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Back in later 2009 a new device was released by a company called FitBit Inc.  The Fitbit is an accelerometer that clips to your clothing to track steps/distance/calories.  This is not your ordinary pedometer either.  Given that it is using a full accelerometer, the data that the device gathers is much greater than just simple steps.  It measures full movement and the degree of the movement in level of activity.  This is how it gives a more accurate count of calories burned than your average pedometer.

So why did I need this?  Well, since I have been working out more to get into shape prior to DragonCon, I decided that I really wanted to know more data about what I was doing.  This device gives me all the data I need to track how my daily routine is helping/hindering my workout.  The data from the device gets uploaded to the FitBit website and displayed in a way that’s easy to read.  Also included on the website is the ability to track your intake.  You can add foods that you are eating to keep tabs on your caloric intake in comparison with what you are burning.  There is also sections where you can track your activities, and weight, etc.  Pretty much every health aspect of your daily routine can me tracked to aid you in your goals.

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I picked up the FitBit just before DragonCon, mostly because I was curious of how much walking I would be doing at the con (which was a lot), but after using it for that full week, and seeing all the data, I was sold and decided to keep going with it to help me loose a few pounds and trim up.  The food section is probably the scariest part of the site, since now I know what all goes into everything I have been eating.  It has helped me regulate my daily intake, mostly by making me aware of how many calories are in each and every little snack that I would happen to munch on through the day.  I have a simple plan to follow, just make sure that I am burning more calories through the day than I am eating.  Since my average burn for a normal day seems to be around 2600 Calories (dependant on the day), I set my goal of Caloric intake to be around 2000.  You would be surprised how little that is!!  For example, did you know that your standard Snickers bar has 280 calories?  Your McDonald’s Double Quarter Pounder (with cheese) has 733 Calories with 394 of that from Fat!

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I have been using the FitBit for almost a month now and have been more than happy with the results.  I am down to 184 now with a goal of 180 and have been feeling great.  I also have been using it to track my sleeping patterns.  When you put the FitBit into sleep monitoring mode it tracks all of your movement and will tell you when you were most at rest.  Click on the various charts in this post to see larger versions, or check out my FitBit profile at http://www.fitbit.com/user/22DGWN

If you are doing the healthy thing, I highly suggest looking into it.  Oh, and there is one downside….the cost.  Currently the FitBit sells for $99.  But Trust me, it’s worth it!