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I joined the site in Jan of this year and have lost 29 pounds so far. The biggest things for me are:
1) articles about the importance of drinking water
2) food tracker, more for the nutrition report and chart it gives you than the actual calorie counter (although that part is very cool too).
3) fitness tracker
Early on I added a bunch of values to track in my nutrition report. So in addition to monitoring fat, carbs, and protein, I also monitor fiber, vitamin C & D, Calcium, sodium, and a few other things. This was seriously eye-opening. I'm still shocked by the amount of sodium in prepared foods you can get at the store. And I realized that I never got anywhere near the amount of fiber that I needed. This nutrition report really motivated me to adjust my diet.
The Fitness Tracker reports are also really motivating for me. Once I set a weekly goal, I have to hit it. It's so satisfying to see my bar charts hit the green. Really it's the same way for the nutrition reports. That simple visual measurement of my progress is so motivating.
- Nancy
P.S. Just re-read what I wrote and had to laugh at myself! Can you tell I'm obsessed with reports and charts? I got addicted to this site quickly b/c of them. I tell friends that sparkpeople is like Quicken for food and exercise (and yes, I'm also obsessed with quicken). :)
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Most people come onto this site to lose weight, but what they really come on for is to get healthy and weight loss is only one component in the process of being healthy.
I believe that their are two obstacles that face most new people to the site from getting healthy. The first is that they struggle with hunger pains.
If you want to stop them dead then try PSYLLIUM, it is a non-food, all fiber material, all natural, that expands when in contact with water. I take a heaping tablespoon in a glass of water and the result is that I am never hungry. Of course if one glass wont work then take a second, but most people find one glass is enough. Very inexpensive, $6 can is enough for 2-3 months. Can be bought on the web or in any healthfood store.
The second problem is much harder to solve! It is the dedication necessary to be successful. If you read the various posts you will find people who are having success and sadly, many who are not. Most of them complain about this and that and make all kinds of excuses for their failure. I suggest you stay away from them like the plague and steal (copy) the ideas that work and apply them to your program.
It takes guts for an unhealthy person to change a lifestyle they have had for a long time and adopt a new way of thinking, so the big battle is in your mind.
Remember this:
If you do what you always did then you will get what you always got!
myles
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Without a doubt, the calorie tracker is the thing that made the major difference for me on this site. Once I was able to see how much I was really eating on a regular basis vs. what I SHOULD be eating, I was able to start making adjustments.
That being said, I think I've started using and enjoying just about every aspect of the site now.
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CHRIS.CORRADO
5/21/06 6:53 P
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I haven't been using the site very long - just over a month, but what I really like it the calorie tracker - works well for me.
I also like the demo's on the strength exercise link.
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| The two things for me were the calorie tracker and the support from members and staff.
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Thnx for the 411......I will check it out.
Doc
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Welcome DOCTA4U,
I felt the same way when I found this site. Where has this been hiding. It has become a big part of my life. I use it everyday. The things that this site offers are many and all are geared towards giving you information to live a healthier life and measuring the results. Using the food diary was probly the most important first step. My suggestion is look around the site and ask questions as they arise.
Jeff
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Greetings to all.
I find it interesting that I haven't heard of this site sooner. I am realy impressed by the diversity and accessibility of this site. This is by far, one of the better kept secrets.
I'd be interested in knowing amongst the more seasoned members what feature(s) do you value the most from this site? In other words, what are the must see first items.
thx
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