So far, not a huge fan.

Demwitted

I discovered this app on Sunday, and it is pretty easy to use. I still don't like it. Thinking about the food I eat all the time makes me feel hungry, and now eating food makes me feel guilty. I usually feel tired. I worry that once I hit my target weight, I will either feel tired forever if I continue to track my calories or I will gain it back if I don't. That is assuming I ever get to my target weight...

There are no factors supporting me. Genetics are against me. My environment is against me. I have recently moved away from my base of support. All that said, I have to do something. Bad weight-related health problems run in my family.

I have lost about 14 lbs on my own, but it has taken almost a year. I have avoided dieting, but I'm afraid that is what it will take. I hope to get to under 200 by the end of the year. I am only about 4 lbs away.

iHEARTcardiacnurses

MFP will become your new support base

jordanlell

This site has been a huge help for me in my weight loss goals, as well as pushing me to do more when I got to what I thought would be my goal. It takes maybe a little getting used to.

As far as feeling tired, it's pretty common for people to be fatigued from dehydration and mistake the feeling for hunger. I don't know how much water you drink, but it's worth thinking about.

lexximan

Explore the actual website more, it will become an obsession. A healthy one though. =]

519harley

Now that you've found it give it a chance. Read all the blogs by other folks. I'm sure no one here has the "perfect" anything or they wouldn't be here. Good job for what you've accomplished so far. We will help you so ...................Keep going!!!

rebeccap13

There are no factors supporting me. Genetics are against me. My environment is against me. I have recently moved away from my base of support. All that said, I have to do something. Bad weight-related health problems run in my family.

It sounds like you're against yourself. Stop thinking of all the things stopping you and start thinking about all the opportunities you have to succeed in getting healthy and losing weight. Getting in shape is as simple as you want it to be.

That is assuming I ever get to my target weight...

And with that attitude you won't get to your target weight. Just start making little changes one day at a time. Being healthy isn't an overnight thing, it's a long process of relearning proper eating and exercise habits. You can do it if you really want to do it.

"You deserve what you settle for."

sailingmom

What type of exercise are you doing?

ShapeUpSidney

I have lost about 14 lbs on my own, but it has taken almost a year. I have avoided dieting, but I'm afraid that is what it will take. I hope to get to under 200 by the end of the year. I am only about 4 lbs away.

You're trying to get under 200 lbs and you've avoided dieting, why?

RAFValentina

MFP is a fantastic tool for changing the way you think in the right way!

Could you please explain how weight problems run in your family and what medical condition it is?

Losing weight slowly is the best way because its more likely to stay off so you're doing the right things.

Perhaps MFP though, is the way forward to change your mindset and make you realise what you're eating and how many calories in vs calories out are going in, plus how well balanced your diet it is terms of macros (carbs, proteins, fats, sodium etc)... it can only make you healthier!

I've lost 10lbs in about 3 months on here! Technically it should be hard for me to do so as I am very close to my perfect weight and in and always was, in the healthy weight range...just the higher end and increasing.

Keep up the good work, give it chance...add me as a friend if you need motivation!

harley_rose

It does make you realize what you are eating, but as you add friends we are all here to help you make you journey to your ideal weight... Once you hit it and get used to the maintenance part...your portion size you will know by heart.. you over all health will be great and you will feel fit... don't give up so easy....I am one to talk.. I started this journey in June recorded maybe one or two days and gave up...Then in September I realize I need to get healthy.... you can do it
add me as a friend and I will be the first of many support people you will find here...give it an month and you will love it..
Angie

Chastityx

Fillout your profile and add some friends. You have to make the commitment.

lstnlondry

There are no factors supporting me. Genetics are against me. My environment is against me. I have recently moved away from my base of support. All that said, I have to do something. Bad weight-related health problems run in my family.

It sounds like you're against yourself. Stop thinking of all the things stopping you and start thinking about all the opportunities you have to succeed in getting healthy and losing weight. Getting in shape is as simple as you want it to be.

That is assuming I ever get to my target weight...

Are you reading my mind?


And with that attitude you won't get to your target weight. Just start making little changes one day at a time. Being healthy isn't an overnight thing, it's a long process of relearning proper eating and exercise habits. You can do it if you really want to do it.

"You deserve what you settle for."

sugarbunnie

I think by the time you've reached target weight, the idea is you have learned (on your own, without calculating points or eating reconstituted prepackaged entrees) how to eat healthy foods in healthy portions.

I have found this site to be my favorite (and I have been on them all), for it's simplicity and lack of instruction.

I feel like it sinks in more what to eat and how much when you learn it on your own.

I have only been on here 2 months and have lost 13 lbs. I have 5-10 more to my goal weight, and will probably continue to log my food for a month or two once I get there to keep me motivated and on track - after that? I'll still hang around to log my exercise. Even once I no longer need to watch my calories so closely, it feels good to log my daily run, gym workout, or hike.

I think also once you're eating the right things, you will lose the guilty feelings.
Even if a meal is like 300 calories, if it's all a big pile of raw and steamed fresh vegetables, some black beans, and home made raw carrot ginger sauce and maybe a little tofu or something? I am proud, not guilty, for eating it.

If I blow 400 calories on french fries? I log it, and work around that the rest of the day (or next day). Or if I know I want movie popcorn in the evening, I log it in the morning and eat around that so I don't have to feel bad for indulging, you make room for the treats, and work it off with exercise when you don't.



Good luck! You can do it!

alib510

i hope you stick with it. i've only been doing it for 3 1/2 weeks but i've lost 11lbs! yes it is a pain having to log everything you eat, but i've found it really helpful to be able to plan what i'll have for dinner then decide on breakfast and lunch to fit in with the calories. i've still been able to have cake, chocolate, wine, cheese and still lose weight, you just have to be careful what else you eat in the day or how much exercise you do. its the first 'diet' i've been on where i haven't felt deprived, just more aware. xxx

bevsdietfor2011

Hello and welcome!!! Boy I sure remember all those negative thoughts!!!!! I finally realized that I needed to start saying that I AM WORTH IT and SO ARE YOU!!!

This is a wonderful site and I pray that you will give it a chance. Please feel free to check out my profile and add me as a friend if you would like. I love supporting and helping otheres.

Hugs
Bev

pholbert

This site is what you make of it .Look around the site. Lots of information, some really great success stories,and alot of people that will cheer you on. Take it 1 day at a time. Only you can do this for yourself. Think positive.

cominupmilhouse

No one said it will be easy!

The most likely reasons you are feeling tired might be because you're eating the wrong foods... do you eat many processed foods? A good indication of processed foods is the label, can you pronounce all the ingredients and know what they are? It may be that you're not getting enough iron, or that your blood is deficient in iron. Another thing that will give you more energy, which sounds counter-intuitive, is exercise!!! Do you do a lot of exercise? If not, try just getting out for a walk even for 15 minutes a day, then upping that to 20 or 30 when you're ready. It can do WONDERS for you, trust me. You will start to feel a lot better. I used to laze around the house a lot and be quite miserable. Once I started walking I gained so much motivation and felt a lot better about the weight loss thing.

If you already exercise I would say it's the foods you are eating. If you already are paying attention to eating whole foods, getting enough fiber, protein, good fats etc, then it may be something to do with your blood, my sister has low iron and takes supplements. You would have to go to a doctor about that one though.

The start of tracking is very daunting, but it is WORTH it! And for some people, like myself, it's the only way. I remember feeling the same way as you but pleease try it out for a week! Just one week, and try your best to stick with your calorie allowance, but don't freak if you go over. Best of luck to you.

KarenWas

Tracking what you eat is a very important element of any diet. If you don't write it...you won't hold yourself accountable for it.

shellyc7182

I agree with some of the other posters: the app is nice, but spend some time digging around on the actual site. This place is amazing and will serve as your support. We're all here for you!

talrcat

For me, this site is how I am accountable to myself. It has become a part of "conscious eating" that I need to stay on track. I know that at some point I won't "need" to do this, but it has served me very well in staying on track-and getting back on track when I gained back 20 pounds last winter, as well as just recently to see that my eating habits were slipping. Use the tools and support. You are worth the small amount of time this takes, and gives you a history to look back on to see what you want to change.
Adding you for mutual support,
T

talrcat

And, if you can--go see a nutritionist! Many insurances/hospital affiliates have something like a "just for me" program where you can go to a nutritionist for a number of visits for one program fee. Depending on insurance or income, this could be free for you.

ShapeUpSidney

Really, it's no different than tracking your expenses. Every responsible adult should do that accurately. How much harder is it to track macro nutrients?

dakitten2

Oh how I found excuses not to diet. I love to eat and love to cook. I would avoid losing weight at all costs. Now after having 2 knee replacements and arthritis & narrowing of my spine, I see clearly the exact reason to diet (make life changes).

I've been on here three weeks and it's the first place I come to everyday and the last one at night plus many inbetween. Every day that I met my goal is a win for me! I love blogging too. Since I'm so new I dont have many visitors to my blogs yet but it is a release for me to write about whatever is on my mind.

I started my journey with a visit to my regular physician first, who then referred me to a dietician. That was a blessing for me. As a matter of fact, I had my first follow-up visitation with them today. They were full of praises for my achievements so far and further enhanced my knowledge about my food logs and gave suggestions that were helpful. I will be seeing them every month for followup and they are always just a phone call away.

If you are interested or anyone is interested in reading my profile/blogs, my settings are all open to the public. I've added some friends to my list and would love to have more. The motivation and inspiration I get helps me in so many ways. If you or anyone would like to friend request me, I will gladly accept and hopefully we can help both of us along the way.

The first step is yours take, just remember you will have a whole lot of people right there with you. I love MFP and even told my dietician about it and maybe they could advise other dieters to check it out.

I'm here for the long haul. Got a lot of weight to lose but I am excited and rejuvenated to continue.

H_Factor

I'm too tired to write a well thought out response to your post, so I'm going to pass and take the easy way out by simply referring you to my profile page with helpful information...including a blog on how to create your own will power pill.


you see what I did there...I made an excuse for not doing more to help you (and sure, I'm tired right now and sure, my profile does have useful information)...but what I wrote was pretty dang lame. You did the same thing. You identified at least half a dozen excuses for not helping yourself. Stop with the dang excuses. Its going to take some time to settle into a routine. Its going to take time to learn to eat the right way. Its going to be a journey to find good health (and reach your desired weight). Accept that these things will not be easy. I've been in and out of the zone during my journey this year. Fortunately, I've been in the zone more often. However, its still not easy when I'm in the zone. easier, sure....but I still have to fight cravings at times, fight the complacency creep other times, and review the goals and inspirations that are part of my journey. With that said, read my profile....read the will power pill blog...do that activity. in all honesty, if you don't find powerful enough reasons for not liking your current lifestyle, you're not going to stay on the journey. sooooo...dig deep and find those reasons.

EDIT: in all fairness, my profile has quite a bit of useful information. take the time to make your profile page meaningful to you.

greendragon3

I started using MFP six months ago. It is a fantastic site. I have lost 28lb, am now in a healthy bmi and just want to lose another 6lb.
Due to a neurological illness I am confined to my bed most of the time and a wheelchair the rest of the time. Therefore I cannot exercise at all.
If I can do it when I can't move around, then any one can do it.
Think positive and you will get there.
MFP is the best diet tool ever.

sinistertitan

There are no factors supporting me. Genetics are against me. My environment is against me. I have recently moved away from my base of support. All that said, I have to do something. Bad weight-related health problems run in my family.

It sounds like you're against yourself. Stop thinking of all the things stopping you and start thinking about all the opportunities you have to succeed in getting healthy and losing weight. Getting in shape is as simple as you want it to be.

That is assuming I ever get to my target weight...

And with that attitude you won't get to your target weight. Just start making little changes one day at a time. Being healthy isn't an overnight thing, it's a long process of relearning proper eating and exercise habits. You can do it if you really want to do it.

"You deserve what you settle for."

^ This. I couldn't agree more.

ShapeUpSidney

I started using MFP six months ago. It is a fantastic site. I have lost 28lb, am now in a healthy bmi and just want to lose another 6lb.
Due to a neurological illness I am confined to my bed most of the time and a wheelchair the rest of the time. Therefore I cannot exercise at all.
If I can do it when I can't move around, then any one can do it.
Think positive and you will get there.
MFP is the best diet tool ever.

Oh man, you need to team up with my brother. He's paraplegic and healthy weight is tough! But...he is a cranky stubborn boy who eats crap, so...

lmelangley

Here are my thoughts. First of all, there's nothing wrong with slow weight loss. You didn't put on the weight overnight. For me, MFP has been a way to learn how to eat healthy. Read the forums and you can learn a lot. I still digress, but I'm looking at this as a way to modify my eating habits into something healthier that I can personally live with.

It's more difficult when you don't have support around you, but it's still doable. The only support I've had has been from folks here at MFP, although that was by my own choice. I didn't tell anyone I was trying to lose weight because, to be honest, I really didn't think I could. My family saw me logging online but pretty much thought I was being a tad foolish. They didn't berate, but they didn't encourage, either. In fact, my husband - the cook in the family - would get a little insulted when I wouldn't take large portions.

The bottom line is, you have to want this. If you really do, you'll find a lot of people on this site who want to support you. Feel free to add me as a friend, if you'd like.

cbbarge

I stole this from another post because it really connected for me. "One day at a time, one meal at a time, one step at at time."

cpeterson70

Bev said it...and so nicely, too!! The negative thoughts will sabotage you EVERY time!! Every time you have a negative thought such as the ones you mentioned, you really need to stop yourself. I am taking an 8 week course for healthy lifestyle/weight management. Last week we discussed "cognitive restructuring". We talk to ourselves ALL day long and what we say to ourselves influences our moods and for most of us, I would guess, our moods affect our eating habits. This is a wrap up from the instructor of last week's course:

"Last week we talked about “Cognitive Restructuring.” The purpose of this session is to help you better understand how your thought patterns influence your feelings, lifestyle choices and ability to achieve your goals. The goal is to help you find strategies to help change unhelpful or unproductive thought patterns into more helpful and productive ways of thinking."

A quick Google on "Cognitive Restructuring Weight Management" led me to this site:
http://www.freedomfromfear.org/viewtopic.asp?topic_id=188

The dietitian running our class doesn't have a website for me to list here, or I would have.

And, I don't like to think of using this tool as a "diet". That term has gotten a bad rap. Diet is what we eat, period! This tool helps us to realize the calories of the foods we eat. Obviously most of us have been eating too many calories than our bodies need to survive. I think it is important to learn this about ourselves. There is no need to completely cut out all the "fun" foods you eat. You just need to find a way to fit the foods you like in with healthier options. In 6 weeks, I have lost 8 pounds (I've set my weight loss to around 1 lb a week) and I have had things like pizza, chicken fried steak and some of my kid's Halloween candy. But you just can't have that stuff everyday.

I get tired of measuring and weighing my food, but I do it so I can know how much I am eating and am not doing it so I will feel bad about myself or feel like I am punishing myself. If I don't weigh it, how am I going to know how much I am eating? Then I can't log it.

Give it time...and really think about your thought processes and see if you can't try to redirect them when they get negative. Also, you can't know how you will feel when you reach your goal (until you get there)...but you already know how you feel this far out from it. I don't see how it could be worse.

kimtpa1417

I joined in June and felt the same way you do

I was a fade dieter and never exercised. Being big runs in the family and I also have a hypo thyroid. I thought everyday the odds are against me. I started small and walking on my breaks at work. It didnt do much so started walking short distances in the evening as well and still nothing. I came across this website on a app on my phone and said why not. It took me a week but I love it. I love being accountable for what I eat and finding out that healthier versions of foods I love are still yummy. Also I love exercising now. Its ME TIME...... and it has paid off. Give this site a chance and you will love it too