30+ going to lose 100+ lbs

keddabee

Im turning 30 in a few months and have 88+ pounds to loose (88 to get to my first goal anyways!).

Would love to have new friends so feel free to add me

Neeters1969

So, where to start?

Are you feeling like there's a certain place that YOU CAN start? I'll list a couple places that I think a person would start:
-getting more water
-taking a walk
-finding out how many calories you consume...take one week and log EVERYTHING you normally eat, don't try to "diet" or restrict anything, just evaluate where you are actually AT
-cut back on certain foods (like refined sugars, as an example)
-add in nutritious foods (like vegetables)

I've kept a blog for two years which has really helped me! I easily "forget" the progress I've made (because there's still so much that needs to be done) or even forget what I'm trying to focus on. So for me, journaling on my blog has helped me make the steps necessary for life change. It has also helped me truly see that I can't lose 100 pounds in a week! It's been a reality check for me! Best to you!

Great advice. Small steps. Remember the change is for the rest of your life, not just the short term.

Best of luck.

sarainiowa

39 and getting rid of over 100 LBS. I'm committed and motivated.

Feel free to add me if you want.

beezmummy

Hi! I am 36 mom to a 4 year old and I have 100+ pounds to lose. Please feel free to add me

MscGray

I'm 37 years old and the mother of 2, I'm hoping to lose about 95 lbs total to get down to 150...and then figure out if I want to go any lower. I've only just begun, but so far I would say that I did get a big boost from using the food diary on here, it definately works towards keeping you accountable. I'm doing atkins in conjunction w/ watching calories and so far have had good results...but it hasnt been easy. If your fresh starting up, I would recommend calorie awareness first, give yourself a week or so for your body to adjust to the changed calorie load, and then get moving!! start by walking, or jogging if you can. Or try a class (I love Zumba, and while i still kinda trip over my feet I only need to take a few breaks over the hour...). Strive to move at least 20 minutes every day and you will be well on your way! Good luck!!

gtdattitude

Not sure where to start?

Well, you're already here. So you've got that going for ya. As for the rest?

Here:

1. don't trust the initial setup that MFP provides. If you put in the wrong/inaccurate information, it'll tell you to eat an amount that may not be applicable.
2. Make sure you eat enough.
3. Figure out what works for you and is sustainable/healthy/long term.
4. avoid fads. don't buy in to any "Hey, try the twinkie and vodka diet"
5. Don't cut out anything now that you don't plan on literally giving up forever.
6. GET A FOOD SCALE. Weigh everything. No, seriously.
7. Get an HRM with a chest strap. You'll at least have a better idea of what you're burning. It'll be more accurate than the generic info in the exercise database.. and even more than the cardio machines. This is great for steady state cardio (run/walk/etc)
8. Don't go balls out. You'll burn out. I see 300 lb people show up here, instantly start working out and cutting their intake SEVERELY... trying to cut out all of their carbs at once.. whatever. Take it slow. Figure out how much you need to eat FIRST in order to lose.. then incorporate exercise.
9. Don't cardio yourself to death.
10. Take the information on the forums with a grain of salt. A lot of people that have been here for a while.. and have been successful, may seem jaded. They give out GREAT advice day after day, only to be met with people that refuse to listen.
11. Eat real food. Not diet food. Not "low fat, sugar free, now without X." It's easier to get/find/count.
12. don't set time restrictions.
13. measure yourself weekly. Don't just weigh. Measure and take pictures.
14 BE PATIENT.
15. Avoid forum topics that have "1200" in the title. It's just full of butthurt. Lots of it.
16. If you ask a question on the forum, give as much information as you can ("yes, I have a food scale and weigh my food" is worlds better than "I eat a palm full of miscellaneous boiled chicken parts..sometimes.")
17. Be honest with yourself and honest with us.
18. This isn't a game, it's about changing your lifestyle. Do that.

pretty much that.

...and don't fall into the "1200 calorie" vertigo of suck because of:

the typical MFP users does this:
1. I wanna lose weight, let's try MFP.
2. OH! Wow, it tells me I can lose 2 lbs a WEEK? AWESOME!
3. I just sit at a desk when I'm not working out, I guess I'm sedentary.
4. MFP tells them 1200 calories, and they don't even eat that.. then they work out on top of it.. creating an even bigger deficit.
5. Lose a lot, fast, brag about 1200 calorie success.
6. Come back in a few months trying to figure out why they're dizzy, tired, not losing weight.
7. Get on the forums, ask why they aren't losing.
8. Get two responses (I eat 1200 and lose) (I eat 2200 and lose)
9. Argument ensues about who is right.

Now. That being said. These threads happen hundreds of times per day. Most times, and I mean really.. seriously.. 95% of the time.. people get the 1200 number because they don't put the right information in when they set up the account. There are a great number of people that are trying to help. I'm one of 'em.

I'm a hardcore advocate of actually finding out what works for the individual.. by means of other calculators, averages, time, practice, and patience.

Blanket prescriptions of 1200 calories "because it worked for me" is more harmful to the generic new user than the "figure out what you need to eat." Unfortunately, one is a LOT easier to type.

Find out what you need: http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/

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

My hero! Well said.

jbrixe00

I'm 31 and need to lose a total of 145 lbs. I'm down 26 lbs in 3 months using myfitnesspal and have recently started adding exercise to my life! Anyone can add me if wanted I log daily.