Newbie with 21 days down and a lifetime to go

michelleb148

I've heard that it takes 21 days to form a habit. Because of this, I held back on posting anything about being new to MFP until I could prove to myself that I could stick with tracking my food for 21 days straight. In the past when I have tried to lose weight - either by eating better, or by exercising more, or by any combination thereof - I have hit a wall after a few weeks. I get so gung-ho for the first couple of days/weeks, then one busy week comes along, or a I get sick for a few days, and I just drop off and say to myself "I'll be better next week".. next week becomes next month and before you know it, I am starting the whole process over with a new regime/mentality that is "going to work for me this time"

So far, I am loving MFP. It makes me break down my choices and realize that one day isn't going to mess me up, as long as the next day I am right back on track. I am an engineer, so seeing everything spelled out in numbers has really helped me. It is almost as if it is a game (ex: 30 min of running = 1 drink on Friday night). Plus, I am learning how truly "good" or "bad" certain foods can be. For the few months before I started, I was eating out more days a week than I was cooking. Now when I track meals out, its no wonder I gained weight! Aside from the math, I love reading people success stories. It makes it all real and keeps me motivated.

What's next on my journey? First 5k is November 6th! Then hopefully another one Thanksgiving Day. Goal 1 is also on Thanksgiving and it is to lose 10 lbs (down to 160). My family has never been super health conscious, so I hope to set a good example as we move into the holidays.

So that's the start of my story... Feel free to friend me if you want to know more about me, how I came to MFP or what I'll be doing in the next few months!

pixlamarque

Welcome! I'm signed up for my first 5k Nov 5th. I'm not sure I will be able to run the whole thing, but I can at least run a good bit of it. I am doing C25K right now to get ready ( I started a little too late to be able to finish the 9 week program and I may have to modify a little along the way, but so far it's great). Feel free to add me.

caiconCristi

Way to go. That is the thought process I went into this with. I just want to lose weight with peace of mind. Congrats on your first 21 days!

surfrgrl1

Welcome Newbie!! I'm so glad you decided to stick with us and introduce yourself. I've been on MFP since August and love it. I've found the tools so easy and educational that I could never go back to journaling in a fancy notebook with my calorie counting book by my side! Best wishes on achieving your goals!!

stacey_marie_08

I'm still new, too! I'm on my 5th or 6th day in a row now tracking. I get all gung-ho about buying "good" foods then end up just ordering out or eating my boyfriend's junk food.. lol. I'm not AS focused completely eleiminating the "bad" foods right now, just on staying under my calories and exercising on a regular basis. Excercising... that's another one I'm all giddy about for a few days, then one night of drinking totally throws me off. Not anymore! I'm only cheating myself doing this, and each time I go off track, I prolong seeing results, and it's a long enough process as it is anyway. So... let's try and get into some good habits!

baycat107

Welcome...I've been here since August & love it. It's working for me. Ran my 1st 5K 9/11, next will be 10/16 & then Thanksgiving day. I like the numbers game, too.