Getting started!

Bkq15

Ok so I'm terrible at putting words in my head into words people can read because I feel I have to explain everything so you can full understand what I'm trying to get across. Also not sure if this goes here or in introduction section.

My name is Ben and my goal weight is to be under 200 lbs. I joined the AD Army in 2008 and got out of basic weighing 189 lbs. After 4 years I got out weight 220 lbs, the first year after getting out I jumped up to 270 lbs(roughly). Red flags went up and I cut out regular pop and dropped down to 250 lbs. In the summer of last year I got an offer to try Crossfit for 3 months. I did it everyday, in an attempt to get in shape to pass the CPATest for firefighters. It worked I passed and then never signed up after the 2 months. I even got compliments asking if I had lost weight.

Well in December of last year I started doing crossfit but this time I was only going about 1-2 times a week and still not regulating what I was eating. Well something happened not sure what but since the beginning of the year I changed my work schedule and have gone to the gym 32 out of 36 times. I have lost about 6 lb as I'm not sure when I weighed my self in December.

I have started drinking protein powder shakes with fruits and vegetable powder. I started logging my food into MFP but honestly I haven't been that accurate because I don't know how to put in foods that I don't know anything about. I mean I still log most of what I put in I just don't know how "accurate" it is. I have noticed definition in my muscles mainly in my biceps and forearms. I'm not sure how to log crossfit in MFP as we do so much different things everyday, somedays we are lifting heavy weights others its cardio. Some days the warms are more cardio then the actual workout. I've just been putting Aerobics, high impact.

Anyways long story short, I have felt I've been somewhat accurate with MFP but really if I go to subway and get a 6 inch turkey with lite mayo how do I log that? Or Chipotle double steak with salsa? I mean I just use my best guess and go with the most accurate and I try to pick the HIGHEST calorie one as to not cheat myself.

So I've been staying after at crossfit and doing more exercises mainly ab workouts but I weighed myself today and I literally weigh the same as I did 2 weeks ago but I've gone to the gym everyday not to mention my job is some what physical (EMT). A diet "gal" at Hyvee told me since I wasn't logging my exercises that my body may been in "starvation" mode and that I should start logging my exercises. I sorry if this is a bit lengthy just looking for advice and some support via tips/tricks. I also have a tough time eating healthy. Thanks for any help.

SueInAz

Bkq15 wrote: »

I have started drinking protein powder shakes with fruits and vegetable powder. I started logging my food into MFP but honestly I haven't been that accurate because I don't know how to put in foods that I don't know anything about. I mean I still log most of what I put in I just don't know how "accurate" it is. I have noticed definition in my muscles mainly in my biceps and forearms. I'm not sure how to log crossfit in MFP as we do so much different things everyday, somedays we are lifting heavy weights others its cardio. Some days the warms are more cardio then the actual workout. I've just been putting Aerobics, high impact.

Anyways long story short, I have felt I've been somewhat accurate with MFP but really if I go to subway and get a 6 inch turkey with lite mayo how do I log that? Or Chipotle double steak with salsa? I mean I just use my best guess and go with the most accurate and I try to pick the HIGHEST calorie one as to not cheat myself.

So I've been staying after at crossfit and doing more exercises mainly ab workouts but I weighed myself today and I literally weigh the same as I did 2 weeks ago but I've gone to the gym everyday not to mention my job is some what physical (EMT). A diet "gal" at Hyvee told me since I wasn't logging my exercises that my body may been in "starvation" mode and that I should start logging my exercises. I sorry if this is a bit lengthy just looking for advice and some support via tips/tricks. I also have a tough time eating healthy. Thanks for any help.

Hi, Ben! Long post but I've picked out some of the things I think are most important.

Weight loss is 80% what you're eating and 20% exercise. If you aren't logging accurately you're going to have a more difficult time regardless of how much exercise you're doing.

Picking the right foods is sometimes a guessing game, it's true. When logging something like Subway for the first time I usually use their website and then find an entry which matches or I make my own entry. Since I usually get the same thing there, I then use that entry the next time.

Weighing the foods you make yourself with a kitchen scale helps to ensure accuracy.

Logging an exercise like Crossfit without a heart rate monitor is going to be problematic. If you're going to use MFP's entries, I'd either lower the calorie total by about half or only eat half of them.

Ignore the whole "starvation mode" bit. The way it's been used is a myth. Your body can't stop burning calories for energy just because you aren't eating enough. It just doesn't work like that.

Bkq15

Ok thanks!