New to MFP, Ready for Change (2014)

MJay0023

Hello,

My name is Maurice, I'm new to this forum. I've previously lost weight using fatloss4idiots diet, but I think that diet failed to teach me the basics of nutrition and once I lost the weight I ended up obese again. I've tried it again last year, this time I was more determined not be overweight ever again, but I felt it was too restrictive and I wasn’t seeing the results I had before, which is how I ended up here. I wanted to lose weight eating the foods that I want, while meeting my nutrition goals of carbs, protein and fats. I've been using the My Fitness Pal app for about a week and a half. It's amazing how much happier I was once I gained control over the foods I ate. It's like I was set free or something.

So, I used to go on a forum for that diet for support, but that forum has since shut down. I believe we all need to do what works for us individually when losing weight. So far my fitness pal app has tremendously helped me to keep a food diary while making it easy and fun to use. I can't believe it's free considering how helpful it has been. There's even an easy way to keep progress. (I only wish it could help track body fat percentage which is more important to me than weight. I want to be 165 lbs and 11% bodyfat)

A little background, I have a fulltime day job and go to religious events throughout the week. This can make it difficult at times to find time to exercise and eat healthy, but I am determined to get in the best shape of my life this year.

One question though, I really want to build muscle in addition to losing weight (get a lean, cut physique), I've been told these must be done separately. Is there any truth to that? If so, I would like to lose all of the weight first and then build muscle from there. I'll still weight lift at the gym to retain whatever muscle I can.

Thanks,

Maurice J.

MJay0023

BTW, I'm trying to make new MFP friends so feel free to add me.

Thanks again!