How does MyFitnessPal help you loose weight?

For many folks, weight gain happens in the shadows. Weight gain are the mystery calories. That second, or third helping at the all you can eat buffet. The cinammon role, or sweet coffee drink you mindless consume at the mall. The pizza, wings, chips and beer you mindless shovel in while watching a ball game.

MFP sets a bar and forces you to account for what you eat. Sure you can cheat, but at least you are aware that you are cheating. In addition to forcing you to cut back or eliminate some high calorie foods, in some cases, it will force you to cut back when you dindulge in, say, fast food. If you have a 1,500 calorie limit, you might choose a 350 calorie single burger and a side salad, rather than an 800 or 1,000 calorie gut buster, along with large fries and a coke, which would put you over for the entire day.

It's accountability. If you eat nothing but junk and see it, it may make you change your eating habits. Also shows you how many calories you can eat in a day so you don't go over. Exercise and eating right are the only way to lose weight. Add me if you want.

It also helps me that I have friends on here that keep me accountable. Make sure you are honest on your logs, and let others see your food intake. For me, accountability is key.

I've lost weight and my spelling has improved too!

Do you have a USB port? You need to hook yourself up to your computer and then download your weight loss onto your body. It's pretty painless once you get used to it.

Made me aware that I was eating way too much, and the quality of food I was eating was not making me healthier.

The awareness is the first step. From there, the changes you need to make will present themselves.

For me it's about seeing what I was actually putting in my body before versus now. When you see those numbers and relate it back to how you were eating and how you are now it makes you want to make healthier choices.

For example, the average American puts in well over 350 carbs, which is so ridiculously high, when we really only need 150-200 grams for energy. For me this was a huge change.

I don't have loose weight, nor do I want my weight to become loose.

It is simply a tool for you. It can not "MAKE" you lose weight. There is still some work on your part. Unless you are willing to put in the time, the site will not help you. For the ones who put in the time and the asperations, it is a very beneficial tool. Can't hurt to give it a try? I love this site! >:O)

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For many folks, weight gain happens in the shadows. Weight gain are the mystery calories. That second, or third helping at the all you can eat buffet. The cinammon role, or sweet coffee drink you mindless consume at the mall. The pizza, wings, chips and beer you mindless shovel in while watching a ball game.

MFP sets a bar and forces you to account for what you eat. Sure you can cheat, but at least you are aware that you are cheating. In addition to forcing you to cut back or eliminate some high calorie foods, in some cases, it will force you to cut back when you dindulge in, say, fast food. If you have a 1,500 calorie limit, you might choose a 350 calorie single burger and a side salad, rather than an 800 or 1,000 calorie gut buster, along with large fries and a coke, which would put you over for the entire day.

These are very wise words that sum it up perfectly!

Until I joined MFP and began logging my foods and exercise I thought I was doing everything right. I ate healthy and exercised regularly but I was gaining weight, or if I was lucky staying at the same weight. Sure every now and then I'd go down a couple pounds but they always came back and I didn't know why.

MFP has helped me by making me more aware of my body and what it actually needs. I know what I am ingesting each day, how many calories are burned with exercise, and it also gives me a goal driven plan to stick with each day. I no longer have to guess so long as I am honest and dedicated to logging in daily. I plan ahead, make healthy food choices, and workout more because its WORKING! The 25 lbs I've lost in the last 12 months I don't miss for one second and I have MFP and my supportive friends to thank. 10 more to go!!

MFP has helped me lose weight in two ways:1) The logging in of calorie intake which has made me accountable about my eating habits and change them for the better. Not only have I been eating fewer calories and smaller portions, I've been gradually eating better and cleaner as well. There's something about seeing what you're really eating that puts a new perspective on things. Interestingly, for those who have lost weight and continue to maintain their goal weight, their success rate is higher than those who do not log in their foods; 2) MFP friends have provided me with some amazing support and sound advice when asked. I've kept my friends list small: People who started at around the same time as I did, have similar goals and/or take the same approach (I'm a Slow & Steady advocate as opposed to a Fast & Furious burner.) MFP friends, though virtual, understand probably better than many of your friends or family will/do about your particular situation because they're doing it too.

All that said, you really can only get out of MFP what you put into it. If you're not honest or realistic, if you don't log in your foods and/or take advantage of the support system it offers, you're probably not going to benefit as much as someone who does :-)

It keeps me in line