Don't know where to start.

ajklmnopqu

I don't know where to begin to lose weight. Blah! I have 120 pounds to lose and just over fighting the battle! Where did everyone else begin?

MissusMoon

Fill out your profile. Set it to lose between a half and two pounds per week. If you haven't already, get yourself a food scale, because it will be life altering. Begin by planning your days and if you can/want to, get some exercise. The important thing is sticking to your caloric goals. It may be trial and error for a little bit. Don't stress over eliminating things you like. Watch your portions and include them when you want. Even if you go over your calories, log them and move on.

JeromeBarry1

I began with 112 lb to lose. Since you have created an account here, this is where to start. Congratulations. You can lose with or without exercise. As long as you get into and stay in a calorie deficit you will lose weight. When you set your account, you told mfp your height, weight, age, gender, and weight loss goal. Were you accurate and honest with those items? Mfp gave you a calorie target for each day. That is your target. Log accurately every single thing you eat. Accuracy is defined as "use a digital scale to weigh everything". Enjoy this. No food is prohibited. Portion control and moderation is required.

SuzanneSimpson2

How do people stay motivated? I don't want to give up when it gets hard again...

diannethegeek

Hey, welcome to MFP!!


Just getting started?

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

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

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1296011/calorie-counting-101


Exercise questions?

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1161603/so-you-want-a-nice-stomach

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10177803/recomposition-maintaining-weight-while-losing-fat

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1217573/so-you-want-to-start-running

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10226536/bulking-for-beginners

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10049766/bulking-a-complete-guide-for-beginners


Want to log your food more accurately or have questions about why you should bother?

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

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1290491/how-and-why-to-use-a-digital-food-scale

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10191216/the-most-important-thing-you-can-do-to-lose-weight


Have other food questions?

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10232335/list-of-higher-protein-foods

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10142490/a-list-of-calorie-dense-foods

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10247171/carbs-and-fats-are-cheap-heres-a-guide-to-getting-your-proteins-worth-fiber-also

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1308408/why-aspartame-isnt-scary

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/975025/in-place-of-a-road-map-short-n-sweet

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10197460/sugar-faq-june-2015/p1


Motivation issues?

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/818701/the-myth-of-motivation-and-what-you-need-instead/p1

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1343719/get-rich-quick

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1346163/change-your-mindset


Weight fluctuations got you down?

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10084670/it-is-unlikely-that-you-will-lose-weight-consistently-i-e-weight-loss-is-not-linear

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10196160/scale-stress-syndrome/p1


Wondering about that quick fix?

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10202381/weight-loss-scams-and-how-to-spot-them

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1159755/looking-for-a-detox-cleanse

MissusMoon

SuzanneSimpson2 wrote: »

How do people stay motivated? I don't want to give up when it gets hard again...

Just like we go to work when we don't want to, or clean up when when we don't want to, we have to do what's best for us even if we don't feel like it. I don't think many--if any--of us are 100 percent motivated all the time. Dedication is what gets us through the rough times.

Plan for tough times. Write down your excuses for quitting and then answer them in advance.

wizzybeth

SuzanneSimpson2 wrote: »

How do people stay motivated? I don't want to give up when it gets hard again...

Because I want to reach my goal...that is how I stay motivated

genxrider

SuzanneSimpson2 wrote: »

How do people stay motivated? I don't want to give up when it gets hard again...

For me, it all comes down to sustainability. I don't belong to a gym or take group classes because for me that is not sustainable. I own and ride horses and I love it, so that's what I do. I also like hiking with my dogs. If it's fun it's not hard.

Countryroads1

Start walking with a family member or friend and keep walking on a set day and time. Put it on your calendar, tell people that you are walking then, and make yourself do it. Once you get into the routine, you will feel so much better, and the buddy system really works. Also, make it a game with yourself to see how many calories you can "take off" your food entries at the end of the day... even just raking leaves for 15 minutes... something, anything, to get those numbers up. Good luck... you're not alone.