Please help!!

janine831
janine831 Posts: 15 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Hi this is another attempt at trying to drop some weight. Had many attempts but life has gotten in the way. So I've been going to the gym 6 days a week and have cut out all the bad foods, I drink lots and lots of water a day. still nothing im 35, 5'7 172lbs looking to lose 20. I'm really focused this time, but i feel like im doing something wrong. I've been at this for 3 weeks now and nothing. Getting really frustrated and discouraged. I wants this and will do whatever it is that I have to, just not sure exactly what im doing wrong or how to start. My eating habits have changed which Im proud of, but doesnt seem like its getting me anywhere. I would like appreciate some advice and guidance PLEASE HELP!!!
Janine

Replies

  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    Hi this is another attempt at trying to drop some weight. Had many attempts but life has gotten in the way. So I've been going to the gym 6 days a week and have cut out all the bad foods, I drink lots and lots of water a day. still nothing im 35, 5'7 172lbs looking to lose 20. I'm really focused this time, but i feel like im doing something wrong. I've been at this for 3 weeks now and nothing. Getting really frustrated and discouraged. I wants this and will do whatever it is that I have to, just not sure exactly what im doing wrong or how to start. My eating habits have changed which Im proud of, but doesnt seem like its getting me anywhere. I would like appreciate some advice and guidance PLEASE HELP!!!
    Janine

    More information would be helpful. But here goes........with 20 pounds to lose you should set your weight loss goals to 1-1/5 pound per week. MFP as designed will give you a calorie deficit BEFORE exercise. When you log exercise MFP will give you calories back.....ideally this brings you back to the "original" deficit. The reason I say "ideally"....MFP and many machines give generous calorie burns. Start by eating back 50-60%.

    Why do you eat back calories?......too big a deficit = fat+muscle loss.

    Log all your food....at least measure your portions....weighing is actually more accurate for solids. Have a general idea what your foods calorie count is...double check MFP.....many entries are wrong.....this is user error.


    Working out is great, but don't depend upon it for weight loss. It is so easy to eat 500 calories in a sitting .....and much harder (takes much longer) to burn it off. Working out is for fitness & maintenance (for me anyway). Working out helps me keep muscle mass....I don't want to be skinny-fat.

    If you don't like the idea of logging exercise....look up TDEE (this includes exercise up front).....so you just take a % off that number & you're good to go.

    http://iifym.com/tdee-calculator/
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    Hi this is another attempt at trying to drop some weight. Had many attempts but life has gotten in the way. So I've been going to the gym 6 days a week and have cut out all the bad foods, I drink lots and lots of water a day. still nothing im 35, 5'7 172lbs looking to lose 20. I'm really focused this time, but i feel like im doing something wrong. I've been at this for 3 weeks now and nothing. Getting really frustrated and discouraged. I wants this and will do whatever it is that I have to, just not sure exactly what im doing wrong or how to start. My eating habits have changed which Im proud of, but doesnt seem like its getting me anywhere. I would like appreciate some advice and guidance PLEASE HELP!!!
    Janine

    Food choices...

    I try to eat healthier, but this is a lifestyle change for me. I realize that I am not going to forego chocolate (ice cream, cookie, cake....insert your own "bad" food here) for the rest of my life. I "can" still have those things BUT, there are small portion and I log them.

    You will see threads ....if it fits your macros IIFYM (macros are protein, fat & carbs)......what this means, get all the good stuff in (protein, veggies, fats)....then make room for a treat (a small one).

    Baby steps....If you try to change everything, there is a tendency to burn-out. You want to make lasting changes that will help you manage your new weight.

    This thread is super helpful.....
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

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