Venting and Advice

andbunt

I have always been in love with food, but now I want to change my life for the better. Becoming healthier is very important to me this go around because I am almost 30 years of age and I want to look forward to doing more in my life. I am currently the heaviest I have ever been in my life (310- 5'9 1/2). This is nothing that I am proud of but I would love for advice to be given on how to make it through the hard times. I am horrible at sticking to it but I'm tired of selling myself short. So this time I am in it to win it!!! I want to see my self change mentally as well as physically. Oh, and I am also into taking tips on how to start off into this life style. Should I do a cleanse?:bigsmile:

TavistockToad

Should I do a cleanse?:bigsmile:

No!

Mamakatspokane

Trial & error of what motivates you to make it through the "tough times". Are you a reward person? (if I lose 30 pounds I'll buy myself such n such) Or maybe your a fat photo's on the fridge person? I'm an accountability person......Currently my husband is who I know is watching and losing himself. I've done weight-watchers, knowing someone would see my weight every week helped. I joined groups on MFP and we poke each other if we aren't checking in and weigh in once a week. Maybe its a combo of all these things. Best advice....No matter what the exercise (fast, slow, whatever), no matter what time of day you like to workout...find something you enjoy...it's easier to do it if you love it.

Mamakatspokane

Should I do a cleanse?:bigsmile:

No!

I second this....make it easier not harder. Small changes, not drastic!

itsscottwilder

Welcome!

Don't do a cleanse.

Start logging your foods here religiously.

Watch the trends.

And reduce your calorie intake.

So if after a week, you see you've eaten an average of 2500 calories a day.

Goal yourself to max out at 2300 or 2400 calories.

Your goal is to get to the point where you're eating less food than it takes to get you through your day.

That's where it's important to figure out your TDEE (how many calories you burn every day)

And you BMR (How many calories it takes to do nothing everyday)

If you can get to the point of only eating your BMR calories, that's a good place to be.

Michelle_dirtracer

When I first started a healthier lifestyle I was 255lbs and stood 5'7". I did not cut any food out the first month instead I limited my portions until I really didn't feel like I needed that extra serving of potatoes or rice. It helped a lot. I lost 15 lbs the 1st month. It was a nice kickstart.

andbunt

Good advice that sounds like more my speed :happy:

Mamakatspokane

When I first started a healthier lifestyle I was 255lbs and stood 5'7". I did not cut any food out the first month instead I limited my portions until I really didn't feel like I needed that extra serving of potatoes or rice. It helped a lot. I lost 15 lbs the 1st month. It was a nice kickstart.

Great job!

bcattoes

Exercise! Find something that you like and do it regularly. I honestly don't know how anyone can eat little enough to lose weight without exercise (I too really love to eat).

Don't eat food you don't really like. When you are counting calories, make the calories count. Eating foods you don't enjoy just because you think you should is often a recipe for failure.

Dishes that are real diet killers but you don't want to give up? Experiment with ingredient exchanges to lower calories and/or enjoy them on special occasions only.

I also find it has helped me to eat very light throughout the day so I can still have a big meal in the evening. The evening meal is usually at least half my calories. This is not necessary, it just helps me because I like a big dinner.

MANDallasTX

One has to do the basics right over the long haul to get and keep healthy. Honestly knowing how much your eating is one of the basic tenants. Guessing won't cut it, you have to know for a fact. Another tenant is how and how much you exercise get. What you are wanting is a calorie deficit for the week of about 3,500 calories to lose one pound of fat.

While the basics sound easy, it is the dedication to continue doing it, even after set backs.

But you can do this! If a fat old man in his mid 50's can get healthier. You can too!

Robin052

Loving food is not my issue. I can go all day without eating, but I know that's not healthy. I have diabetes and hypothyroid, which my primary doctor didn't catch until I gained 40 lbs over 1 1/2 years. I finally went to a specialist. Now I am trying to find the right dosage of medication for my thyroid issues. I am always tired and fatigued. I was doing very well with the diabetes but I keep getting more restrictions on the fruits I love. One visit he says apples are good then the next it depends on how many you eat. I used to be a vegetarian but recently started eating fish and chicken. Anybody else have these issues? I am very frustrated and about to slap my doctor!!!:frown:

TheEffort

Exercise! Find something that you like and do it regularly. I honestly don't know how anyone can eat little enough to lose weight without exercise (I too really love to eat).

Don't eat food you don't really like. When you are counting calories, make the calories count. Eating foods you don't enjoy just because you think you should is often a recipe for failure.

Dishes that are real diet killers but you don't want to give up? Experiment with ingredient exchanges to lower calories and/or enjoy them on special occasions only.

I also find it has helped me to eat very light throughout the day so I can still have a big meal in the evening. The evening meal is usually at least half my calories. This is not necessary, it just helps me because I like a big dinner.

Great suggestions.

Robin052

Wow, you are doing great!!! I am clueless at this point!

Nyantho

Definitely do not do a cleanse or any sort of "detox". My understanding is that there is no good science behind any of that. If your liver is functioning properly (and you'd likely know it if it weren't), it is perfectly capable of removing any actual toxins from your body. After all, that's it's job.

My perspective is - keep it simple and be patient. Slower (to a point) is better. I tried running and set my self a goal of 2lbs a week. I found myself always hungry and hating my runs. I reduced it to 1.5lbs a week and started walking instead. I liked the walks and eventually got to where I would miss them, but 1.5lbs a week still left me hungry all the time. I adjusted again to 1lb a week and just walked a little longer and faster. Bingo! I found my balance and as long as I stayed consistent, I never resented what I was going through or why.

The last part of it for me was, when I did feel the hunger leading up to a meal, or right after my workout or whenever, I welcomed it! I took it as a sign that I was doing it right. I began to have that attitude towards all of the challenges of weight loss. If my muscles were sore, I did a little celebration dance because I knew I had challenged myself.

Be your own inspiration. You are more than worthy just for wanting to do this.

_HeartsOnFire_

Welcome!

Don't do a cleanse.

Start logging your foods here religiously.

Watch the trends.

And reduce your calorie intake.

So if after a week, you see you've eaten an average of 2500 calories a day.

Goal yourself to max out at 2300 or 2400 calories.

Your goal is to get to the point where you're eating less food than it takes to get you through your day.

That's where it's important to figure out your TDEE (how many calories you burn every day)

And you BMR (How many calories it takes to do nothing everyday)

If you can get to the point of only eating your BMR calories, that's a good place to be.

^^^This...and...

When I first started a healthier lifestyle I was 255lbs and stood 5'7". I did not cut any food out the first month instead I limited my portions until I really didn't feel like I needed that extra serving of potatoes or rice. It helped a lot. I lost 15 lbs the 1st month. It was a nice kickstart.

And start walking.

Also, remember you CAN do this!!!

No cleanses, no magic pills, no fads, no diets. Lifestyle change. You can eat the food you love and still lose weight. I'm proof.

You got this!!!

Nyantho

One has to do the basics right over the long haul to get and keep healthy. Honestly knowing how much your eating is one of the basic tenants. Guessing won't cut it, you have to know for a fact. Another tenant is how and how much you exercise get. What you are wanting is a calorie deficit for the week of about 3,500 calories to lose one pound of fat.

While the basics sound easy, it is the dedication to continue doing it, even after set backs.

But you can do this! If a fat old man in his mid 50's can get healthier. You can too!

I second this! Facts are your friends. Be a data geek. Get specific.

shivles

I found being able to make good quality, nutritious, healthy, TASTY meals was the key. You have to enjoy what your eating or you'll never stick with it! Find recipies for 'cheat' cookies, chocolate pudding etc and have them on hand for when your craving. Learn how to use seasoning to make your food taste good without all the crap. Find tasty, healthy food that you enjoy as it is, try new things, experiment with combinations.

JDHINAZ

Welcome!

Don't do a cleanse.

Start logging your foods here religiously.

Watch the trends.

And reduce your calorie intake.

So if after a week, you see you've eaten an average of 2500 calories a day.

Goal yourself to max out at 2300 or 2400 calories.

That's where it's important to figure out your TDEE (how many calories you burn every day)

And your BMR (How many calories it takes to do nothing everyday)

I agree with the parts I kept from above quote. Although I think once you figure out your TDEE (http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/#projectedweightloss) and your BMR, eat in between those two numbers. Don't eat below BMR. If you can keep to a set exercise schedule, follow the TDEE website suggested calories. If you are very hit and miss with your weekly exercise plan, use the plan set out here on MFP, and eat back some or all of your exercise calories.

Also, some other bits to keep you on track.

Learn to forgive yourself. Important, because at some point, you'll "screw up" and eat waaaayy more than you should, or not exercise as often as you should, then you'll get frustrated, and angry with yourself, and then just want to give up all together. So, acknowledge what you've done wrong, forgive yourself, and get back on track. Quickly.

Weigh or measure everything you consume. This is a biggie. Weigh it if you can. If you can't afford a scale (although you can get cheap, accurate ones) then weigh everything. Remember, accurate measurements are LEVEL with the top of the measuring devise. I'm telling you this since I still try to kid myself about this. It's not a rounded 1/2 cup of rice, it's a level 1/2 cup of rice....

If you can afford a HRM (heart rate monitor), get one, and log those calories as what you burn when you exercise. MFP and most machines tend to over estimate what you've actually burned.

Lastly, remember, this is a life change...not a diet. There are no absolutes here (besides eat at a reasonable deficit, and move more than you are currently..)
There is no three strikes rule here.
There isn't a timed test, and you're not competing against anyone.
This is truly about you deciding you are going to make a change for the rest of your life, so do something you can stick with. Don't compare yourself to others here. Don't feel like you have to "keep up". Some people will lose more quickly than you, others more slowly, don't let their progress define your success.
JUST KEEP GOING.

AleciaG724

I love food too!! I decided when I started losing weight that I will not change so drastically that I will only eat to live. I still want to live to eat - but by making better choices I will live a longer, healthier life! Great start by setting a smaller goal, do you have a date in mind to meet this by - maybe Christmas? I'm in a group to lose 20# by November 1st, we just started it if you'd like to join us!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/50645-lose-20-pounds-by-nov-1

Just take it one week at a time & try to get some sort of exercise in every day. Don't think about it, just do it - put your shoes on & go for a walk. Log your food every day & try to stay under your goal. If you don't it's ok, but stay close. I log right after every meal so I don't forget anything & I know how much I can eat for dinner. Some people like to log a day or more ahead of time, but that doesn't work for me. Drink lots of water & have some good low-cal snacks around for night time. I like celery sticks with laughing cow lite cheese - only 45 calories for a huge stalk loaded with cheese or plain Greek yogurt with berries. You can do this, just stay focused & don't quit!!

Best wishes to you - feel free to send a friend request.

joshdann

and *get your BMR measured*! online calculators are very rough estimates, and only anywhere near accurate for "normal" people. If you're going to try and eat at a small deficit, you definitely need to know what your *actual* BMR is. Ask your doctor for a recommendation or call around to some weight loss specialist type places.

for instance, my BMR is supposed to be 2700ish calories, according to the silly online calculators. (6'6" 300 lbs, 33yo male). That's total crap. I had one measurement done today that put me at just under 2200 BMR. I'm going for another (or two more) methods to get an average to work with. Mine was only about 18% off, but I know others who have done the same thing and found that the online calculators overestimated them by more than 20%.

harleylady2012

New to these boards - not sure what I can add. I am at my heaviest. I have switched to a smoothie for breakfast - which I make from my own ingredients, to suit my taste. Everyone I know who goes on a "cleanse" gains it back two to three days later. If you want to detox add green tea - that you brew - to your liquids- ancient medicine says it helps detox the liver. But as someone said your liver does its' own cleanse --once every 24 hours.

Your cleanse should be getting rid of processed foods and maybe cleansing your mind of the negative thoughts.Start when you wake up. And every other day after that...feel free to friend me - I could use one.