Does MFP work?

journeytohappy2014

I'm semi new to myfitnesspal and I'm just curious, has it worked for you? If yes or no then why? What else did you do to help trim yourself down? When it comes to eating right how did you not give in to indulgence? (My problem)

hill8570

Been working for me so far. Had a fitness coach recommend keeping a food diary, and the MFP app seemed to be the the most recommended (calorie counting is really only useful if you track everything -- having the tracker on my phone makes that easy). The first couple of days I was tracking, I was surprised how much the little crap (tortilla chip here, little piece of candy there) added up. Cutting out most of the grazing helped a lot, and being able to plan a meal before eating out helped even more. I've also got a certain amount of "indulgence" built into my food budget -- I'll usually eat around 100 calories of candy during the day -- the key is to keep that from becoming hundreds of calories (so I'll savor that one piece of pizza, rather than eat half of the pizza, etc.). I also added a 30 minute home exercise routine in the evenings -- before MFP I would've considered 30 minutes to be a waste of time, but that 250-300 calorie burn per day (on top of my existing 750 calorie deficit) makes a big difference.

Now, ask me again in June -- my goal is to get down to fightin' weight before sand volleyball seaon. So far I'm ahead of schedule, but I've heard the last few pounds are a pain to get off. Cross that bridge when I get there.

Supertact

It's not absolutely necessary to lose weight but it is indeed a very handy and convenient tool mixed with a food scale and exercise.

katylil

I frequently give in to indulgence.

I find MFP really helpful to track. I usually plan my whole day ahead on MFP so I've got at least a guideline of what I'm eating. And then one of my tenants brings me a chocolate croissant, so I delete a few things and re-jiggle my menu to fit it in. And I know I'm still OK with my calorie limit. And if I later have a latte and go over AGAIN, I go to the gym and blast it out in the weightsroom/elliptical.

It's about being flexible but sensible. Experiment, find what works for you.

Most importantly: don't give up. You fail, you fall, you pick yourself, you keep going. I know from experience that I can lose weight by eating clean and working out 5 times a week. But it makes me miserable and I can't do it for very long. I like my indulgences too much. So my weight loss is ssssllllooowww.... But it the number IS going down. And it's something I can sustain for life. AND I'm happy

brianalynnx

Welcome! I lost all of my weight here on MFP and reached my goal weight in roughly 5-6 months. It helped keep me accountable with every thing I put into my mouth. For the most part I am not very active, but fairly sedentary (with my desk job) however do try to run on the treadmill once a week or in summer I would take 20-30 minute walks a couple times a week.

I am sure I could have gotten more results with a more toned body had I chosen to exercise a little more and incorporate weight lifting. But counting my calories definitely took the weight off, and I am not one of those "eat super clean" people. Just stayed within my goals and did my best to be more active than normal.

As long as you log accurately and measure your portions, MFP definitely works for most people

Unknown

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Scarbo1964

I believe does, down 27lbs. Give it a try, I believe you will find it a very useful tool if used correctly. Best of luck with your goals.

agarlits

No, myfitnesspal on it's own will do nothing. You'll track calories and lose weight, then once you get to where you want to be you'll stop and go back to where you were. Maybe even end up worse than before. However the lifestyle change that many adopt when using this website and the lifelong commitment you'll find from other MFP users will absolutely help you get to where you want to be and stay there. So the answer remains no, myfitnesspal doesn't work because it's just a tool. You're the one that makes the change.

TommyJensen1987

Look at my track for the answer.

Clash1001

I found it really does - I'm on a new account now due to my total technological inability, but lost 40lb previously in a little over seven months.

I haven't cut out any foods really - just smaller portions, and if I know I am having an unhealthy tea, I will run it through the calorie counter first, so I know what I can or can't eat for the rest of the day and how much physical activity I need to do to combat it. I haven't felt particularly deprived at any point, so it works for me.

You do need to do it 'properly' though - weigh foods etc and don't eat back all of your exercise calories - you will find these tend to be overestimated anyway.

MandyMason7

Nope. Not at all.

veredit

Down 58 lbs in a safe and easy way, think for yourself.

Cyclingbonnie

I've been at it for a little over a year, and it works for me.

Mr_Knight

I'm semi new to myfitnesspal and I'm just curious, has it worked for you?

It's like any other tool - it works as well as the person wielding it.

qtgonewild

its not gonna work by itself. you have to do most of the work. but following its suggestions, it is everything i need it to be.

sfbaumgarten

I'm semi new to myfitnesspal and I'm just curious, has it worked for you? If yes or no then why? What else did you do to help trim yourself down? When it comes to eating right how did you not give in to indulgence? (My problem)

I lost weight with Weight Watchers online then joined MFP to help me maintain. For maintaining my weight, MFP works. As for indulgences, moderation is key and "eating right" is totally subjective...

IpuffyheartHeelsinthegym

You get out of it what you put into it. It certainly helped me gain some friends and keeps me entertained during the day while I am at work, so yes.

csuhar

As long as you do your part and make sure you track as accurately as you can, MFP will work. It's a new, interconnected take on the food and exercise diaries people have been using for decades. The biggest benefits I have found are the ability to access it from any computer and the extensive database that means I don't have to research the nutrition info for every new food I try.

dsjohndrow

3 years. down close to my goal weight and healthier than ever!

DamePiglet

Like Mr Knight said... you get out what you put in.
Also, if you put in the effort, you learn SO much AND... (best part for me!) you see that you don't have to suffer through giving up the foods you enjoy.

jenschroll

I've been pretty happy with MFP. I track everything - food and workouts - and make a great deal of effort to stay hydrated. We all have falls and fails, but the important thing is to get back up and keep going. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new foods or workouts. I've noticed my food preferences have shifted a LOT since I seriously started tracking in May 2013, but I don't really kick myself too hard over the occasional indulgence. We're all human. :happy:

Angela26point2finisher

MFP isn't something that works, or not works. It's a tool and just like any tool, you have to use it correctly for it to work to your advantage. The food database is HUGE, I rarely eat something that someone else hasn't already entered, which makes tracking so easy. I have found that the website and the app work together seamlessly and the message boards do provide tips and tricks and other advice, if you use it and participate in it.

candacet36

I am very happy with MFP. It was the tool that helped me get to where I need to be....or at least almost there!

It keeps me accountable to myself!!!

GiveMeCoffee

Tracking my calories with MFP works, as long as you can be consistent and brutally honest with yourself. Indulgences all the time I work them into my daily day and it's not a problem.

katiemegcz

I'm semi new to myfitnesspal and I'm just curious, has it worked for you?

It's like any other tool - it works as well as the person wielding it.

^^That.

I used it once before and lost 60 pounds, but then just fell off the wagon and made excuses and gained it back and then some. This time will only be as successful as I choose to be, although I have far more incentive now (I've eaten my way into some health issues), and I am being much more responsible about making permanent changes rather than thinking of this as a diet. If you have a low tolerance for slow steady change and occasional slow-downs this will be rough. But that is the ONLY way to lose weight and sustain it, and believe me, I have tried every other gimmicky, fast-track thing. It comes down to calories in calories out and fulfilling your nutritional needs. MFP is a tool to help you reach that goal, but ultimately, if you don't completely commit to a lifestyle change then it will be time wasted.

Duck_Puddle

Mfp doesn't "work", you do. But mfp works as a fabulous tool to aid you in the process. There is a wealth of knowledge (and entertainment) and comraderie and fun to be had here as well.

hopefaithlove24

Nope you still have to do the work, MFP might just guide you along:)

uncharted01

MFP works if and only if YOU do!

GregDiNoia

well said Uncharted. I do appreciate all the encouragement - its a motivator

tworthen79

10 months and 53lbs gone!

It worked for me!

katiemegcz

And as for indulgences, if they are going to be a part of your life when you reach your goal, best to find a way to fit them in now, in a way you can live with them. If an indulgence is half package of oreos (I have been there), then no.

I have learned that after a few days of doing this hard core and eating only super healthy food just to adjust, I was able to change my thinking about indulgences. 3 glasses of wine used to be an indulgence, now one or two a week are plenty. A piece of pie used to do, and now I love an occasional dark chocolate covered strawberry. I learned that PB2 is just as satisfying to me as my obsession (peanut butter), but with 45 calories instead of 190. Blending frozen banana with 30 calorie almond milk and a little cinnamon is an awesome ice cream sub. And when I go out (like on Valentine's Day), and we split a rare dessert, I am honest about the calories and what I will do for the next day or 2 to burn off any excess.