New to MFP, switching over from WW. Tips needed!

pensivelildee1

Hello Everyone. I have had MFP on my phone for a while now but I've always used it just to see the nutritional info on certain foods so that I can calculate the points value for it. I was doing WW for about 1.5 years and lost 50 lbs. Then as usual, I got tired of counting points and started feeling overly confident about going down from a size 16 to a size 10 so I quit back in April 2014. Since then, I've been pretty much eating well, except for my frequent indulgence of eating out and I have been working out about 2-3 times a week. I have gained 10lbs since April 2014 so about 2 lbs a month till now. So althought a part of me wants to go back to ww, I also really dont want to go back to paying $43 a month, espicially when tracking my food on MFP is so similar and FREE! The only thing though is that I believe that what helped me most about Weight watchers were the meetings and feeling accountable having to weigh in every Saturday. Even weight watchers online did not work for me because it lacked that feeling of community. I kind of feeling that MFP will be similar and it wont work for me because although it has a strong online community, it doesnt have like actual physical meetings with the members. Does anyone have any tips or advise at how I can get the most out of MFP? I'm really trying to stay within my calories and my husband is also doing this with me so we have each other's support. We are also trying the C25K in hopes of running out first 5k in November. Any tips would be really appreciated! Thanks for reading!!

fanceegirl75

Adding some supportive friends here to encourage you and ask questions will help you stay accountable as well as logging your food...even the bad stuff. Also opening your diary to at least your friends. What helps me is weighing my food (food scale, measuring cups & spoons), also prepping food for the week on Sundays. The message boards also contain some very helpful info. I just restarted with MFP last month. Joined in 2011 and lost 50 lbs. Last year I got tired of logging but managed to keep all but about 10-15 lbs of the weight I'd lost off. Then last Oct I had an issue with my sciatic nerve that forced me to stop working out. Fast forward to this year, meeting my bf...lots of dates eating out and plenty yummy adult bevs and I'd gained another 20 lbs. So I'm back and no plans of leaving this time. I will send you an add! Good luck.

999tigger

Read as many threads as interest you and you will see and learn the most common questions and answers.

There is a difference between WW and MFP at its simplest to lose weight you need to create calorie deficit and stick with it. That includes logging everything accurately and people suggest getting some kitchen scales if you dont already have some. Its a good way to get a grasp on portion control. There are other aspects such as nutritional value that you can learn.

You will find anything is allowed its your diet, but if its high calorie or junk food, then in moderation or if its a treat, then try and work it in as part of your overall calorie allowance. Dont freak out if you o off tack for a while, just get back on course as fast as you can. Never take it out on yourself.

Think long term and lifestyle change rather than focusing strictly on weight. People like to use measurements as a better way of assessing how you are doing.

If you exercise then be aware MFP may overstate the calories lost . You can eat calories back, but not everyone does and some people eat say 50% back to make sure the calorie deficit is not impaired.

If you log on regulalrly and log your food it becomes easier to copy prebious meals etc.

Think about what you want from MFP friends, some people have loads and need support and encouragement in a big way, other friends are quite and hardly ever say anything. Its just a community like everywjhere else and people are all sorts. Most of them are sympathetic abd supportive, but you might want to keep a smaller friends list. Friends i think are the best way of making a community, but it oes both ways so you need active people who comment if hitting the like button isnt enough for you.

That wasnt in any order. Oh and someone kind will or has already come along and posted the links to the stickies which are really useful plys the guide of what its reasonable to aim for as weight loss per week depending on your current weight.

Oh and weight loss inst linear but you would know that considering your previous losses.

Feel free to add.