New to this group

jlaine8888

Hi, I'm happy to be here. New to this group as I am approaching my weight loss differently this time and embracing small changes that I hope to turn into habits that last my life time. I started last month with logging all my foods and really paying attention to the nutritional values and that is helping me understand how I need to change my diet and incorporate new/different foods. This month I am embracing Dry January. Overall, I have a lot of weight to lose (goal weight is 80 pounds less than my starting weight) but am encouraged that I lost 9 lbs in the first 3 weeks with my small step forward! Good luck everyone in all of your small steps! -51 from Wisconsin!

yirara

Hi there and welcome!

You say you want to approach things differently and lose weight slowly. But at the same time you write you want to lose 3lbs per week. I encourage you to look at the possible weightloss goals here again. The maximum is 2lbs per week, and that's for morbidly obese people. You're trying to achieve something that might not be possible for you with only 80lbs to lose. Losing 3lbs per week would mean eating 1500 calories less per day than you need for maintenance. That is a lot.

I'm not trying to tell you to give up, but to consider more moderate, and realistic goals. Also keep in mind that if you lose weight too quickly then you lose a ton of muscle mass because your body can only lose so much bodyfat per day. You're at an age where every little bit of muscle counts for heart health, and fitness, and for preventing osteoporosis. I know seeing 9lbs less on the scale can be a real motivation, but you need to set yourself realistic goals that are actually possible. If MFP gives you 1200 calories then you won't reach your goal because this is the lowest number you will get here. Thus if you need to eat less than 1200 calories per day to reach your goal you'll still be given 1200.

vwalsh2021

I am also nearly 51 (San Francisco.) I have 15lbs to lose and I am making a major move by doing dry 2025!! Also logging, protein, walking, and possibly IF. Good luck!

jlaine8888

Thanks YIRARA, however, I never said that I wanted to lose 3 pounds per week. I said that I had lost 9 pounds in three weeks. I had hoped for encouragement but received a diatribe on your impression of what you think I dont already know. Very disappointing and disheartening. I didn't need schooled. I needed to be supported.

sollyn23l2

One day at a time and you'll get there.

megd44

@jlaine8888 taking small steps and allowing them to become habit is a great way to go about this. IMO it makes it more sustainable and less difficult. I am also in my 50s, so making sure I am hitting my protein minimum to support muscle retention is huge for me, as is strength training to help maintain bone density.

There are some great challenges in the thread and some active groups. You may find people with very similar goals to help support. I find the forums super helpful, even after years of being on-off MFP.

Nice start and good luck on your journey.

ANGIEDAVIS45

Hello all my name is Angie and I am 56 years old. While I am in good health I am over weight. My first goal is to lose 18 pounds. I am a yo-yo dieter and this time hope to lose the weight for good. I realize slow and steady is the way to go, so I am going to first log my food for 7-14 days to determine where the problem is. Once that is done I plan to come up with an eating plan that adds more structure to my day. I have joined a boot camp and am looking to workout 4 days a week. This is my plan for now. I hope to get encouragement and ideas from this group. I wish all of you luck as we go on the journey together.

Rockymountainliving

Hi, I would also advise tracking your hunger levels according to food you've eaten. For me, some food is longer satiating than others. Good luck, you've got this!

JessicaBorneman5699

Hello. I am looking for some support and accountability also. I want to lose about 30lbs, lower my cholesterol and my A1C. I love to eat sweets and so does my husband. I think checking in here and journaling will help me.