A quick hello & getting started questions

headwind2015

Hello gang! I've been using MFP for 6 weeks now; I've already lost 10 pounds which is super exciting. This is my first attempt at losing weight and I am still learning. I've always been relatively fit, but after college I began slowly gaining weight.

MFP has been an incredible tool for me. Portion control has been my biggest problem; although I still eat exactly the same foods, I am eating less. I am seeing results and making progress towards reaching a health BMI. In fact, I am just two pounds shy of a health BMI. I have since adjusted my goal weight to my weight in college. The number is arbitrary, but I'm sure I will look better none the less.

I am still searching for the appropriate exercise routine. Currently, I run 3-4 four times a week for 30-40 minutes at a time, play tennis 2-3 times a week for 60 minutes, swim 2 days a week for 60 minutes and rock climb once a week for 3 hours. Frequently I double dip and do multiple activities in the same day. I don't have kids and my girlfriend and I are doing this together so it is easy to get outside and be active. I rest on days that I am feeling tired and eat more on days that I swim or climb.

Things that I am curious about:
My net calories report. Typically, I am consuming about 1500 calories per day. (I eat more on swimming and climbing days) Factoring in my days activities, net calories, I average roughly 1000 - 1200 calories. I eat when I'm hungry so I'm not starving. But I do wonder about the kind of weight I'm losing. Is this fat loss or muscle? Am I eating enough calories?

I also think a lot about my fat intake. I eat a lot of cashews and other nuts as a snack throughout the day. As a result, I am often 4 times over my set goal for fat intake. I thought nuts provided the "good" kind of fats. Could this extra intake of fat be holding me back?

How important is protein? I am consistently under this goal. I am just not a big meat eater. As I am writing this I realize I could probably swap eating cashews for a protein source salmon.

I am still looking for ways to measure results. I'd love to hear the communities suggestions.

Amber_hanson27

You NEED your protein. Also I'm kinda thinking for a guy you need to be eating more if you're that active.

landiekate

Protein is mucho important!