Does MyFitnessPal really work? (Newbie)

BrownSkinBeauty1990

Hey everyone,

I'm new here and I have never had to lose weight before. I have about 18lbs to lose since having a baby two and half months ago.

I've been following MyFitnessPal since last Friday. I am eating 1200 cals and doing a bit of exercise everyday. I haven't weighed myself yet as I am going to weigh in every Friday.

So does it actually work? Because I've never had to lose weight, for some reason I just have it in my head that it's not going to work & nothing is going to help me lose weight. When I look in the mirror I don't look as though I have lost any weight and its been nearly a week!


Update :
So I have been doing this program for 6 days today & I just weighed myself as I couldn't wait until tomorrow & I have lost..... NOTHING! I am still exactly the same weight as I was before & I am eating healthier, less & exercising. How the hell does his work.

I feel sad now lol

Mads1997

Hi This is my first attempt at needing to lose weight also. I can tell you if you follow MFP it works. Did MFP suggest the 1200 or did you just pick that amount of calories?

rfcollins33

Well, the program itself doesn't "work," you have to work the program. But, if you stick to the limits, and workout and log all that then it is a wonderful tool for your weight loss. I've lost 36 lbs, now some of that was before mfp, I used to use the little calculator on my computer to count my calories, but I'd forget stuff and always had to read labels or look up nutritional value on google, so this is a much easier, simpler, and faster way to do it. Essentially, mfp is a calorie, sugar, fat, and other nutrient counter. It is also a place for support and motivation. Stick with it, it's fun for me now, so I really love mfp. You'll do great, keep it up. I am also losing baby weight (actually if you gain 50 lbs, it's not really baby weight, it's just fat ;p haha I guess I just feel better calling it 'baby weight')

BrownSkinBeauty1990

Hi, Thanks for the reply.

No I picked that amount of calories

Mads1997

Ok then I would suggest you go back into your goals and let MFP set the amount of calories for you

BrownSkinBeauty1990

Why should I do that? I just though that if I put it to 1200 cals a day then I would lose weight faster?

downtome

This program works if you work it! You are the one that will have to put in the effort and check in daily and get the support you need, no one can do this for you. We are all here for the same reason and finding support and inspiration is a great help in losing weight. I have lost 57lbs since starting MFP back in November, so yes, it has worked for me but I am also very consistent and motivated to reach my goals like many other people on here. Good luck to you!

Mads1997

Nope it doesn't work like that.

BrownSkinBeauty1990

Thank you for the support

So how do I let MFP pick the calories for me? Is it the bit where I fill in the goals and then on the drop down menu where it says 'lose 1lb a week (recommended)' ?

I just chose the 'lose 2lb a week' bit as I have read alot of people on here using that one, so I thought it was fine. Don't really see why it's not to be honest.

Zuznana

Yes it does...at least for me. So far I've lost 28 pounds (2 stone) and the first stone I lost only on eating the recommended amount of calories. Then I started exercising and lost the other stone. The best thing about this site is the fact that there is huge amount of people that you can relate to and who will support you and I've never thought I will be the exercising type, but now do a little bit every day thanks to all the great exercises I found people doing here. I have 2 kids and one is still home (4 years) so I know that mum';s always don't have the time they want, but I'm sure you will find your way to squeeze exercise in.

DaniiDean

Why should I do that? I just though that if I put it to 1200 cals a day then I would lose weight faster?

Do what MFP says regarding calories

catcrazy

If you have a lot of weight to lose then 2lb a week is fine but 2lb is not guaranteed. If you only have a small amount to lose its pretty important to choose a smaller amount to lose per week, I've seen many of my friends start stalling when theyre on the last 20lbs suddenly start losing again when they've dropped their expected loss from 2lb to 1lb.

Does MFP work? Obviously you need to do the work but the tools and the support on here can make it all so much easier so I'll say yes, it does IF you want it to

ukgirly01

If you log what you eat, drink lots of water and eat well then yes it works. If you only have 18lbs to lose then it might be best to aim for 1 lb a week tho.

kps1104

I will say it works But you have to be able to do the work. I was having a hard time losing weight and even though I was on here I wasn't really sticking to it. So recently I was sticking to it and I did see some results I went on vacation and gained some of it back but that was totally my fault since we ate crap. But I am back and ready to kick some of this weight off! good luck!

BrownSkinBeauty1990

But I wanted to lose weight quickly

I wanted to drop quite alot of weight by next month as it's my birthday.

So because I've picked the lose 2lbs a week one does that mean it's likely not to work?

Enaz29

MFP works. I have a 3 month old baby and during the week while I used the MPF and exercise 6 days a week I've lost 7lbs!

BrownSkinBeauty1990

Update :
So I have been doing this program for 6 days today & I just weighed myself as I couldn't wait until tomorrow & I have lost..... NOTHING! I am still exactly the same weight as I was before & I am eating healthier, less & exercising. How the hell does his work.

I feel sad now lol

Enaz29

It is important to write down all what you eat in food diary. Goal is 1200 calories a day rather than simply eating less.

catcrazy

But I wanted to lose weight quickly

I wanted to drop quite alot of weight by next month as it's my birthday.

So because I've picked the lose 2lbs a week one does that mean it's likely not to work?

Update :
So I have been doing this program for 6 days today & I just weighed myself as I couldn't wait until tomorrow & I have lost..... NOTHING! I am still exactly the same weight as I was before & I am eating healthier, less & exercising. How the hell does his work.

I feel sad now lol

Quicker doesnt mean better, choosing 2lb a week may work for you but from the friends on my list with little to lose I've found it to be less likely.

As for your weigh in...starting or increasing exercise will almost always see an increase in weight to begin with as your muscles hold on to fluids to help repair and refuel the next work out. What calories have you been eating, what is your sodium level at? if you choose ready made low fat foods theyre often packed with salt and sugar to make up the flavour of the lost fats.

Weight loss is not a race, patience really is a virtue in this instance

RGPargy

Weight loss is not a race, patience really is a virtue in this instance

Amen to that!! :flowerforyou:

BrownSkinBeauty1990

I have been eating 1200 cals a day or more when I do exercise which is less than what I normally eat. I also eat all homemade food, I never eat ready made stuff as it's full of rubbish!

Yesterday my sodium level for the whole day was 1,436mg is this too much? I don't know anything about sodium. How does this affect how much you lose etc...?

Yes that makes sense about putting on weight when you first start exercising. I have just measured myself and I have lost between 1/2 an inch to an inch everywhere within like 5 days, so it's definatly working

catcrazy

Your sodium level seems fine, it doesnt make you gain weight as such but it makes you retain water, have a pizza night and see what happens (actually don't, its not nice to see 3lb+ gained on the scales overnight!)

to track your progress use a combination of the tape, the scales and how clothes fit, if the scale hasn't moved measure yourself or try something on. And don't forget womens hormones can cause a weight gain so be prepared for that one and don't let it get you down, its only for a few days


The measuring tape has proved its working, keep it up and well done!

nicolej216

Yes sodium as alot to do with it that can cause you to retain water and Baby weight has alot of water ..Just a thought.Did you exersize before Dont worry about a scale number get your self a measuring tape .

carrie_lebel

18 lbs is not a lot to lose I would adjust your weight loss to 1 lb to .5 a week. Read the notes on the top of each forum it will give you tips on diet and exercise Don't forget to eat back your exercise calories. Drink Alot of water and drink green tea. If you want to know if it works just read the success forum for motivation.

Rae9911

Hi, it does work but perhaps your 1200 calories are a little low. I have been doing this since January and have lost 16lb to date, I started this diet after speaking to my doctor as I needed to shift 49lb due to a back problem. I am currently sticking to between 1400 and 1500 calories. Unfortantely at the moment I am unable to exercise due to foot tendonitis caused by too much exercise so for the last 5 weeks its all been down to diet only and pleased to say I have still lost 1lb a week. Don't give up stick to it but try eating a little more.

MissingMinnesota

I think a lot of your questions would be answered if you read through the following.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/23912-links-in-mfp-you-want-to-read-again-and-again

Losing2Live69

It will work if you work it.....

WomanofWorth

Hi, Thanks for the reply.

No I picked that amount of calories

Follow the calories that MFP suggests or what your dr. has told you to eat, exercise moderately and it will work as long as you're eating nutritious foods (low in sugar, low in sodium, high in nutrients). You have to fuel the body. People choose really low calories, exercise like punishing their bodies will help their efforts and then wonder why nothing is working.

These are the things to remember:

THE BASICS OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHANGE:

First and foremost, stop thinking of it as a diet. A diet is something that has an end date. This is a lifestyle change. This is how you keep yourself healthy for the rest of your life.

Motivation is really about willpower and don't let anyone tell you it isn't. It isn't about being perfect. What I mean in this instance about willpower is that it is about telling yourself I WILL do the following:

I WILL eat the proper amount of calories
I WILL get at least 7 hours of sleep (lack of proper sleep messed up the metabolism)
I WILL drink 1/2 of my body weight in ounces of water so that I can feel fuller longer, rev my metabolism and not dehydrate during workouts
I WILL exercise for 45-60 minutes per day at least 5 days per week. We all have to begin somewhere with consistency, though so even a 15 minute walk (about 1 mile) counts. When you're not energetic for it, tell yourself that you will at least doing 15 minutes.
I WILL eat a rainbow of fruits and veggies, incorporating veggies at every meal.
I WILL track sodium intake, especially since sodium is sneaky and turns up in places you might not expect.

Those are the basics. Remember that these willpowers are merely habits. If you mess up, do the next right thing. One bad meal does not a bad eating day make. Planning goes a long way on this journey.

Remember, motivation is like bathing. Neither last, so you have to do them every day. This is a daily and sometimes hourly re-dedication but it does get easier.

WomanofWorth

But I wanted to lose weight quickly

I wanted to drop quite alot of weight by next month as it's my birthday.

So because I've picked the lose 2lbs a week one does that mean it's likely not to work?

Just as you didn't gain weight overnight, you also won't lose it overnight. This is a lifestyle change, not a "diet" with an expiration date as you've indicated.

WomanofWorth

I have been eating 1200 cals a day or more when I do exercise which is less than what I normally eat. I also eat all homemade food, I never eat ready made stuff as it's full of rubbish!

Yesterday my sodium level for the whole day was 1,436mg is this too much? I don't know anything about sodium. How does this affect how much you lose etc...?

Yes that makes sense about putting on weight when you first start exercising. I have just measured myself and I have lost between 1/2 an inch to an inch everywhere within like 5 days, so it's definatly working

Are you drinking enough water?

bmontgomery87

Yes it works if you hit your goals.
Proper nutrition works every time.