Hi I'm New Here....

texas_state11

Hi my name is Kristin and I just finished or struggled through my first week with my fitness pal. The app is easy to use and document but I'm confused about the calorie intake they suggest. I weigh 283 lbs and at first I set it to lose one pound a week just to get started and they set me up with 2300 calories intake a day. I changed my mind for this week to lose 1.5 a week and they set me up with 1800 calories intake. I just want to make sure I'm its correct for my weight because I know some people say the calorie intake they suggest is incorrect. Its difficult because I live with my family who loves junk food and sugar. I know i have a sugar problem. My question is what do yall turn to for a sugar substitute or a salty snack thats not to bad. I was always really skinny who ate what I wanted until I started gaining weight from my thyroid dying. My doctors cant seem to get the meds right so I know the weight is from that as well as my insulin resistance and the fact that I'm always hungry especially at night. Its like a never ending cycle. I consistently eat at night before bed and I dont know how to stop. I was just wondering if any one has been in my place and has any ideas of what I can do or any words of encouragement?

Thanks so much

Kristin

P.S. also feel free to add me as friend

aedreana

Hi Kristin. The key to salty snacks and sweets is portion control. Do not buy large portions. Buy one-ounce bags of chips, miniature-size candy bars, etc. It is best to buy automatically portion-controlled food products only, in fact. Such as, the individual microwaveable containers of Minute Rice. You will have to try out a calorie goal and monitor your progress to determine what works for you, because eveyone's metabolism is different. Count every single calorie. I once was 79 pounds heavier than I am now, when I was in my late 30s. Expect to be hungry-- it is unavoidable-- but it is worth it. Reward yourself frequently with nonfood items-- whatever you enjoy, whether music, cosmetics, jewelry, books, perfume-- even something as small as a bottle of nail polish or a magazine can be a treat to help you stick to your diet plan. Always keep in mind that you are in complete control of that number on the scale. Signing off now-- my phone is getting ready to run out of battery-- the very best of luck to you on your diet!

texas_state11

Thank you very much for your reply. I definitely try your ideas. anything can help

jlapey

Lots of great info in this blog along with links to even more great info:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Robin_Bin

amberj32

Hi Kristin. The key to salty snacks and sweets is portion control. Do not buy large portions. Buy one-ounce bags of chips, miniature-size candy bars, etc. It is best to buy automatically portion-controlled food products only, in fact. Such as, the individual microwaveable containers of Minute Rice. You will have to try out a calorie goal and monitor your progress to determine what works for you, because eveyone's metabolism is different. Count every single calorie. I once was 79 pounds heavier than I am now, when I was in my late 30s. Expect to be hungry-- it is unavoidable-- but it is worth it. Reward yourself frequently with nonfood items-- whatever you enjoy, whether music, cosmetics, jewelry, books, perfume-- even something as small as a bottle of nail polish or a magazine can be a treat to help you stick to your diet plan. Always keep in mind that you are in complete control of that number on the scale. Signing off now-- my phone is getting ready to run out of battery-- the very best of luck to you on your diet!

OP(Kristin) - I agree with everything here but expecting to be hungry because it's unavoidable. My calorie goal is 1680 a day. I eat more if I exercise and I haven't been hungry.

Jujubees813

For sweet cravings I've taken to fruit (fresh or freeze dried), a stick of gum, or those whole fruit Popsicles. For salty I eat those sweet potato and beet chips, unsalted nuts (which my brain hasn't seemed to catch up on), or peanut butter (which helps with salt and sugar cravings!!) I found nu-salt (I think that's what it's called) to put on my food, and Mrs Dash. I have like 4 different flavors. Good luck!