Just starting and I'm a bit overwhelmed
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Okay good, I understand that I need a daily calorie deficit to loose but the way that article was written it almost sounded like you should not set up a deficit.
Last question should I set up my diary so that it gives me calorie adjustments for my activity (I wear a fitbit)? In the past I've kept my settings at sedentary and then let the fitbit adjust my calories as my day goes on. I teach so M-F I am definitely not sedentary.0 -
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@marm1962 Here are the directions I used http://cavemanketo.com/configuring-mfp/
I noticed when I was going through the launchpad last night that these directions are there as well, so it seems they are reliable!0 -
Many will suggest to you as you head into a low carb lifestyle start by not worrying about calories and then once you are adapted change your calorie goals. I personally did not do it that way but I understand it can work well for many. That may be why the article read as it did.0
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Just remember that whatever you read is going to be at least somewhat biased toward the writers own experience. It doesn't make it bad info, but as you read different things and hear conflicting info, just keep in mind that it doesn't necessarily make the source wrong... it could've just been their experience. Which may or may not align with your own.
This is a difficult change to make because you hear things that suggest every single detail MUST be controlled perfectly to the last gram and without exclusion. Then you hear stories of amazing success from people that half arssed it the whole time and stories of total failure from some that followed plans meticulously.
The takeaway is that we each have to choose a starting point and ride that out as long as it's leading us toward our goals and we are feeling good. Then we can make adjustments and experiment as we go looking for our own perfect path to a long healthy life. This group is so amazing because everyone tries to stay open minded and supportive of different methods but will also gently call you out if needed.
because, lets face it, we all need that sometimes!
We each have opinions, sometimes strong opinions, that we believe in based on our own circumstances, but in general, it seems we each realize that while sharing them with others can be very helpful, it won't apply in the same way across the board to all. For any number of possible reasons.
It's actually really interesting to hear about how different we all are! I know that my interactions here have made me more sensitive to others unique situations. That's a huge personal NSV if you ask me!6 -
Well said @Sunny!1
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Okay good, I understand that I need a daily calorie deficit to loose but the way that article was written it almost sounded like you should not set up a deficit.
Last question should I set up my diary so that it gives me calorie adjustments for my activity (I wear a fitbit)? In the past I've kept my settings at sedentary and then let the fitbit adjust my calories as my day goes on. I teach so M-F I am definitely not sedentary.
I do have my fitbit connected. I average about 18-20k steps a day. My experience is even with MFP set at sedentary, I have to put in that I am trying to lose 0.5 lbs a week in order for it to be accurate to maintain. This runs in line with what my fitbit shows also.
What I would suggest is having it track, but also keep track of actual progress in losing weight and adjust accordingly. Either way, don't feel like you have to eat back calories burned through movement/exercise. If you can go without eating because you aren't hungry, that just helps you lose faster. For me, the more active I am, the less I feel like eating. Combine that with keto, and losing to my goal was not difficult. My only issue is I really LIKE to eat, not so much that I am hungry.0 -
@Sunny_Bunny_ Thank you I think that is what was driving me nuts, there are so many opinions about what to eat/not to eat/how to eat/when to eat. I've previously done very prescribed type diets (or "lifestyle changes" as Weight Watchers likes to say) so the freedom to make some of these choices based on how I feel and what I feel I need feels like I'm doing something "wrong". And I want to do this right - but I need to change my mindset and remember that my right is not anyone else's right.2
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@Sunny_Bunny_ Thank you I think that is what was driving me nuts, there are so many opinions about what to eat/not to eat/how to eat/when to eat. I've previously done very prescribed type diets (or "lifestyle changes" as Weight Watchers likes to say) so the freedom to make some of these choices based on how I feel and what I feel I need feels like I'm doing something "wrong". And I want to do this right - but I need to change my mindset and remember that my right is not anyone else's right.
The nice thing about this group is that everyone is willing to share what works for them, without making you feel like that's what you need to do. It's a great way to get ideas.
It's a very YMMV group. 
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I agree with YMMV. And I'm learning that my needs evolve and change with the wind so hearing how that happens to others and how they handle it has been really helpful. The first couple of days I had where I felt like I was starving after feeling so satisfied for so many days was awful. It only took a minute to find others in the same boat, who had been in the same boat and who had strategies for handling it. I took what I thought would work for me from what I learned and moved forward with some success instead of struggling.0
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cstehansen wrote: »I do have my fitbit connected. I average about 18-20k steps a day. My experience is even with MFP set at sedentary, I have to put in that I am trying to lose 0.5 lbs a week in order for it to be accurate to maintain. This runs in line with what my fitbit shows also.
What I would suggest is having it track, but also keep track of actual progress in losing weight and adjust accordingly. Either way, don't feel like you have to eat back calories burned through movement/exercise. If you can go without eating because you aren't hungry, that just helps you lose faster. For me, the more active I am, the less I feel like eating. Combine that with keto, and losing to my goal was not difficult. My only issue is I really LIKE to eat, not so much that I am hungry.
The bold is real. You can set things however you want to set them but you have to track how it is working for you.0 -
Okay good, I understand that I need a daily calorie deficit to loose but the way that article was written it almost sounded like you should not set up a deficit.
Last question should I set up my diary so that it gives me calorie adjustments for my activity (I wear a fitbit)? In the past I've kept my settings at sedentary and then let the fitbit adjust my calories as my day goes on. I teach so M-F I am definitely not sedentary.
Regards Fitbit adjustments. You teach kids, have kids, etc. you are not sedentary, so up your activity level if you want adjustments, otherwise they will be way over for you to have a deficit. You might want to check out the Fitbit groups FAQ
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10098937/faq-syncing-logging-food-exercise-calorie-adjustments-activity-levels-accuracy#latest1 -
As an obese lady myself who have lost 40kg's by now, I didn't lose on 1900 calories.
1400 calories or less, 65%-70% fat, 20% - 25% protein and 5% carbs is my sweet spot.
But again, you activity level, height and weight plays a big role.0
