How did I get here?

MsKimela

So, I have made it one week with logging food and exercising. I am shocked at how terrible I eat and how many calories I was consuming every week (I even tried to eat healthier this week). Now I am trying to figure all this out. You'd think that since I have lived in my body for over 30 years I'd know by now how to care for it. Well, nope. I am looking for someone who could help me figure out meals and exercises. I know that is a lot but I spent the past 5 hours reading things on the internet and everything I read had a counter claim. I am so confused and feeling really defeated!

Is anyone out there up to helping me get started or hanging out along the way?

Forty6and2

Having a sense of what you've been doing is an excellent place to start. I would suggest moving forward with moderation, both in what you eat and how you workout. You don't want to do too much in the beginning and burn yourself out.

What has worked for me is eating what I want within my calorie allotment and trying to hit my protein, carb, and fat goals for the day. I find that doing this feels less restrictive than going on a full-blown "diet"and restricting things that I really love.

I think the same concept applies to starting any exercise program. Find what you like to do and do it! I find that group fitness class help keep me on track, so if you already have a gym membership you can look into that. If not, there are plenty of workouts you can do at home. Fitness Blender is a free website with tons of workouts you can do at home and can adjust for the equipment you have and your skill level.

Lastly, I'm going to link my favorite MFP thread of all time. This is the thread that really helped me get started, so I think it can help you too!
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1

jennifer_417

Yeah, Google is a reaaalllly bad place to do genuine nutrition research, you'll find all kinds of crazy stuff that way.

Here's the thing: Weight loss is ALL about maintaining a calorie deficit, in other words, eating fewer calories than you burn. You can eat literally anything and still lose weight. However, there are some things that will make it easier. For instance, eating protein will help keep you feeling fuller longer, and you can eat tons of veggies for not that many calories.

blankiefinder

Check out the sexypants link above, and you can also read my post here, it is fairly short and sweet. Like the title says, it's the basics. Good luck. http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10257474/starting-out-restarting-basics-inside#latest

Runagain_4

Yes! to the links above.
I also posted a while back on what was working for me. You can find it here: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10280116/trust-in-the-process-the-results-will-follow#latest
I'm now 2/3 of the way to goal, with bumps and challenges but steady progress. You're here, which means you've already started down the winding path towards your goal. That in itself deserves a pat on the back!