Outgrowing MFP

Alisha_countrymama

Idk, I've been using it for over a year. I don't know even if I get to my goal if I will stop, it's nice to have the support group and help others to progress by encouraging them. it's like checking my email, I just do it every day regardless!

smb0701

for me it kinda feels like an addiction. i feellike i must log in and log what i have eaten. i feel like i have done something wrong if i don't. besides, in the past i would always stop logging and then gain a bunch of weight. this time i feel more committed, so i don't want to stop. that's just me though. i love it.:)

MzMiller1215

I would never dream of leaving MFP even after I reach my goal because I will always need the motivation and inspiration to maintain my healthy lifestyle. Also, I may be able to help someone else who is struggling in their journey. I think I will be logging for the rest of my life. Plus, I am more addicted to MFP than Facebook. :laugh:

tasnim81

I plan on staying even after reaching my goal weight. I have had some BAD experiences with reaching my goal and then thinking I can just carry on myself without logging or counting calories... and I love the site too.:bigsmile:

mamasyd

MFP is just a tool like any other tool, however it has proven to be a good one. I have logged my food for the past three years and, at this point, can't really imagine NOT doing it as a way of life. Only the past seven months has been on MFP, but I can tell you that it has been much easier to track since then. It's not just about counting the calories or even about continuing to lose weight. I want to be aware of what I am putting into my body and how my nutrition is balanced. I guess, after I've maintained my goal weight for a significant period of time, I might get to a place where I simply log more generally. MFP is still the best resource for determining calories that I have found. Whether logging or not, it gives a great (not to mention quick and easy) reference to what is in a food that may look perfectly 'innocent' at the moment.

Tjarvi

Every time I leave I gain weight. I refuse to stop and have to adjust my weight according to my compromise. When I do get to my goal weight...I will be logging just to be fully aware of what I am consuming. Perhaps then my goals will change to building muscle and eating cleaner.

TheFitHooker

I think I'd be scared to leave even after my goals, because for starters, I don't want to slip back into old habits, and I am addicted to counting calories.

ChasingHaven

I just got here, but came simply for the community. My last website the group I was friends with either reached their goals and moved on and the ones who were left simply hadn't accomplished much since I'd been in touch last. Not very inspiring.

I do need the support, the accountability and the challenge. I'm looking at shedding 70 pounds and without seeing that someone else has accomplished it it seems overwhelming. I need friends who are on the journey with me and the ones who are waiting at the end of theirs for me to finish mine.

Will I leave when I'm done? I'd like to think I'd stay to Pay It Forward.

jkmurphy06

I stopped using it about 6 months ago and didn't log anything for a month, my overall sense of health went down and I noticed that I was more down on myself in regards to my weight and fitness. I started using it again and even though tracking calories can be done on my own I think that I really needed the support and accountability of MFP. Even when I only had one friend on here, I still would reconsider eating that donut or not going to the gym because I knew someone was holding me accountable. I have really weak willpower and unless I feel the pressure from my peers (and the support and acceptance) I have a hard time changing my habits. After a year of yo-yo-ing weight I have finally met my goal weight and surpassed it. I am smaller then I was junior year of H.S! I still need the daily support and logging my food and exercise helps me keep on track and maintain a healthy outlook on life. My boyfriend has the WORST eating habits, but because of his job he maintains a good body. He doesn't really help me stay on track with a healthy diet so I rely on my MFP community for that support. Good luck everyone and no matter what your method of tracking your nutrition, keep it up!

DEEDLYNN

Sorry...but what a DOWNER of a thread.....under SUCCESS STORIES. I'm not sure why I read it, but now....I think I'm depressed.. (LOL--not really)..

But JEESHHHHHHHHHH, seriously, if ya wanna be here and it works for ya, stay....if not, go. Your commitment and dedication won't be measured ONLY by your participation at MFP. Sure it is a tool, and the successful folks here have the stats to back up how participating helped them achieve their goals, but if it's not for you...it's not for you.

This is kinda like a kid telling someone they don't wanna be friends anymore. Why state the obvious....just hang out with another friend?

Sorry, but this was a downer for me.

If it works and ain't broke....why fix it?

DEEDLYNN

Has anyone ever felt like this? I feel it sometimes and although I am no where near my goal I have often wondered how long one goes before leaving? If you an learn to track your own calories and maintain or even sometimes just loose weight on your own why stay? Has anyone else mulled the idea of logging off for good? What makes you stay?

Will you ever "out grow" good health? I think people fail because they have "Stinhkin' Thinkin" By that I mean they stop doing what works and go Back to what don't, and they expect success. And wonder what happened when they regain weight .

It makes Me sick every time somebody comes BACK saying..."I'm back, I left...now I am doing it again." I say, NO ONE MISSED YOU, nor care that You are back! AND only idiots will continue to "Motivate" people like you that leave and come back over and over, just be quiet and DO what you need to Do, and do not expect people to pick you up.

So if you leave, and come back, just try to help others who want good health. Just be a good listener and give less advice because you didn't Learn anything before.

Wow, who crapped in your cereal?

I left for a while to try the notebook / portion control route and disliked it. I didn't make much of a show of it, just made my profile private and logged off for a while.

Whoop-de-dee. Maybe some people want to try a different method for a change.

I think the point would be that you "didn't make much of a show of it". I think starting a thread with..."does anyone think about leaving", under a forum entitled Success Stories at a site that people are thankful for the transitions that it HELPED make in their lives...well....it's negative.

I think it's great that you tried pen and paper to see what's best for YOU and I do applaud you for figuring out what works best for you. The OP's post, doesn't really come across like that.

emmyvera

Personally for me - I'm staying! No matter what :happy:

I was on here for almost two years straight and met my goals or close.

I never "left" per se. But I stopped logging in and watching my food and then it went downhill from there.

I need MFP and I love it. I wish I wouldn't of settled when I did. That is for me personally.
I thought... well, I am happy and made it to my goal and feel great. After that mind set, my routine went downhill. I stopped logging in food and exercise.... did okay for awhile. Then slowly the weight crept back and I then I started feeling more tired and not as motivated. My eating habits got worse and I stopped working out as much.

MFP keeps me going and I need to stay on, even if I meet a certain goal. It's not just about a goal weight, but a healthy style of living, which is most important to me.

I'm not going anywhere. Ya MFP!

DEEDLYNN

It's really all about YOU. Most of the people who came to MFP needed something to get them on track and KEEP them on track. If they could do it on their own they would have done so already! MFP hasn't taught me one damn thing that I didn't already know. What it has done is forced me to look long and hard and what I eat, how much I eat and how active I am. I am, more or less in maintenance right now, it helps me to stay somewhere near where I need to be.

AND THERE IT IS....IN A BRIEF LITTLE PARAGRAPH....I already know eat this...don't eat that...cook with this...don't cook with that....BUT, I DIDN'T TAKE THAT LONG and HARD LOOK at what foods, how much foods and how much movement. BRAVO to this post!!!!

bcattoes

I think starting a thread with..."does anyone think about leaving", under a forum entitled Success Stories at a site that people are thankful for the transitions that it HELPED make in their lives...well....it's negative.

I think it's great that you tried pen and paper to see what's best for YOU and I do applaud you for figuring out what works best for you. The OP's post, doesn't really come across like that.

What is wrong asking if anyone feels like this site has given the knowledge to now leave this site and lose on their own? That would be a success, after all. It seems very smart to have a goal of being able to maintain a healthy lifestyles without any tools at all (i.e. staying with MFP because you like it, not because you need it).

DEEDLYNN

I think starting a thread with..."does anyone think about leaving", under a forum entitled Success Stories at a site that people are thankful for the transitions that it HELPED make in their lives...well....it's negative.

I think it's great that you tried pen and paper to see what's best for YOU and I do applaud you for figuring out what works best for you. The OP's post, doesn't really come across like that.

What is wrong asking if anyone feels like this site has given the knowledge to now leave this site and lose on their own? That would be a success, after all. It seems very smart to have a goal of being able to maintain a healthy lifestyles without any tools at all (i.e. staying with MFP because you like it, not because you need it).

Sorry, that's just my take on it...and was just my two cents....but...I tend to view my glass half full of positive and it sounded negative to me.

DEEDLYNN

I think starting a thread with..."does anyone think about leaving", under a forum entitled Success Stories at a site that people are thankful for the transitions that it HELPED make in their lives...well....it's negative.

I think it's great that you tried pen and paper to see what's best for YOU and I do applaud you for figuring out what works best for you. The OP's post, doesn't really come across like that.

What is wrong asking if anyone feels like this site has given the knowledge to now leave this site and lose on their own? That would be a success, after all. It seems very smart to have a goal of being able to maintain a healthy lifestyles without any tools at all (i.e. staying with MFP because you like it, not because you need it).

You are correct...it would be success if we "could" have a goal of maintaining a healthy lifestyle without any tools at all. But the reality of it for those of us who are here because of obesity, is that we will most ALWAYS needs tools to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

kevin3344

When I joined MFP I didn't have any weight to lose.

I joined because I wanted to set an example for my family, that nothing is improved unless it is written down and tracked. Your finances, health, anything. You have to know what is coming in vs. going out.

I'm doing 30 day shred with my sister-in-law not because I need to, but because I want to show that I am committed to staying in shape and encourage her.

I'm not here for a time. MFP is part of my life, just like Mint.com is, and I'll always use it to track/tweak my progress and goals, and to encourage others.

H_Factor

you must not have fully experienced the power and inspiration that MFP can provide....because just learning what you can eat and logging foods is only part of the MFP experience. Instead of trying to put it in my own words, I am including a link to one of my MFP pals' blogs to explain why I doubt I will ever outgrow MFP.

https://mytimebeginsnow.wordpress.com/2011/11/04/my-inspiration/

deksgrl

.is it more of a crutch?

I think it's more about accountability. I might get to the point where I know the calories in what I'm eating, but just writing it down helps me be accountable to myself. Otherwise it would be too easy to slip. Depends on your personality I suppose. Are you the sort of person who can stay regimented without writing it down and keeping track? I'm not that sort of person I don't think. I think I would soon slip into old habits, based on my own history.

marnijojo

Think of it this way...this is NOT a weight loss site. It's a fitness site. Will you be into being fit and healthy and want good tools and information and peers with which to identify with? It's not about learning how to lose weight then quitting.

Exactly....I am not quite to my goal weight yet, but I honestly believe that to maintain this weight loss I will need to be forever vigilant and part of that will be mfp. Plus, I love the community here. So, sorry all....you're stuck with me.

H_Factor

another one of my pals made a decision about a month ago that she had been on the journey long enough and knew what she could eat, so although she would stay active in the community, she was no longer going to log her food. I convinced her to agree to try that experiment for one week. at the end of the week, she found that she had a rough week because she wasn't holding herself accountable by logging. She began logging again.

for me, I'm pretty sure I know what I can eat and what I can't. I know when I have bad days and when I don't. However, outside of days that are really crummy (i.e., Turkey Day and Leftover Turkey Day), I still log because I know holding myself accountable will help me avoid complacency. I don't want that complacency creep in my life...and I believe making a decision to stop logging is simply one step on the road towards complacency. I've experienced the road towards complacency and that road leads to me gaining my weight back. Not what I want to do.

bcattoes

I think starting a thread with..."does anyone think about leaving", under a forum entitled Success Stories at a site that people are thankful for the transitions that it HELPED make in their lives...well....it's negative.

I think it's great that you tried pen and paper to see what's best for YOU and I do applaud you for figuring out what works best for you. The OP's post, doesn't really come across like that.

What is wrong asking if anyone feels like this site has given the knowledge to now leave this site and lose on their own? That would be a success, after all. It seems very smart to have a goal of being able to maintain a healthy lifestyles without any tools at all (i.e. staying with MFP because you like it, not because you need it).

You are correct...it would be success if we "could" have a goal of maintaining a healthy lifestyle without any tools at all. But the reality of it for those of us who are here because of obesity, is that we will most ALWAYS needs tools to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

And that's fine. But the fact that some haven't or won't reach it, doesn't make the OP negative just because she might feel she's reached or nearing that goal. I say good for her.

marquesajen

I stopped logging for awhile. A lot has been happening at home and I just couldn't bother with it. I was glad to see that I haven't lost or gained anything after not logging for so long. Knowing I maintained that long made me feel good. I noticed that I still paid pretty good attention to what I ate, which is important. I don't know if I am going to be able to throw myself back into it, but I hope so.

DEEDLYNN

I think starting a thread with..."does anyone think about leaving", under a forum entitled Success Stories at a site that people are thankful for the transitions that it HELPED make in their lives...well....it's negative.

I think it's great that you tried pen and paper to see what's best for YOU and I do applaud you for figuring out what works best for you. The OP's post, doesn't really come across like that.

What is wrong asking if anyone feels like this site has given the knowledge to now leave this site and lose on their own? That would be a success, after all. It seems very smart to have a goal of being able to maintain a healthy lifestyles without any tools at all (i.e. staying with MFP because you like it, not because you need it).

You are correct...it would be success if we "could" have a goal of maintaining a healthy lifestyle without any tools at all. But the reality of it for those of us who are here because of obesity, is that we will most ALWAYS needs tools to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

And that's fine. But the fact that some haven't or won't reach it, doesn't make the OP negative just because she might feel she's reached or nearing that goal. I say good for her.

OK...I can shake on agree to disagree...again...just my opinion....speaking only for me....not the entire MFP community. :flowerforyou:

cheeksv

This post is not meant to be depressing or negative it really is with no other motives a question to create discussion. It was not meant to shine light on my personal fitness level. fitness beliefs or whatever other than to say I had the feeling of one day wanting to be able to move on from logging every day and the riga-morroe of the site and asking if anyone felt the same. Some have answered the question and shed light on WHY PEOPLE STAY after success( also a reason why I put it under success) We write in this section what we would like to wear and do once we reach a goal, why not what we are going to do in reference to the site itself? Why is that so wrong and negative? I also asked if anyone felt if they used the site less would they fear loosing friends?

That being said I think anyone planning on fully using the site forever due to obesity or anything might be selling themselves a bit short. It IS possible to maintain and loose while not logging ever day it is. It is also harder for people with eating problems I know becasue I have them yet It is still possible. To me personally I don't think " if you leave you will gain weight again" mantra is not a good enough reason to stay. ( and before anyone gets all uppity I mean not a good reason in general. I don't mean not a good reason to convince me to stay) .

and I think that the few who said it is basically impossible to to leave and still maintain...that is negative to me. Where is the light at the end of that tunnel? lol

I can see it as a fitness site but in general there are a ton of other ways to get fitness info and ideas without the forums and the feeling of having to log. So that being said the people who said they stay becasue of the forums I totally get that and it is a good answer with good reasoning. I am however only here to discuss not to pass judgement or say you are right and you are wrong. Healthy...friendly talk...

rileamoyer

I have been hear over a year and a half. Have met my goal and working at maintaining and keeping fit. I still find this site useful and enjoy giving back the support I received here. If I ever decide to leave this site, there will be many folks I will still try and stay in contact with.

H_Factor

This post is not meant to be depressing or negative it really is with no other motives a question to create discussion. It was not meant to shine light on my personal fitness level. fitness beliefs or whatever other than to say I had the feeling of one day wanting to be able to move on from logging every day and the riga-morroe of the site and asking if anyone felt the same. Some have answered the question and shed light on WHY PEOPLE STAY after success( also a reason why I put it under success) We write in this section what we would like to wear and do once we reach a goal, why not what we are going to do in reference to the site itself? Why is that so wrong and negative? I also asked if anyone felt if they used the site less would they fear loosing friends?

That being said I think anyone planning on fully using the site forever due to obesity or anything might be selling themselves a bit short. It IS possible to maintain and loose while not logging ever day it is. It is also harder for people with eating problems I know becasue I have them yet It is still possible. To me personally I don't think " if you leave you will gain weight again" mantra is not a good enough reason to stay. ( and before anyone gets all uppity I mean not a good reason in general. I don't mean not a good reason to convince me to stay) .

and I think that the few who said it is basically impossible to to leave and still maintain...that is negative to me. Where is the light at the end of that tunnel? lol

I can see it as a fitness site but in general there are a ton of other ways to get fitness info and ideas without the forums and the feeling of having to log. So that being said the people who said they stay becasue of the forums I totally get that and it is a good answer with good reasoning. I am however only here to discuss not to pass judgement or say you are right and you are wrong. Healthy...friendly talk...

I didn't find your original post to be negative or depressing and I hope my earlier answers addressed the issue you raised. However, allow me now to be a little more direct in answering your question....

first, let me say that forever is a long time. I can only answer why I think I will stay on MFP for the foreseeable future based on how I feel right now:

1. MFP helps me hold myself accountable. Logging foods is one way I hold myself accountable. Posting an action plan is another way I hold myself accountable. Reviewing the information on my profile is another way I hold myself accountable. My pals help hold me accountable.

2. The encouragement, support and inspiration I receive from both my Pals and other MFP forum members is truly beneficial for me. Even though I experienced success before coming to MFP in July, I know I was going through a period of complacency over the summer and I know being on MFP with all of the support I received and inspiration I saw helped get me back into the zone and back on the road towards my goals. I find new inspiration here almost every day. Inspiration is such a positive force for me.

3. Now that I have had some success and experienced the power of the MFP community, I like to give back. I feel good when I can help someone else with his or her journey. I know I cannot help everyone, but I know I have helped many folks. I know that what I do inspires others and I don't want to let them down. I have learned a lot during my journey and I feel good about repeating that information for those who haven't learned it (with the cavaet, always, that we must each find what works best for us...but sometimes it takes different ideas to find our own way).

4. I continue to be fierce, in part, because of my MFP pals. I have experienced the complacency creep. I know how easy it is for complacency to set in. I know that it will be harder for the complacency creep to stake a place in my mind ... or to stay there for any length of time ... because of the awesome pals I have on MFP.

5. Just as I rely on my pals, I know many of my pals rely on me for ongoing encouragement, support and inspiration. Leaving MFP means leaving my pals. I do not not to let my pals down.

Stay Fierce my Friend

cathyg18

Think of it this way...this is NOT a weight loss site. It's a fitness site. Will you be into being fit and healthy and want good tools and information and peers with which to identify with? It's not about learning how to lose weight then quitting.

^^^This! I TOTALLY agree! I have always struggled with my weight. Since I have joined this site in April 2011 (and with the help of INSANITY program) I have lost 32 lbs with 67 lbs to go. I don't know what it's like to be thin, so I know when I get to my goal weight, I will need to learn to maintain. I have a couple friends that have lost alot of weight and they said that losing the weight was the easy part, maintaining is the hard part. Yes, you can count caloris, carbs, fat etc., but like another poster said, accuracy is the key. It keeps me accountable and I feel all my MFP friends help me stay on track. I do not want to slip back into old habits, so that is why I don't see myself leaving after I have reached goal. But, you do have to find what works for you.

jennajava

This post is not meant to be depressing or negative it really is with no other motives a question to create discussion. It was not meant to shine light on my personal fitness level. fitness beliefs or whatever other than to say I had the feeling of one day wanting to be able to move on from logging every day and the riga-morroe of the site and asking if anyone felt the same. Some have answered the question and shed light on WHY PEOPLE STAY after success( also a reason why I put it under success) We write in this section what we would like to wear and do once we reach a goal, why not what we are going to do in reference to the site itself? Why is that so wrong and negative? I also asked if anyone felt if they used the site less would they fear loosing friends?

That being said I think anyone planning on fully using the site forever due to obesity or anything might be selling themselves a bit short. It IS possible to maintain and loose while not logging ever day it is. It is also harder for people with eating problems I know becasue I have them yet It is still possible. To me personally I don't think " if you leave you will gain weight again" mantra is not a good enough reason to stay. ( and before anyone gets all uppity I mean not a good reason in general. I don't mean not a good reason to convince me to stay) .

and I think that the few who said it is basically impossible to to leave and still maintain...that is negative to me. Where is the light at the end of that tunnel? lol

I can see it as a fitness site but in general there are a ton of other ways to get fitness info and ideas without the forums and the feeling of having to log. So that being said the people who said they stay becasue of the forums I totally get that and it is a good answer with good reasoning. I am however only here to discuss not to pass judgement or say you are right and you are wrong. Healthy...friendly talk...

Welcome to the forums. When it comes to *some* (not all) of the users here, unfortunately, every thing you say can and will be used against you.

DEEDLYNN

Sorry....I wasn't trying to use anyone's words against them.... I was just reading the thread and unfortunately recorded my thoughts about the thread, which is something I seldom do. I'm normally the one who is seen and not heard. This is a good example of why....with the written word, it is very hard to interpret the meaning of the poster.

So if I am "some" of the users that use folks words against them, I will return to lurking. Sorry to have disrupted a public forum.