Why am I not seeing any results?!
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You can build your homemade recipes into MFP by tracking the ingredients you are using for your recipe. I've had good luck doing that when I've been making my own stuff at home. you will have to look up each individual ingredient, however, but I find the MFP database contains a lot of great data for even obscure brands of things.0
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Hey!
I looked at your profile and it says you're 5 foot 5 and weight 130. Since you're already at a pretty healthy weight it could be harder to lose those extra pounds. I'm 5'6 and when I weighted 177 the pounds flew off but now that I'm at 143 it's been taking a lot more work. Especially since I like eating.
If you can I'd say try finding a 24 hour gym around and signing up for a membership. Right now I'm a part time student and I work part time so I don't get too much free time but working out later at night when I get off of work helps and makes me feel good.0 -
With the amount of generic items (not actual products) and guessed weights (0.9953 cup cherios???!!! WTF) you could EASILY be going way over on your calories, for everything you should use brands, only using generic for things like fruit and veg. Everything should be measured in grams, only using cups for veg, and given the amounts your putting in, im guessing your not actually using a serving cup (which if you werent aware is about 1/2 the size of an english tea cup or 1/3 a normal mug)0
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Why am I not loosing ANY weight?!
I meet my calorie goal every day and I am pretty conscious of what I am eating. Yet here I am, a week into MFP and I have not lost a single pound, if anything I may have gained one or two depending on the day.
Help!
You really have to give yourself more than one week! Did you gain all the weight in one week? Well you're not gonna lose it in one week.0 -
Couple things.
As others have mentioned, you need to stop eating out and start making your own meals. Without getting all cultish about processed vs. whole foods and all that, it lets you control what you are eating to a much higher degree than guestimating. Personally, I do not believe in the whole "If It Fits Your Macro's, Do It" mentality, especially if you are just trying to lose 10-20 pounds (more than that amount, it makes a little more sense). You have time to cook. I have a soul-sucking corporate job, going back to school at night for my MA, an Aussie Shepherd that needs to be walked at LEAST 3 miles a day (or she will get bored and destroy stuff) and a 23 year old girlfriend who constantly needs me to pay attention to her. If I can find time to cook the majority of my meals, so do you. Weight loss isn't for the lazy. Thats how we got out of shape in the first place. Take some time on a Sunday and go to the store, have your butcher give you exact weights of your proteins or have them give you specific amounts, open up a bottle of wine and cook. It's fun. You will learn to enjoy it. Sure sometimes I would rather watch the baseball game and drink beer, but on Monday afternoon when everyone else is going out for Taco Hell, you will have a healthy and satisfying meal. And when your co-workers tell you how good you look in a month, it will make all the sacrificing and hard work worth it. I do all the cooking in my house, and I make recipes on here all the time. It's really my favorite tool of the site, and it really lets you make your favorite foods a lot better for you than if you ate them out. Example: Chicken Wings. I'm a guy, I love effin Chicken Wings. I make them at home with a recipe I snapped up from Bon Apetit, and I can have 8 wings for 400 calories WITH Blue cheese. If I had them at Hooters or somewhere else, were looking at close to double that, without the cheese.
Drink more water. Even when you don't want to. Watch your portions. Cook your food. Skip the crud. Use the stairs. Borrow a friends dog and walk it. Park in the farthest spot possible. Make better choices.
Chris0 -
As some have already pointed out you need to give more time for the scales to change. Also I suggest doing the measurements. I think you will find them in the check-in area under the "My Home" tab. If you exercise and eat the proper amount of protein you will build muscle tissue as well as burning fat which can make it look like you are not making progress. That is in fact great progress since fat just weighs you down but muscle is a living organism that burns calories on it's own by just being there. Even though the scales may not show this progress the measurements will. I also suggest setting a specific weigh in day. Either the same day each week or the same day each month. I weigh in on the 1st of each month but some people like to set it for every Friday or every Monday. Your body weight can vary 2-3 pounds each day. Don't beat yourself up today for being 2 pounds heavier because tomorrow you may be a 2 or 3 lower, or vice-versa. Stick with it and give it a few weeks to start working. It DOES work.0
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The best way is to go to recipes and create one for things you make and eat the most that way it is there for you. I did this for the bread I make, chicken Alfredo, spaghetti bolognese & chocolate chip cookies. On a day off take an hour or two and do this and you will find it's better than adding take out dinners.I'd like to add that a lot of my convenience foods on my food tracker aren’t actually me eating out. When I make things at home the search on the MFP app doesn’t give you a homemade option, so I just go with some that sounds close to what I actually ate. For example, last night I made spaghetti, but MTF didn’t have anything on the search so I selected something that sounded similar Fizolies. I do that often, I try not to eat out if I don’t have to, how can I accurately track what I’m making at home?0 -
I use the recipe builder a lot and I love it!0
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Wait... WHAT? Am I the only one who noticed OP said she's only been at this a week???0
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Thanks.
I agree, I do need to eat healthier.
It's hard to find the time to make your own food when you work full time, but I'll work on it.
I have found that taking an hour or two on my day off to pre-prep my meals for the week (particularly my lunches for work), helps save time later on. It's very easy to make the excuse, "I just don't have time to pack a lunch today. I'll just pick a "healthier" option from the drive-thru." If you do it all in advance, that eliminates the temptation to make allowances later. Another option would be to make a double portion of your dinner, then pack the second helping as your lunch for the next day.
Also, you've only been at this for a week. Have a little patience. It may take you a while to figure out which methods work best for you. Not everyone is the same.0 -
I'd like to add that a lot of my convenience foods on my food tracker aren’t actually me eating out. When I make things at home the search on the MFP app doesn’t give you a homemade option, so I just go with some that sounds close to what I actually ate. For example, last night I made spaghetti, but MTF didn’t have anything on the search so I selected something that sounded similar Fizolies. I do that often, I try not to eat out if I don’t have to, how can I accurately track what I’m making at home?
I use a 'guesstimate' substitution perhaps once every two or three weeks, other than that it's weighed and logged, If you look at my diary you'll see ingredients rather than a meal. Treat yourself to some 'add and weigh' digital kitchen scales, they'll soon show a difference in your bathroom scales :flowerforyou:
This. I think you will find it to be true for most people who have been successful losing weight, that if you look at their diaries, every ingredient is tracked or things are listed by recipe. Guesstimates can be way off.0 -
I'd like to add that a lot of my convenience foods on my food tracker aren’t actually me eating out. When I make things at home the search on the MFP app doesn’t give you a homemade option, so I just go with some that sounds close to what I actually ate. For example, last night I made spaghetti, but MTF didn’t have anything on the search so I selected something that sounded similar Fizolies. I do that often, I try not to eat out if I don’t have to, how can I accurately track what I’m making at home?
I use a 'guesstimate' substitution perhaps once every two or three weeks, other than that it's weighed and logged, If you look at my diary you'll see ingredients rather than a meal. Treat yourself to some 'add and weigh' digital kitchen scales, they'll soon show a difference in your bathroom scales :flowerforyou:
This. I think you will find it to be true for most people who have been successful losing weight, that if you look at their diaries, every ingredient is tracked or things are listed by recipe. Guesstimates can be way off.
If, for the sake of time and convenience, you are "guessing", it's better to overestimate on your intake and underestimate on your exercise cals.0 -
I'd like to add that a lot of my convenience foods on my food tracker aren’t actually me eating out. When I make things at home the search on the MFP app doesn’t give you a homemade option, so I just go with some that sounds close to what I actually ate. For example, last night I made spaghetti, but MTF didn’t have anything on the search so I selected something that sounded similar Fizolies. I do that often, I try not to eat out if I don’t have to, how can I accurately track what I’m making at home?
Do each thing....for the pasta do the noodles, the sauce, the meat, whatever else goes in it. If you can, use the app on your phone cause you can scan barcodes and it enters it in for you.
I work full time as well (as do a lot of people obviously) and if I want something in particular, I'll make it Sunday night for a few days or I keep things like a box of pasta and salad dressing and I make a quick (15 minutes top) pasta salad. And I have some peas that I add in. Also, if I want chicken, I'll cook it on Sunday/Saturday and then either freeze it or keep it in the fridge til the morning.
You can do it, it just means setting aside a bit of time0 -
I agree with many other people commenting - you need to eat healthier and more often! Avoid anything processed. Try to shop the outside aisles of the grocery store (produce, meat, dairy). Limit carbs. A "perfect diet" for weight loss is 25% fat, 25% carbs, and 50% protein. I also work full time, but I prepare my meals for the week on Sunday. I shop every Sunday so my food is fresh, and buy ziploc containers to portion everything out. Portion control is key. Estimating a 1/4 cup and actually measuring a 1/4 cup are a lot different! I work closely with a trainer who monitors MFP for me and gives me advice, so if you need any advice I'll be happy to share what i know!0
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I'd like to add that a lot of my convenience foods on my food tracker aren’t actually me eating out. When I make things at home the search on the MFP app doesn’t give you a homemade option, so I just go with some that sounds close to what I actually ate. For example, last night I made spaghetti, but MTF didn’t have anything on the search so I selected something that sounded similar Fizolies. I do that often, I try not to eat out if I don’t have to, how can I accurately track what I’m making at home?
The create your own recipes its an option on the top right corner that way you can input all the nutritional values and MFP will figure it out for you then you can get a more accurate read.
Are you exercising?0 -
Try meeting your goals with healthier eating....not just the amount of calories.....
Eating more vegetables and fruits and less fast food.....
Increase your activity with exercise...
I am not a perfect eater or gr8 at getting exercise daily...but i have found that the better eating choices i make staying within my calorie limit and the more exercise i do i lose weight....
I've lost 10 lbs...at least 20 more to go.
You can do it!!
San
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It's all been said before but I'll add a bit of input too since I just completed my first week too.
First off, YOU'RE HERE!
You already kick so much butt right now just by being here and making the inital effort! *BIG HUGS*
Next, yes it is better to search brands of the food you use to cook with and measuring out to log. It can be a bit of a pain but it is worth it. Trust me- I never paid much to portion sizes and the "serving size" on labels... boy did that shock me! think of it more as getting the puzzle pieces lined up every day.
The recipe feature is wonderful if you make regular dishes at home. You just type in all the food brands/names, select the amount you used and after that is all done, select the serving size (aka homemade pizza- 1 slice/a serving etc) and TA DA! You are set!
If you can invest in a GOOD set of measuring spoons/cups- the kind where the measurment is engraved or embossed on it. The normal labeled type will probably rub off way too soon. Also, get a good kitchen scale with oz/gram/lbs would be nice features to have.
Sodium is a killer, its everywhere and its hard to eat "without" overdoing it- especially when you are still changing your diet. To combat this up your water intake. Personally, I drink upwards of 80oz a day (yes there are 4-5 trips to bathroom while at work) however once I upped my intake a few months ago I felt better- more clear-eyed and bright and not so tired. Now I also can tell when I am thirsty as opposed to hungry.
I didn't actually exercise too much this week- more work and some drama with house sitting gig. I will be working out twice a week at my office's gym starting today. But put on a cheap pedometer (walmart have some for $10) and just see how far you get- I only averaged a mile a day last week.
Also- don't weigh daily. I became OCD with multiple times a day in years pass. Its hard to break but once a week works better for me and might for you. You'll just have to test it out.
You will get the hang of the site/app and if you log everything in detail (as annoying as it can get) even when you have a bad day; move some more and keep staying in your calorie goal area with tweeks to your food choices I would almost bet money that you'll lose this week I have faith in you!
Stay positive and stick with us! *HUGS*0 -
I'd like to add that a lot of my convenience foods on my food tracker aren’t actually me eating out. When I make things at home the search on the MFP app doesn’t give you a homemade option, so I just go with some that sounds close to what I actually ate. For example, last night I made spaghetti, but MTF didn’t have anything on the search so I selected something that sounded similar Fizolies. I do that often, I try not to eat out if I don’t have to, how can I accurately track what I’m making at home?
You can add your own recipe in the food section. Like, I made fish tacos last night so I put in this recipe: 5 4-oz tilapia fillets, 1/2 head of cabbage raw, 1/2 cup panko, 1/4 corn meal, 1/2 cup salsa, 1/2 cup canned black beans, 5 low-carb tortillas. It will let you put in servings and everything, then you just save it and you'll have it for next time.0 -
You're probably underestimating how many calories you're actually eating. If you just type "spaghetti" in the thing how do you know what ingredients are in the spaghetti compared to what you put in it? As others said, use the recipe builder. Also, it's only been a week. When you do something new, do it for at least 3 weeks before expecting to see a change.0
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Wait... WHAT? Am I the only one who noticed OP said she's only been at this a week???
^^^^ THIS.
Be patient young grasshopper.0 -
remember it takes awhile to see any kind of progress...give it at least a month!0
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This link is really helpful. Good luck!!
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-120 -
Sorry KJ, your food selection is pretty terrible. I only looked at a couple days, both days you were over and both days you had cupcakes, chocolate bars, frozen ice cream.
If you really want to change, you need to change your lifestyle and commit to yourself to be healthy.
If you are hungry and want a snack, grab an apple or carrots or protein shake, something with nutritional benefit.
Believe me, I like my ice cream and I like my drinks, but you have to show some restraint.
Eat lots of lean protein, stay away for the processed sugars and carb meals.
And drink water. Sometimes you may think you are hungry where in fact, you may just be thirsty.
Good luck.0 -
You really do need to track your sodium. Also you can put your own recipes in MFP and break it down into servings so you know excatly what you are eating, I love it and use it all the time. I will tell you the same thing everyone told me when I asked basically the same question....You are not eating enough protein. MFP seems to set the goal for protein low.0
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Portion size is the first thing you need to look at The number 1 reason people do not see weight loss
You have to read labbles carfully they can be tricky and never go by fat free low this ect check and conpair
Exsample skippys natural pennut butter you get 2 tablesoon for 90 cal compared to the fat free low cal 2 teaspoons for 90 cal see the deception there so always read lables and compair
Two messure your food you can use messuring cups or food scale you can pick up one cheap
You can always use google to convert if needed last night I found out 100grams is 1/2 cup for meat
If your out with friend family eye ball it eat no more then the size of the palm of your hand of each in ur plate stay away from bread and apps Fill up on sald if you can always ask for dressing on the side you can add 2 tablespoons yourself
You can also eat a healthy snack at home befor you go out to make sure you wont over eat or be tempted when you go out
Hope this helps0 -
Use the receipe tool under food. That is a great way, it calculates it for you. 1 pound of hamburger, 1 jar of prego, and save it. Then you just go into your receipes and pick it.0
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Less processed carbohydrates
More protein
Less Sodium
Less sugar
Drink more0 -
I'm gonna be blunt here, don't take offense. You need to cut out the fast foods and the ice cream stuff. You need to cut out the "healthy choice"/frozen meals. The processed foods too.
Add a multi vitamin (a good one, liquid is better), a high potency fish oil/omega 3. Add a lot more raw vegetables, or vegetables in general. Eat a vegetable and fruit with every meal. Green and orange stuff, like brocolli, kale, squash, yams, etc. More fruit. More protein. More whole grains like brown rice, barley, quinoa, steel cut oats. Make some homemade hummus, eat with veggies. Eat a handful of nuts, walnuts and almonds daily!
Drink 8-10 cups of water a day. Get 30-60 minutes of "Activity" a day in. Even if it's just walking briskly.
Good luck!!0 -
Cut the frozen and fast food, eat more whole fruits and vegetables, and start exercising. Even if its a half hour walk in the morning before work/school/whatever, it'll help. And if you have no time, you can squeeze in jumping jacks and push ups before bed or when you wake up...it takes 5 minutes0
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everything that everyone one posted thus far is accurate!0
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