What have you learnt on MFP?

MissLotte

Things I have learnt in being on MFP;

• Guessing doesn't work, you have to count those calories.
• If I stall for a bit, I don't give up. I have a little boost with some extra cals for a couple of days and then back to the 1200 per day.
• It DOES work.
• I can eat my calories anyway I choose but when they are gone they are gone.
• On the flipside, I must eat my calories because food is fuel and I'm not great at eating regularly.
• I prefer eating things that are better for me now, fruit and veg.
• I don't need to eat as much meat or as many carbs as I thought I did to feel full, bulking meals up with veg is healthier and cheaper!
• There are always lower cal alternatives if you care to look.
• The Hairy Dieters cook book is amazing!
• I enjoy cooking food from scratch, it doesn't take as long as I always perceived it did and I enjoy food a lot more.
• I don't eat for comfort anymore, my diet is much more balanced so are my hormone levels, this means stress doesn't affect me as much and I don't feel the need to eat to suppress the misery.
• I still hate drinking water.
• I still love sugar.
• The success stories and pics on MFP are an amazing motivator.
• Giving blood is better for me than I thought. (See a pervious blog post for more info).
• I understand a lot more about food now, about 'fuel' and what my body needs.
• Research helps.
• Even though I have not been logging for a few months, the knowledge that I have gained from MFP and my wonderful support network has meant that I haven't returned to the same bad habits as before, I have managed to mostly maintain my weight loss (it's only been the last couple of weeks I have gained and it's only 3-4lbs). This is a change for a lifetime.

My Only Regrets...

• That I thought calorie counting was a waste of time and didn't start this sooner!!!!!!

Coquette6

Anything is possible. - I see amazing transformations from real people on this site all the time, and if they can do it, I can.

Women should eat more and pick up heavy objects. - Like a lot of women, I bought into the "1200 a day and light weight/high reps and cardio" regime until I came here. Not hating on those who still do it and get results and are happy with it, but since I've discovered the TDEE-20%/15%/10% and heavy lifting, I'm so much happier and seeing better results and feeling so much better.

lambchoplewis

I have learned that I am normal and others do the same crazy eating things I do. I have the same feelings as others regarding food.

jillsjourney

I have learned a number of things.

1. It is okay to screw up. This was huge for me as before one bad day or meal would send me into a tailspin.
2. It is okay to do something for myself as a wife and mom, I always put my needs last.
3. I have FINALLY learned this is a lifestyle and not a DIET.
4. I have learned that exercise can actually be fun.
5. I learned that my body is far more capable of doing physical activity than I ever thought possible.

mazdauk

The only way to lose is to log. "Cutting down" does not work because its not acknowledging the problem.

When PE teachers said "the more you exercise the more energy you have", they were telling the truth!! Who knew? (I never believed them :ohwell: )

Nothing tastes better than "exercise calories".