1st Time user..where do I start?

Hayleighs_mom

This is my first day on MFP and it is filled with tons of great information. I always thought that if something said "light" or had little calories, that it would be good for me. Well, maybe not good, but filling for the amount you get. I have been battling my weight problem for about 5 years now and my weight only keeps rising. Now being the biggest I've ever been, I see that I have a problem and it needs to be fixed NOW. I find myself not dealing with hunger well, so I am trying to find different ways for me to overcome hunger. I am borderline diabetic, which makes it a little harder for me because when I get really hungry I get light headed and dizzy and nauseous. I've heard that drinking a lot of water will help curve your appetite, however, I don't drink nearly enough of it. Some people said that if I sweeten it with either lemon or lime, that that would help. However, I am not a fan of either. Any tips or suggestions? Also, are there any snacks that anyone would recommend? Also, how should I start off? Should I just hardcore diet, or should I ease in?

yarwell

A borderline diabetic could benefit from reducing carbohydrate intake to stabilise blood sugar levels, so you could think about starting there. Reduce the chips / fries / pasta / bread / candy / sugar etc etc. Your calorie intake will come down with the reduced carbs, so it's a win - win.

charliedavisxxx

First... WELCOME! So happy you could join us on our mission to a healthy life..

With the water thing... its all about the habit. you dont need to pimp it with anything you just need to get used to drinking it. the motivation that it aids weight loss and healthy lifestyle should be motivation enough. get used to carrying a water bottle around with you everywhere. ALWAYS have a glass at supper with a jug on the table. habit habit habit... soon you'll be drinking your 8 glasses without even thinking...

snacks: Almonds! these are good for you, energy releasing packets of fun... always have a handful in your handbag... this will really help.

get active and be a food snob... laugh at the people who still eat processed/microwave/chip shop **** - they are hurting themselves. as soon as you view this food not as a 'treat' but something to be avoided becasue it it detrimental the easier it will be.

i'm sure you'll get loads more tips from other lovely people. feel free to add me for support...

and best of luck with your journey! remember to enjoy it xxx

jzaz903

Welcome!! Personally, I found it easier to Ease into things- log your normal day, then see where you are, see what things weren't worth the calories, figure out where you go wrong(maybe you go overboard with an afternoon snack, maybe it's dessert, etc)
For snacks, I always feel a need to munch, so I like goldfish(51 in a serving, 130 cals) or carrot chips(3oz is a ton, and only 35 cals). I also have unsalted cashews, I just eat whatever I'm feeling- if I'm really hungry and need to be full, I go for the cashews, but if I just want to much, I usually go carrots.
As far as the water goes, I didn't drink a lot until a couple years ago- what helped me was getting a Brita pitcher for my fridge, and drinking it through a straw. I drink much more when it's in a straw! Also, try it ice cold, room temp, hot... See what you like. I tend to switch between ice cold and room temp(which bothers my husband, because he'll refill my cup and I'll have to tell him that today I want tons of ice)
Feel free to add me if you want!