Will reading through and putting into practice the info in the stickies be enough to start with?

lorib642

I really hope this goes better than my last thread

I really like the mfp app. I didn't discover the forums right away. I like that I can see successes and learn from others who have been there. I read some of the old stickies and will go through them when they are restored. But, I feel like I am missing something. I have a calorie and macro goal I am comfortable with and a beginner at home calisthenics/walking routine. I think I will probably join a gym in the future but this is okay for now. But, then I read posts on cutting and other terms and I am lost. I don't know if it matters if I know these things or not. I know I don't want to lose lean muscle mass. There is some under this fat but not too much to spare,

karenj_m

To slow the reduction of muscle mass....create a small deficit (like a pound per week as your goal), get a good amt of protein....(I use 40 % protein / 40% carbs / 20% fat)....when you are ready, try to get some kind of weight workout in. You can do this at home without a gym.

I use the TDEE method, which means you calculate your calories that includes your workout, then I reduce the daily calories 20-25%. Thats the amt I eat every day. I do not log exercise in MFP....I just do my exercises and report my food in MFP.

Here's a calculator I use:
http://www.calculatorlab.com/HowDoIMeetMyWeightLossGoal/index.php#cutby30

Cutting and bulking terms, you don't need to worry about until you get to your goal weight. Then if you want to bulk up some muscle you would up your calories past your maintenance. Then after several months, you would cut...which means you drop calories down to strip off the bodyfat.

lorib642

Thank you! That was very helpful

warriorguy

I do record by exercises....but it doesn't tell you what cals. u burn from that. I stick to my caloric budget pretty much, even when I have burned 150 cals. from cardio bicycle workout. I'm on 1000, but that may be too low for you. Yeah, don't worry about some of the terms....just persevere at it and you'll succeed. I've lost 22 and didn't half try...I just got to my cal. budget, and started a three day bicycle exercise and 30 min. strength training.

3laine75

Definitely read the stickies - very helpful.

Adding strength training is a great way to help retain LBM and if it's something you want to do there are hundreds of threads with great advice on how to go about it.

You mentioned a thread not going well. Sometimes the advice you get is not what you want to hear but, for the most part, it is usually sound advice so try to take it in the spirit it's meant. It's better to be told something is wrong in a way you don't like than everyone to say, 'yes, that's great' when you're doing something that won't work or is foolish. Also, discussions can get heated if someone gives you daft advice, you'll soon learn who is worth listening to.

Anyway, good luck with your goals. Hope you stick around, this is a great site.

lorib642

Thank you. No it wasn't a disagreement, I just asked a really stupid question.

I do like the site and plan to stay