New and in need of guidance

Stephnio

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the site. Had my baby a year ago and went into my thirties, so now I can't seem to lose weight as easily as before.

Need to lose around 22 lbs and don't know how I'm going to go about it.

Need some advice as to how this actually works. Do I just log whatever I eat and see where I can improve, or do I actually have to plan my meals according to the Protein, Fat and Carb guidelines, because I do not know how to do that.

And do I then lessen my kj intake?

Sorry for all the stupid questions, but I have no idea...

Congrats to all of you who have kept it up and still going at it!

LionOnYourGirl

Hi!
Well you just stepped into a pretty neat app. It is so effective and you will see results

Id recommend logging in everything you eat so you know where you stand. Then start planning out meals and adjust the macros.
If your wanting to loose weight, aim for a calorie calc to ensure a decent rough range (I believe fitness pal has a calculator).
Then just try and eat whole foods, higher protein, less fatty diet with moderate to minimal carbohydrates.

ALWAYS EAT BREAKFAST. I like to follow the Bigger breakfasts, medium lunches and small dinner approach with snacks inbetween But im trying to gain weight and weight train.

BUT IVE HELPED MANY FRIENDS loose weight. So let me know if you need anymore guidance. I sort of just tossed a basic one here lol

scottyg70

I'll echo what BlackClaw said. Welcome! You'll find this to not only be a neat app but a great community of people who can help you along! You've done the most important step: you've started!

You should log EVERYTHING you put into your body. Including water! You'd be surprised at how many calories you take in a day when you're not counting. Don't worry about the macro's at first. Try hitting the calorie goal for the day, then start working on the macros once you have consistently hit your calorie goal. One thing to remember: you have to eat. You shouldn't go below 1200 calories a day. If you are, then you're only hurting yourself (and your weight loss).

There are plenty of opinions out there so you've really got to find what works well for you. Feel free to add me as a friend if you'd like!

ssaraj43

Welcome!

Please read......http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

Lonestar5775

I recommend finding and adding some other MFP friends. As you tour around the website and forums, you will find others with similar interests and goals and then they can encourage you along your way to changing your life habits. I very much enjoy the social aspect of the site and it has helped me stay honest in posting and making time for exercise. Just a thought....

PaulFields56

Welcome to MFP. It's a great resource and easy to use. One of the things I like most is the flexibility. There are many different philosophies and approaches to using MFP.

I have been very succesful. I started by just entering my calories. Then I started trying to stay under my goal on a weekly basis. Now, I am dedicated to keeping under calories pretty much every day (If I go over once a week or so, no sweat--it's the overall trend I'm looking for.) I set it up as a challenge to myself, and that's what keeps me motivated and happy.

For the way I live, I count calories pretty religiously, but I try not to be too hardcore. I don't worry too much about eating the right number of calories fromm carbs, protein or fat. Other people find it's important to precisely measure everything they eat and to hit their calorie, macro-nutrient and micro-nutrient targets every day. By trial and error you will find what works for you. And what works for you will change as you learn and grow (er, shrink, I mean).

It's a great community, but like any online social media, people feel like they can express opinions forcefully without any consequences. In other words, there are as many (if not more) jerks on MFP as there are anny place else. Choose your friends carefully and ditch anyone who is not supportive. If you post questions in the forums, be prepared for criticism, some of which is heavy-handed.

Most of all, be patient. If' you're like me, you didn't gain weight overnight and you won't lose it overnight. Set yourself up for the long haul by taking the time to find an approach that is sustainalble for you.

If you would like to add me as a friend, please do! Good luck.
Paul

jillianbeeee

Not a stupid question at all! Congrats on the baby! These people on this site have taught me so much and much of that was through tough love. LOL. Sometimes we are told what we don't want to hear but if we listen we hear what needs to be said. This is the greatest support system you will ever find to help you reach your goal weight. But the hard work is yours and yours alone. Start with the basics. Do some searching through these forums on things like calories in vs. calories out, the benefits of drinking your water, weighing your food, cardio and weightlifting for beginners and how to properly log your foods. Learn about moderation, this is a lifestyle change so you don't want to start any habits that you can't keep for the rest of your life. Like giving up ice cream until you reach your goal weight or never eating pizza again. Its a long process but SO WORTH IT! Welcome and good luck! Oh and don't forget to read those success stories for motivation and creep those dairies for ideas!

LosingItForGood13

Myself I plan my meals to keep me on track so I log everything spices and all the ones that an be tracked

Stephnio

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for all the replies. I will definitely take your advice and send out some friend requests.

Have a good day!