is it okay to take some time to think??

speechlessmotivation
speechlessmotivation Posts: 62
in Health and Weight Loss
so I'm ready to lose weight but unsure of some things still. I decided to try rockin body dance d.v.ds for exercise, but my food area I'm still unsure on. I'm a vegetarian and kinda still confused what I should eat? single item foods like I have been doing or homemade meals that are healthy? should I buy books to find substitutes for my favorite foods like pancakes or spaghetti? I feel bad I'm not starting right away but I don't want to jump in without being completely confident.

Replies

  • VelociMama
    VelociMama Posts: 3,119 Member
    Start slow and just log everything you normally eat. Get into the habit of putting it down.

    When you feel ready, set yourself to lose 1/2 to 1 lb per week and just eat within that limit by changing your goals in MFP. Don't worry about the specific food choices yet. Just get your intake under that limit.

    Commit to doing some kind of exercise at least 3x per week (can be as simple as walking).

    Weight loss doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing thing. It's totally fine to take your time and go slow. It's also totally fine to be not so confident when you start out too.

    The keys to making this work long term are consistency and patience.
  • scarlettsky7
    scarlettsky7 Posts: 128 Member
    eat lots of veggies, fruits, raw nuts, quinoa, and beans. quinoa spaghetti is yummy and gluten free. avoid fake meats and soy products. lots of whole foods that grow naturally and less processed foods. grind up flax seeds for omega-3 and top on a protein smoothie. good luck being vegetarian!! its super easy if you do it right :)
  • megsmom2
    megsmom2 Posts: 2,362 Member
    Don't overthink...just do. Start logging what you're eating....without making changes...and after you see trends you can begin making positive changes. Learn a little about good nutrition, but you don't need to become an expert to begin eating healthy. Also...you don't need to "make substitutes" for foods you like...enjoy them! In reasonable, planned amounts. Nothing needs to be off limits. Best of luck....you can do this!
  • Nancy_hc
    Nancy_hc Posts: 123 Member
    Some nutritionists recommend "perfecting" a maintenance diet first. This way once you DO reach your weight loss goals, maintaining it will be second nature. Take all the time you need! Log your foods to see where you'll be once you hit your goals.
  • SammyKatt13
    SammyKatt13 Posts: 124 Member
    I would start off small... Just change one or two things at a time and after a week or so, change something else. Look at it as a way of life, not a diet.

    Ideas for pancakes - I havent tried it yet but I saw a recipe that was 1 banana, 2 eggs and 3/4 cup blueberries all mashed together and cooked like pancakes. I plan on trying it tomorrow (If I make it to the store that it)

    Spaghetti - just use spaghetti squash. Or do mostly the squash and then like half a serving of noodles.
  • acogg
    acogg Posts: 1,870 Member
    Take baby steps and don't try to do everything at once. Take the time to make positive changes a routine.
  • pteryndactyl
    pteryndactyl Posts: 303 Member
    Maybe instead of starting off trying to find replacements, watch the portions and log the foods you do like to eat. Once you're comfortable with logging and portion control, experiment with healthier alternatives.
  • cleomouri
    cleomouri Posts: 51 Member
    Those I have know that have 'gone whole hog' and 'hitting the ground running' and tried to do to much at once have been the ones that haven't found long term success.

    It's fine to take it slow. You're aiming for lifestyle changes here and that doesn't happen overnight.

    Pick a few things to add to your routine. It might be making sure everything you eat gets logged. It might be climbing the stairs 10 times a day. When whatever you pick becomes second nature that you don't need to think about getting it done as much, pick something else to add in and work on adding that to your routine and maintaining everything else.

    As they say, slow and steady wins the race.
  • LadyOfOceanBreeze
    LadyOfOceanBreeze Posts: 762 Member
    so I'm ready to lose weight but unsure of some things still. I decided to try rockin body dance d.v.ds for exercise, but my food area I'm still unsure on. I'm a vegetarian and kinda still confused what I should eat? single item foods like I have been doing or homemade meals that are healthy? should I buy books to find substitutes for my favorite foods like pancakes or spaghetti? I feel bad I'm not starting right away but I don't want to jump in without being completely confident.

    eat smaller portions of all your favorites, as you lose you should begin making healthier choices automatically:drinker:
  • speechlessmotivation
    speechlessmotivation Posts: 62
    Im thankful for all the advice, I think I'll start logging first then changing some things in my diet
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    There's a syndrome called "analysis paralysis" - it's where you over-think things so much that you don't do anything. Keep it simple and make whatever changes you can now - doing anything toward your goal is better than doing nothing. Don't obsess over every minor detail and being "perfect"...minor details matter a lot more when you're near your goal and trying to squeeze off those last few pounds or last few % of bodyfat than they do in the beginning when you have a lot to lose.

    Most important - if getting fit and healthy really matters to you, start reading and learning about nutrition and training. Put forth the effort to educate yourself rather than relying on blind advice from internet forums which may or may not be correct (yes, I do understand the irony of posting that statement in an internet forum). By the time you get to the point where those small details DO matter, you'll understand what they are and what to do about them. Take your destiny into your own hands, claim responsibility for it and make it happen!

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