I'm tired of carrying around this weight!

Glammom81

I'm in!

SW:222
CW:216
GW:145

amgreenwell

You got this!! Stay motivated and have some sort of goal/reward in mind when you reach your final GW...or have one in mind every 5 lbs or so. I rewarded myself with new clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc. whenenver I hit a milestone!!

wizzybeth

Keep at it! Keep at it! Excellent first step. Read some of the forum posts to help you! Sometimes it gets discouraging esp. if you don't see the results you want but you're not in it alone.

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants#latest

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1235566/so-youre-new-here#latest

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10012907/logging-accuracy-consistency-and-youre-probably-eating-more-than-you-think#latest

Important posts to read.
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/833026/important-posts-to-read/p1

Logging Accurately with a little more guidance especially when it comes to Searching for and Selecting Food from the database.

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1234699/logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide/p1

Some words of advice:

1. Weigh yourself at the same time of day wearing the same clothing - i.e., in the morning when you get up, after going to the bathroom and before eating/drinking or getting dressed.
2. Know that your weight will fluctuate daily. You may weigh 4lbs or more higher at night than in the morning. You may retain water (esp. if you start exercising or eat high sodium foods) Some folks like to weigh themselves often; I prefer 1 or 2x a week.
3. Weigh your foods with a food scale (great $20 investment) rather than using measuring cups/spoons. Use cups/spoons for liquids only
4. Be sure to verify the accuracy of the food you enter. I usually enter my own stuff or scan UPC codes with my phone. Since I tend to eat a lot of the same foods over and over, it is relatively easy for me. Home made foods may be harder - enter each item individually in the recipe builder for things like casseroles, etc.
5. Drink lots of water - it does help avoid water retention and helps you feel fuller. Sometimes when you want to munch on snacks you may actually be thirsty...I usually make myself drink a cup or two of water before giving in to an urge to munch.
6. Eat the foods you ENJOY and make room for them. Don't force yourself to eat things you hate simply because you think it has to be that way. Take a peek at my diary and see - you have to be sensible...of course...and I focus on trying to meet my nutritional needs (protein, calcium, iron, fiber, fat, potassium, etc) as well as staying below my calories. But sometimes, I treat myself. :)You're allowed!
7. Be wary of the calories MFP allows you for exercise . They are often overinflated...I take about half of the calories that MFP gives me for exercise.

wizzybeth

Well don't look at my diary the past few days...I was bad and didn't log.