inspiration78

I agree that this is a great idea. I'm just wondering how you calculate your cals burned. Do you use MFP's calculations or do you have an HRM? I love my HRM because it keeps a "diary" and gives me a weekly total every Sunday. Helps keep me motivated as well as accountable (to myself, of course!). Great job!

I also think that MFP is very generous with the cals they say you burned. I would buy a heart rate monitor (HRM) which is much more accurate.

Awesome job! How encouraging! Keep up the great work! :flowerforyou:

Congrats! That is so awesome! :flowerforyou:

Thanks all! I appreciate your encouragement. I AM going to do this!!!

A trainer told me that it's best to weigh first thing in the morning and BEFORE a workout. She said something about your blood volume increasing after a workout or something like that which makes you weigh more (plus all the water you drink). I usually weigh myself once a day but do my official weigh in on Saturday…

I also work a desk job and I have found that planning what I eat has helped me tremendously! I usually bring in a grocery bag full of food on Mondays to set me up for the week. I have a fruit bowl on my desk that I replenish once a week and I have a fridge here that I can keep my food in as well. Additionally, I have…

HRM = Heart Rate Monitor. I got a Polar F6. I LOVE IT!

I'm having the same problem with losing weight more quickly in my butt and legs and not so much in my midsection. It sucks but I figure at least I am losing, ya know?

I just did that and was worried about how/what I would eat. I would suggest planning ahead. Bring healthy snacks with you. I brought protein bars, fruit strips and pouches of tuna. Also, if you can I would stop by a farmers market or fruit stand and get yourself a few things so that you don't feel the temptation to eat…

I am also a Zumba lover. I take every class that I can. I ended up buying a HRM simply because it's hard to judge how many cals you are burning. Also, I have noticed that the cals I burn varies from class to class. It can vary from 400 to 600 calories! I recommend getting a HRM if you want to be the most accurate but I…

You can DEFINITELY see a difference in your face! Great job! I know that's what people started telling me at first. They could see it in my face. Unfortunately, I want them to see it everywhere! lol In due time, I suppose. I'm only 32lbs down so far! Congrats!

Congrats on the weight loss! I just wanted to say thank you for posting this. I REALLY needed to see this today (you have NO idea). I've been trucking right along and today is just one of those days where I feel discouraged. This really helped me to see that my goals ARE attainable! Thanks again! You look fantastic!

Thanks for posting this. I hope to be in the same shoes you are this time next year!!!

I agree with this. I always try to cut out the carb which, in turn, cuts the calories. So, I'll have a lettuce wrap instead of a regular sandwich. This makes a huge difference, calorie wise. Also, I used to eat a ton of cals a day (obviously, or else I wouldn't be trying so hard to lose weight!) but now I find it more of a…

I skipped the gooey butter cake at a co-worker's birthday celebration today! YEAH!

Really? Are you really supposed to eat those exercise cals because I definitely don't!

Thanks for that bit of advice. I've checked to make sure it was wet but it didn't occur to me that it might not be tight enough! I'll definitely have to adjust that strap again as I lose more weight. Also, I'm thinking some of the movements (high kicks) might just make it move enough to lose the heartbeat. Thanks again!

I ended up getting the Polar F6. I see that you have that one. Does it ever stop working? I notice when I get up in the mid to high 90% it goes back to 00. Have you experienced that? Just wondering if it was just me or if it's unique to me. Thanks.

Thanks to everyone's input. I truly appreciate it! I know I want to get a good one. I just wanted to get feedback from people who have used them so that I can make a good decision. If I'm going to spend the money I want it to be worth it! Thanks again!