I need help getting started

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Alright, so I have been on myfitnesspal for 2 months, but only logging regularly for about 3-4 weeks. I have lost 4lbs but I think most of that was water weight. I set my diary to public, there are some days when I've totally derailed or forgotten to log, but for the most part it's all there. I haven't figured out a good exercise routine yet, and just started my senior year as an undergrad this week so now I'm even more busy.
Basically I would just like suggestions on how to get this weight loss going. I've been trying to lose weight for over 2 years, using different methods mostly centering around being healthy and balanced but so far just keep gaining weight. If you have anything that may help me, please feel free to share.

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  • captnemo44
    captnemo44 Posts: 82 Member
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    Feel free to add me my food diary is open to my friends. I to struggle with losing weight may be we can help each other.
  • scvalentine1
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    bump...
  • SingeSange
    SingeSange Posts: 98 Member
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    You can add me as a friend.
    I'm trying to become a cleaner eater, but exercise is difficult for me to do because of a foot injury.
  • lalipoon
    lalipoon Posts: 11 Member
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    Take advantage of the fact that you are an undergraduate and walk all over campus, take the scenic route. Log every bite that goes into your mouth religiously and stay with in your allotted calories except for a cushion given you by exercise. Count your walking on campus as exercise but only eat part of your exercise calories back. I purchased a fit bit and it has really changed my exercise behavior. Good luck.

    <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"><img border="0" src="http://tickers.myfitnesspal.com/ticker/show/2542/3597/25423597.png&quot; /></a><p style="text-align:center;width:420px;"><small>Created by MyFitnessPal - Free <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Calorie Counter</a></small></p>
  • nxd10
    nxd10 Posts: 4,570 Member
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    In my opinion, I would start by logging everything you eat meticulously. Try to stay within your calories, but don't obsess. After a week or two of settling into school, read over your diary and figure out where your really high numbers are. Are there calories you wouldn't miss if they were gone?

    That's what made it easiest for me. I found a few things (like Mission Tortillas, actually or that extra honey) were way more calories than I thought. But other things, like roast beef or meat in general, had way fewer. Once a cut out the easy high calorie items, it was easy for me to stay in my calories and eat lots of things i liked.

    Also, if you have an extra credit or two in your schedule, sign up for a gym, dance, or tai chi class you'd enjoy. Bowling. Get credit. It will force you to go - and it's your senior year, do something fun. It will be part of your schedule. The time you take to do it will be made up for by efficient studying and better sleep. Really. (I say this as a professor with a bunch of advisees.)
  • coffeebrown5
    coffeebrown5 Posts: 73 Member
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    First start being dedicated to logging and drink as much water as possible. Then make time for the gym since you stated that you are in school take a book and read while doing the treadmill or stationary bike or ellipitcal. You'll be surprise how you can get two for one,exercise and homework done.If you have to be in class or away from home always pack lunch or health snakes and always have water avaible. I hope this helps you out. Congrats and good luck!
  • honeywiggs
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    I hear ya! I know how hard it can be to find the right balace of healthy eating, exercise appropraite for you, water intake, sleep and managing stress and inflammation. For 25 years I weight between 250 - 320 pounds. I am 5'7" and now am at a healthy BMI. I did find a program that helped me but the key is that the program had an educational component that helped learn how to eat 6 small low glycemic meals a day along with all the things listed above! Now I can stay healthy for life and feel great! I HATE to exercise but I make a commitment to do it every morning right when I wake up! If I don't, it doesn't get done. Making the decison is half the battle. Following through is the other half. If you can just decide what days and what times and put it in your calendar it might work better than just "hoping" you fit it in somewhere. It sounds like you are busy, however, proper sleep will assit in this...coming form a busy mom of 2!
  • kimothy38
    kimothy38 Posts: 840 Member
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    What helped me was changing my mindset from losing weight to gaining health. Don't obsess about food, begin with really small changes towards eating more veges or fruit. Baby steps are way more manageable that changing your whole diet and adding exercise as well. Increase incident exercise, walk the long way somewhere and take notice of the things around you (birds singing, blue sky etc). It sounds a bit 'fluffy' but I found it really helped when I stopped thinking about myself and my weight and started noticing other things and people. Build yourself up to eating a really healthy breakfast (I have a green smoothie on weekdays and whatever I want on weekends) - do what is manageable for your lifestyle. Best of luck.
  • vsmary
    vsmary Posts: 1
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    I agree with the idea of getting healthy over losing weight. Also, take credit for all the walking you do - to school and back, as well as around campus. Plus, remember whose daughter you are, and the fact that your mother struggles with losing weight, too. ;) Healthy is beautiful! And you are both!
  • teepeetim
    teepeetim Posts: 99 Member
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    Just looking at the last few days of your diary and I can see you are over your carb limit every day.
    Get rid of the Motts Medleys - All Natural Fruit Snacks, 2 Pouch , this seems to be consistent and high in carbs. If you dont want to get rid of it, then eliminate something else.
    Its okay to go over now and then, but not all the time.
    Exercise is key. It is the one thing required that there is no substitute for.
    You're not doing that bad - just tweak a few things and you're on your way.

    Good luck !
    Tim