Newbie Needs Input

cookinitgood

I'm new to MFP and need lots of help. I'm a 62 year old female. I am about 80 lbs overweight. My job has me sitting for the most part. I can't do strenuous exercise due to several herniated disc in my lower back. I do own a treadmill, but rarely use it. I would like some input and some motivational discussions from some of you!!! Thanks!

trackercasey76

Calories in VS Calories out, Eat at the recommended deficit and you will lose weight...Good luck!

The biggest thing is BE HONEST with yourself and log EVERYTHING.

Teneko

Hey there! I am new here, too. I have joint problems and couldn't do much in the way of exercise, either. This may sound silly, but for a while there, I was watching this show called "Sit and Be Fit". The show targeted the elderly population. Even though I'm not quite there yet, I still found the show very helpful in keeping moving and motivated. See if you can find it on tape/DVD, or if it's even still running on TV. Oh hey! Found it. It's on PBS:
http://www.sitandbefit.org/we_air

Do you have access to a pool? Water exercises are also very helpful.
Are you still able to get up and about around the house? If so, you can try turning chores into a mini workout. For example: washing dishes or putting groceries away sometimes turns into a spontaneous mini workout. I lift my legs or march in place.

The key, though, is not just in exercise. You need to eat fewer calories. See if you can find a diet plan that will work for you. Get a food scale! My mother visited me right as I was starting this diet, and she was so surprised to see how much a serving was. It inspired her to take a hard look at her own diet and see what she could do to improve it. Like her, though, you'll really need to find a nutritionist who understands you and is familiar with modern medical updates in the area of diet and nutrition. Discuss your plan with him or her, and be sure to get a medical baseline for yourself (weight, bloodwork) to make sure you are on track to lose weight safely.

-T.