Getting Started

typist81

Looking for ideas/suggestions. This is my first day and I really need some motivation.

Chunk2206

First starting tracking your food every day. It really helps you see where your going wrong with the food you eat.

Second find some exercise that you enjoy (easier said than done).

Third take measurements as well as weight. It's a great way to keep motivated.

Lastly get some friends to help. I had a couple of weeks where I didn't loose anything and if it wasn't for my MFP friends I might have given up.

Add me if you like.

Nanook8

#1: Clean out your pantry and refrigerator to remove processed foods and sugary foods....get rid of the temptation.
#2: Shop the perimeter of your grocery store: fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, lean meats, eggs, yogurt
#3: Drink lots of water
#4: Be realistic about your workout routine...what is doable for you to start out with? Baby steps are better than crashing after 3 days.
5: Be honest with your food entries; you only cheat yourself if you don't enter everything you put in your mouth.
6: Don't weigh every day....can be disappointing.
7: one day at a time!!!!!!!

TeaBea

Wow- both replies really cover all the bases!

Just remember .... this is about lifestyle changes. Make changes that you can live with - those permanent changes are the things that will keep the weight from coming back

dare2begin

I am new to this site as well. Thank you Nanook8 and Chunk2206 for the great advice.
Being a single mother and a penny pincher I am not sure I can do #1 and throw everything out.
It would be very hard, but know in the long run might be just what is needed!

dare2begin

One more thing....changing eating habits can be very overwhelming. I have found that making one small change a week has helped me start the process and then after a bit I am able to make bigger changes.

Examples:

Change the % of milk you drink. If you drink whole milk go to 2%.
Change the bread you eat. If you eat white bread, buy whole wheat.

In past efforts I have found this to be very helpful. My changes this week have been to cut the caffeine (and subsequent sugar) down to only one cup a day instead of too many to count!

fldiver97

great responses!!! Just remember that this is a change to your lifestyle.......'log and learn' works for me. It takes a little time to get a feel for the food/exercise that makes you feel good, feel full and satisfied, feel more energetic. Changes are slow and subtle but over time you will notice changes. For me it is the fact that my tastebuds and my stomach 'speak louder'....processed foods are less appealling as they are too sweet/too salty/to artificial tasting. Overeating results in discomfort and I learned to eat slower and stop when I feel full. Drinking more water is becoming normal (finally....I always struggle with drinking enough and used to wake up soooo thirsty often in the middle of the night - duh!!) Exercise. Even walking, adding a minute or two a week until you feel it is becoming a habit and makes you feel better. Eventually you will find what suits you - exercise, better eating/portion control etc. Hopefully by making small and sustainable changes this will be a permanent and healthier lifestyle. I don't want to deprive myself, don't want to yo-yo diet or limit my eating to some prepackaged type of food. I want to be reasonably fit, avoid the health problems I can avoid and feel good. Good luck !!!!! Just getting started is alreay a big step :flowerforyou:

givenshl

Great question that you asked. These are all some wonderful responses. This I am sure will help me also. I am sure whacked out on my foods. I have 50 pounds I want to get rid of by the end of the year.

Good luck on your Weight Loss Journey!