more

@dorthy glad to have you back on track... I have to admit that I lol when I read your dog ate your first fitbit; sorry but it took me back. I am vegan 95% as it is simply too difficult for me to live in this world and be 100% though I did try. My health was really bad and when I changed my lifestyle I gradually ended up Vegan and I love it. Do you eat mostly raw or do you cook your foods? Friend me if you like. I love to chat about the Vegan lifestyle as most of my friends are not. May you meet all of you goals! ... View more

 Like @1stepcloser described... @peterseaford go back to your dashboard, then log and then click weight and the measurements are under the area to document your weight. Please take a few minutes and open all of your tiles to familiarize yourself with your dashboard so that you can document everything. Enjoy your journey! ... View more

@GoldieU I am learning as I go and here is a great example of how the sleep tracker works thanks to @EmersonFitbit https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Improve-Your-Zzzs/About-Sleep-Tracking/m-p/448438 Have a wonderful rest of your day and sleep well! ... View more

@GoldieU you ask about the Sleep Tracker and restless sleep.... that is the main reason I got my Flex. And it has proven worthy in solving some of my sleep patterns. The tracker cannot diagnose you but it will provide pertinent data that will enable you to better understand and possible help you improve your sleep status. Restless sleep is an interruption from your sound sleep... movement or getting out of bed will show up this way. For details about the sleep function got to http://help.fitbit.com/  and choose your area of concern. Happy ZZZZZs make for Happy Energetic Days... you may find a pattern ... like every night at 3am you are restless for a few minutes or longer... then you can try to seek the why... I have a dog... she influences my movement... I too am always restless at the same time of night which really made me aware and gave me data to discus with my doctor. Bottom line is that the sleep tracker over time will allow you to associate a why for the patterns that surface. Your restlessness cause might be as simple as what you ate before you went to bed. May you sleep be sound and restless free soon. ... View more

It is my pleasure to encourage and help others; I appreciate your challenges because sadly they are valid and make life more challenging that most. Surely we will be friends and it appears that you figured it out. I will indeed accept. Looking forward to getting to know you better; I believe that I too will benefit from you. Keep on Keeping on... slow and steady wins our race for quality of life. Talk with you soon. ... View more

A plant based diet requires less protein than one with meat/fish/fowl. Seeds and nuts are whole foods and provide almost all of the nutrients our bodies require. Read all you can and depending on your choice of foods and needs today (I too am in my 50s at least for another year lol) and nutritional needs do change as we age, as we change our exercise.  I prefer to eat as a raw vegan and felt best when I dehydrated my own foods and kept the flesh out of my diet. But all things change, I fell and was forced to adjust my eating style and hope to get back to 90% raw 10% cooked vegan. I read so many books and opinions and it all comes down to what is best for you. Also gained weight while unable to eat raw. Keep asking and reading till you find your comfort zone; best of luck to you. ... View more

Welcome! Loosing weight is more fun with others. There are groups you can join under the activity groups in community. I too am attempting to loose those extra pounds; since May I have lost ten but it has been a struggle. Fitbit is so helpful to meeting goals. Join me on my journey if you like. Meanwhile may you keep on keeping on. dawn ... View more

You are not alone. Sorry to hear that you are in pain and have health issues; especially with your knees. My right knee is bad and I have a ton of other obstacles; could not walk for years. That being said; please don't give up your fight for better health. When I began I was frustrated with the 10k step goal until I found out I could set my number of steps manually on the tile to meet my goal; 3k is where it sits and due to set backs I have trouble reaching it. But like others have stated; walking in a pool is good, proper shoes are vital, steps are only one of the many ways that you can reach and rebuild your walking. Take it one step at a time and if you are doing your best then you are moving forward. Pacing yourself is most important. Do a little, rest, ice your knees after. I'm not a doctor so I won't advise you on other but your doctor may have great suggestions for you. Recumbent bikes are wonderful for folks like us. Feel free to friend me if you like and we can walk slowly and safely together. Keep on Keeping on... one step at a time. There is always a way to get around our obstacles in life. Frustration is common when we are already challenged with pain and issues before we start. Hang in there... love hugs smile dawn ... View more

Journey from Hell meet another seeking life of quality. Right now I am not even able to walk. I read your story and am so glad you shared. Congratulations for all you have done! Hard work deserves a pat on the back. I bet simply typing it made you smile from ear to ear.   My journey from hell has moments of bright glorious light and then it fades. But I will never give up. Now that I have my flex it saves me a lot of documentation manually and allows me time to stop and say hello to others like you; hello. 🙂   Life here on the boards is to keep people moving and is mostly filled with positive energy; something hard to find on the support group arenas. I fight daily for quality of life. Was doing great. Up to 3k steps a day for a week and had lost 10 lbs. I was working on the computer and stood up last Monday and I am not able to walk without a cane and continued pain. It will pass and I will rebuild... Never give up! ... View more

As always I am grateful for the continued motivation due to involvement within Fitbit Community. The Dashboard has everyone asking for Choice and change; it is not well liked. It improved but regressed more so. ... View more

Try your local library; they have a good assortment of DVDs for Tai Chi. I live in DE and learned Tai Chi in my livingroom thanks to the Library and DVD they were instrumental in helping me to walk again. Good luck and enjoy! ... View more

Thanks. Have an awesome week! ... View more

Sorry I am unable to run but I send you Kudos for all your hard work and wish you well all the way to the finish line! Best of luck to you! ... View more

Ready Set Go any day! Join me and my friends if you like. A few of us just stay in touch not a special group but it works. I personally still have weight to loose just finished a July 5 and it continues till I am there. Email me as NewDawn and I'd be happy to walk your path with you. Steady as she goes... keep on keeping on.... I welcome anyone to join me...  it is easier if we see our faces daily in our friends list; at least for me. Encouragment lives ... ... View more

What matters most is what the body has just completed! Your post was most appreciated. I am disabled so for me slow is very active and the days that I do much it still leaves me as not having been very active. The dog walking is the best example and is where I manage to get most of my steps. A clearer perspective is the result of reading your post; thank you. ... View more

Loose 5 in July... Thank you to all who I have journeyed with! One day to go; I had a tough month. Gained 8 then Lost 8 so I hope perhaps the scale will have me at least a tad under my beginning this journey back on July 1st. All good for I feel much better at the end of this month than I did in the beginning. Keep on Keeping on... love hugs smile   ... View more

You are most welcome! Looking forward to getting to know you better. ... View more