Starting Out...

countrylove12

So I've been a member of MFP for a while, but not consistently. So essentially, I feel as though I'm starting out fresh and new (well trying to anyway).
I just had a few questions for those who are used to MFP or familiar with counting calories. I started MFP after leaving Weight Watchers being just an online member. Weight Watchers allows a set amount of points to eat "extra" for a week. You can spread them out for a few days or use them for one meal. I've also seen other calorie counting plans that say you can eat one meal a week that is approximately an extra 1,000 calories or so. I was wondering if anyone allowed themselves any indulgences during the week for a specific meal and how you count that using MFP.
I'm wondering how you all are staying motivated. Obviously the ultimate goal is to lose the weight, however, when that doesn't happen quickly it's hard to stay focused. It's also hard to motivate myself to workout. If I was to workout before work I'd have to get up at about 4:30am...and after work, I am exhausted and have NO energy to workout.
Lastly - (sorry) - just wondering how people stay motivated and eat when you are not the one preparing the meals. I still live at home and sometimes no one knows what we're having for dinner until right before we're eating. It's hard to keep track and count everything when I'm not in control of what's being made and it would be too difficult and there isn't really a lot of room to prepare two separate meals at once. Any suggestions?
- Thank you all in advance!!

MichelleS08

I have one "cheat meal" a week usually a dinner of basically what I want and I put it in mfp as best as I can calculate for my dinner. I suggest buying a scale. If food is made for you and that's what you can eat then at least portion control and weighing my food is the only way I do things now:) welcome back get your healthy eating in check first and the energy to workout should follow when your eating right.

swatson1971

I totally hear what your saying, I'm just starting as well I love food and hate working out.
I loved weight watchers when I did it and going to the meeting helped big time, it gave you the motivation you need. I just got setup on MFP today. I'm also communication with a girl at work that doing it as well, So having someone close to you and doing it together it makes it more fun, I also get up between 430 and 5 am it not fun at all and you are done by the time you get home, aspecially in the winter, I just want to glass of wine as you can see.lol, Drinking water before each meal will help fill you and you wont eat as much. Also have what you like Cheat meal, but like Replies says above only once a week.

Good Luck,
Shelly

txteachermom

I have a high calorie goal because I'm bigger and have more weight to lose. For me, I don't have a problem making my calorie goal (2290). I have a Naked smoothie for breakfast (so good, and the extra servings of fruits/veggies are great too!) with a banana, which is between 300-400 calories. Lunch is usually a turkey sandwich with Quaker Pops Flavored Rice Crisps (yummy!), a piece of fruit, and a coke zero. Under 500 calories. For snacks I keep a drawer at work with apple chips, fruit, cereal bars, raisins, almonds, even weight watchers chocolate creme cakes (90 cal!) in case I want something sweet. Then I find I can splurge a bit on dinner, which I do. I have a dessert every night as well. I'm usually well under my calorie goals. I agree as well with drinking water before each meal, I do it any time I feel hunger, so I will know if I'm actually hungry or just thirsty.

Bottom line - it's all about Calories In, Calories Out - if you eat a caloric deficit, you will lose weight, no matter when you eat or how your calories are spaced out. Since I don't deprive myself of the foods I like, I never really feel the urge to have a "cheat meal" but that's me.

Anyhow, best of luck on your journey!