MFP Calorie Counting

trimminit

Hi, Calorie Counting Team!
I'm not your leader, but I started the thread as we are still waiting on a few leaders to join us.
Please use his thread to introduce yourself, discuss your progress and/or challenges, ask questions, etc.
Welcome to the challenge!

mmcqueen927

Hi my name is Shay. I am starting AGAIN, to be healthy and fit by my 50th birthday in September. I hope to lose at least 11lbs by the end of this challenge, that will put me in onderland. My biggest struggle is sugar. I LOVE SUGAR, I want to learn to eat it in moderation. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to wean myself off? I know this may sound crazy but how does one teach themselves to just eat 2 cookies, not 10

Shay

jcolglazier

Hey everyone! Jeanne here, I am one of the co-leaders of this group and I am getting here late!!! I have never participated in anything like this so bear with me as I learn the ropes. I am up for this challenge. I need to rid myself of 25 pounds. I have been using MFP faithfully for 1 year. I have been successful and happy with my results. I am ready to help you on your journey and know that you will be helpful to me on my journey. I am all about being healthy! My weight loss will be slow, but I have learned to accept that over the past year. I can't wait to get to know you!!

Hi Shay! I share your affection for sugar!

Thanks Triminit for starting this for us!

julia_v1

Hello MFP Calorie Counting Chicks - I'm one of the co-leaders too and I'm also learning the ropes. I need to shift 20 lbs this year and have been struggling keeping anything off since Oct due to one thing and another. Sugar and salt are tricky areas for me but we're going to nail it together. Will log my stats tomorrow as the iPad won't let me add anything to the spreadsheet. Looking forward to a successful journey to fit and fabulous! Shay - know your pain mine is chocolate but I love dark chocolate so that's much better as I eat less of it. Try only buying a small packet to start off with. When you're tempted to eat a cookie chew some gum, have some water or suck on a small mint candy. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

BuddhaMom74

Hello all! I am a 40 year old single mom of 2 (almost) perfect kids! I work full-time, take part time classes, so finding time for ME is always a challenge, but I've been doing it!!
In July 2013 I had major emergency surgery - I had a massive infection in my bowel and had about a foot of my small intestine and about a quarter of my bowel removed. In the year that followed, I gained 40lbs In July 2014 I received a clean bill of health and joined MFP; I've lost 44lbs since July by counting calories!! Who knew it could be so easy?!?!?
I've also discovered I like running - again, who knew?!?!?! I've run two 5K races and one 10K races, hoping to do my first half marathon in June. Also hoping to reach my goal of 71lbs lost by August. 2015 will be a big year for me!!

Nice to "meet" you all! Let's do this!!

julia_v1

Very inspiring BuddhaMom74 and congratulations on your big road to recovery - stories like this always inspire me to get up and do something and conquer my fear of the unknown. Thanks for sharing and definitely we've got this.

MPD6944

Hey everyone! Glad to join with you in our weight loss journey! I've been losing weight semi-steadily over the last few years and am down a total of about 30 lbs. since January of 2013. I'm needing now to lose my last 10 lbs. or so. My weakness is not sugar, but salty things like chips which I ate a lot of over the holidays and now I have vowed not to buy any for a very very long time! BuddhaMom74 I am glad you are doing well. I also had to have surgery 8 weeks ago that took a foot of small intestines out and I am feeling so great now! I have Crohn's disease but right now they are just monitoring me and say I'm in remission now. yay. Anyone else wear a FitBit? I wear one everyday but am just getting back to working out after the surgery. Would love more FitBit friends!

dillyg08

Hello everyone, my name is Beverley. I hope to make my goal this year. Weight loss has been a struggle for me. I feel like I have a new attitude about it this time around. Good luck to you all.

mmcqueen927

Hi, I just got a Fitbit Zip for Xmas. I just started wearing it on the 2nd. I'm still learning how it operates. How do you find Fitbit friends?

julia_v1

mmcqueen927 wrote: »

Hi, I just got a Fitbit Zip for Xmas. I just started wearing it on the 2nd. I'm still learning how it operates. How do you find Fitbit friends?

Don't forget to add any exercise you are doing or have done since Jan 1st to the exercise spreadsheet everyone. I really want to get a fitness monitor and I'm really drawn to the Misfit Shine or Flash but so many people seem to have Fitbits that maybe Shine is the wrong direction to go in, it being so new. I haven't heard of Fitbit Zip mmcqueen927 will have a look into that one too - my head is spinning there are so many out there to choose from. Ideally I want a waterproof one and Shine seems to be the only one offering that right now!

jcolglazier

Hey Everyone!!! Just checking in!! ARE YOU READY? No more excuses, this is the start of the first full week of 2015!! The holidays are officially over, time to get serious with your journey.

MDP, I have been using a FitBit for about 2 years. I love it!

MMCQUEEN, I use my FitBit, I will look at the Dashboard when I sync and see if I can figure out how to add friends!!

I will let you all know I have fresh veggies washed and cut up for the week. Fresh fruits are in the fridge. I have a personal goal of eating raw veggies 5 times this week. Seems like a small goal but I am going for variety, not talking lettuce! (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, red and yellow peppers)
My fruits are apples, oranges, & strawberries.

Trying a new recipe tomorrow: Roasted chicken with peppers and onions.

cjborkowski

Hi all! I'm excited to start this challenge but have been having a difficult time eating the way I should since thanksgiving. I keep starting but get easily derailed into eating too much & the wrong foods. I'm ready to start again & I have also stocked my fridge with foods I should be eating.
I also like sugar & sweets. I've found it best for me to cut it out of my diet as much as possible, the less I eat it the less I crave it.

Onoiam50

I have been on my health journey since joining MFP in April 2014 when I weighed 261.6lbs. I currently weigh 220.8lbs so have just lost over 40lbs. My ultimate goal is around 155 so I still have a lot to go. I have participated in many challenges and find them most helpful. For exercise I usually ride my stationary bike daily and use a fitbit flex. I will be limited in my exercise for the next couple of weeks whilst I recover from surgery. In the meantime I will continue to use MFP to monitor my calorie intake.
Since the surgery I am even more motivated to reach goal.

jcolglazier

Welcome cjborkowski!!!
Hello Onoiam50!!!

You guys are amazing for committing to take care of your self!!! My goal for the day Water, Water, WATER!!!

MPD6944

I see you can invite FitBit friends by email or by Facebook friends. My email is mdavis69@bellsouth.net if anyone wants to add me!

MPD6944

julia_v1 wrote: »

mmcqueen927 wrote: »

Hi, I just got a Fitbit Zip for Xmas. I just started wearing it on the 2nd. I'm still learning how it operates. How do you find Fitbit friends?

Don't forget to add any exercise you are doing or have done since Jan 1st to the exercise spreadsheet everyone. I really want to get a fitness monitor and I'm really drawn to the Misfit Shine or Flash but so many people seem to have Fitbits that maybe Shine is the wrong direction to go in, it being so new. I haven't heard of Fitbit Zip mmcqueen927 will have a look into that one too - my head is spinning there are so many out there to choose from. Ideally I want a waterproof one and Shine seems to be the only one offering that right now!

I love my FitBit Zip. I really like that I can hide it (it's small and I clip it to the inside of my bra - LOL). Its the cheapest one also but does not monitor your sleep. I've been thinking of getting the wristband one but haven't yet.

julia_v1

MPD6944 wrote: »

julia_v1 wrote: »

mmcqueen927 wrote: »

Hi, I just got a Fitbit Zip for Xmas. I just started wearing it on the 2nd. I'm still learning how it operates. How do you find Fitbit friends?

Don't forget to add any exercise you are doing or have done since Jan 1st to the exercise spreadsheet everyone. I really want to get a fitness monitor and I'm really drawn to the Misfit Shine or Flash but so many people seem to have Fitbits that maybe Shine is the wrong direction to go in, it being so new. I haven't heard of Fitbit Zip mmcqueen927 will have a look into that one too - my head is spinning there are so many out there to choose from. Ideally I want a waterproof one and Shine seems to be the only one offering that right now!

I love my FitBit Zip. I really like that I can hide it (it's small and I clip it to the inside of my bra - LOL). Its the cheapest one also but does not monitor your sleep. I've been thinking of getting the wristband one but haven't yet.

Thanks for the info it really helps me try and make a decision. Just when I think, yep that's the one I'll go for, I read some bad reviews and get put off. It really helps to hear from actual "real" users

julia_v1

If anyone is having problems with adding their stats to the spreadsheet you can also log them here - http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10041882/competition-weigh-ins-individual-records#Item_4 if it is easier. Very inspiring group we have here and thank you for sharing your personal challenges and how you are doing so much to overcome any obstacles that stand in your way - it really proves you should NEVER give up. Let's do this Team MFP CC

BuddhaMom74

julia_v1 wrote: »

mmcqueen927 wrote: »

Hi, I just got a Fitbit Zip for Xmas. I just started wearing it on the 2nd. I'm still learning how it operates. How do you find Fitbit friends?

Don't forget to add any exercise you are doing or have done since Jan 1st to the exercise spreadsheet everyone. I really want to get a fitness monitor and I'm really drawn to the Misfit Shine or Flash but so many people seem to have Fitbits that maybe Shine is the wrong direction to go in, it being so new. I haven't heard of Fitbit Zip mmcqueen927 will have a look into that one too - my head is spinning there are so many out there to choose from. Ideally I want a waterproof one and Shine seems to be the only one offering that right now!

Hi! I updated my weight as of Jan 1, but I don't see a place to add my fitness?? ...am I missing something??

MPD6944

BuddhaMom74 wrote: »

julia_v1 wrote: »

mmcqueen927 wrote: »

Hi, I just got a Fitbit Zip for Xmas. I just started wearing it on the 2nd. I'm still learning how it operates. How do you find Fitbit friends?

Don't forget to add any exercise you are doing or have done since Jan 1st to the exercise spreadsheet everyone. I really want to get a fitness monitor and I'm really drawn to the Misfit Shine or Flash but so many people seem to have Fitbits that maybe Shine is the wrong direction to go in, it being so new. I haven't heard of Fitbit Zip mmcqueen927 will have a look into that one too - my head is spinning there are so many out there to choose from. Ideally I want a waterproof one and Shine seems to be the only one offering that right now!

Hi! I updated my weight as of Jan 1, but I don't see a place to add my fitness?? ...am I missing something??

I believe that is if you joined the group with the intense fitness added. This group is just the calorie counting one.

Christine_1085

Hello everybody and just wanted to say Happy New Year. I am one of the motivators of our Jump Start challenge. Let us hope that this jump start will be the beginning of our healthy year. Take care

julia_v1

BuddhaMom74 wrote: »

julia_v1 wrote: »

mmcqueen927 wrote: »

Hi, I just got a Fitbit Zip for Xmas. I just started wearing it on the 2nd. I'm still learning how it operates. How do you find Fitbit friends?

Don't forget to add any exercise you are doing or have done since Jan 1st to the exercise spreadsheet everyone. I really want to get a fitness monitor and I'm really drawn to the Misfit Shine or Flash but so many people seem to have Fitbits that maybe Shine is the wrong direction to go in, it being so new. I haven't heard of Fitbit Zip mmcqueen927 will have a look into that one too - my head is spinning there are so many out there to choose from. Ideally I want a waterproof one and Shine seems to be the only one offering that right now!

Hi! I updated my weight as of Jan 1, but I don't see a place to add my fitness?? ...am I missing something??

The exercise spreadsheet is a side challenge that everyone can participate in if they would like to and is separate to any of the groups you may have signed up to. You are not required to participate :-) that's entirely up to you. There are plans for weekly fitness challenges (the first one taking place is total exercise minutes done each day). The fitness challenge group exists as another area of the group to help encourage each of you as well as help you reach your goals. If you would like to take part you can find the spreadsheet here http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10037772/fitness-challenge-sign-up-week-one#Item_22 the link is at the top of the discussion thread. Once in the spreadsheet the MFP CC section can be found towards the bottom. See you in there maybe :-)

Thanks Christine for getting this together and good luck to you on your own personal journey.

jcolglazier

Hey everyone!! I tried a simple but tasty new recipe last night! Roasted chicken with peppers

Boneless skinless chicken breast
Red and Yellow Bell peppers
purple onionL
minced garlic
Olive oil
fresh time

Marinade the chicken breast in 2 tbls olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper and a squeeze of lemon
Slice the onions and peppers into strips, toss with a tablespoon of olive oil and teaspoon of minced garlic

Place the veggies on one end of baking sheet, the chicken on the other. Bake at 450 for 25 to 35 minutes, until chicken is done. Place a piece of foil or a lid over the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice chicken and put pepper/onion mixture over the chicken to serve.

julia_v1

There will be obstacles, There will be doubters, There will be mistakes, but with hard work, There will be success.

MPD6944

jcolglazier, that recipe sounds delicious! I may try that one soon! I'm making salsa chicken tomorrow which is you just put some boneless skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour in a large jar of salsa (I use Tostitos Medium) and let cook for about 4-6 hours and I usually will put a tablespoon or 2 of flour in about 20 minutes before done to thicken it up more. My family loves it! We usually will eat with a side of black beans or sometimes I just put over a plate of salad with a touch of reduced fat sour cream. Yummy!

BuddhaMom74

[/quote]I believe that is if you joined the group with the intense fitness added. This group is just the calorie counting one.[/quote]

Thanks

[/quote]The exercise spreadsheet is a side challenge that everyone can participate in if they would like to and is separate to any of the groups you may have signed up to. You are not required to participate :-) that's entirely up to you. There are plans for weekly fitness challenges (the first one taking place is total exercise minutes done each day). The fitness challenge group exists as another area of the group to help encourage each of you as well as help you reach your goals. If you would like to take part you can find the spreadsheet here http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10037772/fitness-challenge-sign-up-week-one#Item_22 the link is at the top of the discussion thread. Once in the spreadsheet the MFP CC section can be found towards the bottom. See you in there maybe :-)[/quote]

I'll check it out - thanks

dillyg08

julia_v1 wrote: »

There will be obstacles, There will be doubters, There will be mistakes, but with hard work, There will be success.

I like

Astraea05

Hi Everyone! I am the third co leader of the group. I am Sara from Wisconsin. Sorry for the being so late. Just got back from sunny Florida was 82 degrees the day I left and was 10 below when I got to WI. Winters are hard for me, think I am part bear because like to eat and sleep during the winter. Looking forward to breaking that habit and losing some weight sensibly. I will have more time this weekend to log in and participate more with discussions. Nice to meet you all and great to be here with Julia and Jeanne!

julia_v1

Shame I can't send sun care packages to everyone. Thought for the day - when your goals are exercise based, you are not thinking so much about having to cut out certain foods or so many calories. Instead, you are thinking in terms of how you can go faster or perform longer. Your focus on food becomes a focus on fueling your workout rather than eating for pleasure.

julia_v1

To keep going...make a 45 minute playlist and don't stop until it does!

MPD6944

julia_v1 wrote: »

To keep going...make a 45 minute playlist and don't stop until it does!

I have a 60 minute playlist and strive to do that on the elliptical although I usually only last 30-40 minutes but its great motivation and keeps me going!