New to it all-any tips?

LMcgloon

Hi Everyone,
I joined MFP last week and I've not only been logging in everyday and tracking calories (or more importantly in my case, carbs) but I've also been referring a few friends to the site. I love it!
This is my very first-EVER- post to a message board, I'm not really fimilar on how they work so it'll probably take me a little bit to get the hang of it.

In July I was diagnosed as a Type 2 Diabetic. News no one wants to hear, but in reality, it changed my life in so many ways for the better. I think it was what I needed. I was headed down a horrible path with very little to no effort in changing. I am only 28 years old, so no doubt I was terrified at first, but I am embracing this new lifestyle and it is paying off!
I've lost approx 40 pounds in about 6 months and my energy level is so much higher. I have a long ways to go but with the support of my friends, family, doctors, and maybe now you guys I am going to go the distance.
I've been put on a relatively restrictive diet but it really hasn't proven to be difficult for me. What I do have problems with is the EXERCISING, yuck! haha. What do you guys use as motivation to get up and just do it?

Looking forward to hearing from people!

DancingDreamer

find a CD that you just cant NOT dance to (even if its just a little dancing) and put it on every day and DANCE the calories off. it doesnt feel like exercise, it just feels like fun that happens to tire you out. also cleaning is exercise (dang good exercise too!). and if you dont like cleaning (i didnt used to so i get it) put on some music! make it fun! or put on a movie you've seen a billion times and let it play in the background while you clean, entertainment AND a clean house! perfect combo!

if you're not an exercise person, make it not exercise...make it fun that just so happens to sneakily be exercise. you just may start looking forward to exercise time!

good luck and welcome to MFP! this place is great!

reojames

Hi L! the way I stay motivated to walk every day (the only exercise I do) is that I listen to motivating podcasts. There's nothing like hearing about the health benefits of exercising while you are exercising! My favorite podcast is the Fat2fit podcast, but I'm sure there are plenty. You can go to fat2fitradio.com to check out my fave, and let me know if you have a favorite, too! I'm always up to good podcast suggestions.
Good luck, and congrats on the 40 pounds!
Aaron

missouri_rain

Hello and welcome, track everything, that 's the best tip I can give you.

themommie

Congrats on the 40lbs thats great and welcome. You need to find ways to make exercise fun. If you can include your family and friends. If you make plans to go hiking with a friend you are less likely to back out. I dont really like exercise either, but I bought a wii and have been doing it in the evenings and with the kids, I also went bike riding with the kids and I have been going on walks with my husband . It makes it more enjoyable. Good luck , You can do it and we are here for you if you need motivation

bmq98

Hi L,

I started on MFP last week and I posted about exercise procrastination :-) One of the best tips I received was to do some exercise, like maybe 10 situps, as long as you do something.

If you haven't exercised in a long time, I would suggest that you dip your toe in the exercise waters slowly and carefully. Get on a bike, for 10 or 15 minutes. Go for a walk, do 10 minutes one way and 10 minutes back home. See how you feel. If it felt challenging, then keep doing it for a week or so until it feel easy, and then add 5 minutes.

I agree with everyone else about finding something you like to do. Do you like swimming, dancing, walking, running, cycling?

Find what you like and then whatever it is - move with it! Once you find exercise that you like, you will be able to keep it moving!

Good luck!

yours in the quest,
bmq98