Nervous about food.

Relax. Dieting is a science, but it's not an exact one. Try to eat healthy foods, but if you want to eat a little junk, you can do that, too. For the most part, dieting is calories in vs. calories out. Try to net at least 1200 calories a day* (net = calories in minus exercise calories) and you should be fine. If you follow the basic rules, you will lose weight. If you overeat one day, just get back on the wagon. It's a long term choice, so while you're try not to mess up too badly, don't beat yourself up over a mistake.

*Many people believe that if you go lower than 1200 calories a day, your body goes into starvation mode and starts to hoard the calories. I don't believe in precisely that number, but your metabolism will slow if you eat too few calories.

Also, reading the link below will give you a lot of helpful information since you're green to this way of dieting: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

I will eat a few back if I am STARVING, as I usually burn 500 cal a day min in exercise. Also- I have my cals set really low- 1200, and am restricting carbs as well.
I get a little obsessed too, with the logging, but I am trying to think of it as holding myself accountable- not obsessing. I have had plenty of years of eating what I want, and NOT keeping track, and I didn't like those results, and I am losing STEADILY doing what I am doing now, so positives all around.
It is new, it is different, and it is good. I have lost 3.4 lbs in the last 7 days, and 3 inches off my waist and 3 inches off my hips since starting (about a month before I started logging- 2 of those inches off my waist and 2 off the hips have been lost in the last 16 days, since logging here).
So- it works! I am really happy, so I shall continue.


Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter

Oh, honey are you in the right place.

First, you won't mess it up. If you do, you brush yourself off and keep going.

eating your exercise calories was new to me too, no wonder I found myself ALWAYS hungery on the fad diets.

So, when you really want to eat a bit more, exercise more. It works out well.

Some days you'll exercise and not eat all them back and that's ok too.

The only wrong way to fuel your body is the "fade diet" way.

Try to choose "closest to nature" things and as less processed as possible. That helps alot.

try to get away for just the scale number too. Notice the other things. NSV (non-scale victories) such as someone commenting on looking better, or your pants getting loose. Those things will be what will keep us going between the pounds coming off.

Good luck.

Friend me if you'd like.

i dont think about calories till i log-on! remember that it is about self honesty that make the weight fall off. that is the only thing we can do any thing about. i changed my exercise habits more than any thing. remember that it is health that we want.. if it become to much thinking talk to your doctor. we will support you in any way we can help!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When I started MFP, I just logged what I ate, and didn't look at or worry about calories etc. I agree, so much water, so many bathroom trips. I just drink when I'm thirsty. I'm far from perfect, but, I'm SLOWLY getting to my goal. In 5 months, I'm halfway there. I'm really happy with it. Don't worry about it, you're just starting. It gets easier! I promise. :flowerforyou:

Lol. Calm down macros are fats/carbs/proteins-the biggies. (also numbers that everyone plays around w depending on their goals). Micros are the smaller stuff like vitamins and minerals (all those tiny nutrients).

I love food. It tastes good, it keeps me alive, it helps me gain or lose weight depending on my goals, it's a good social activity, its fun to cook. Love it.

I don't log my exercise - I don't care to and I find MFP inaccurate. It's also inaccurate of its suggestions. If you're looking to NET 1200 then yes eat back your calories. Eating only 1200 is a terrible idea.

Also - count macros, not calories. Better approach.

crap. wth are macros? sometimes i really wish i hadn't prayed at the altar of hamburger helper since birth! i am more clueless than i though!

Macronutrients:
Protein - the nitrogenous peptide structures that are everything "you." Not just lean muscle, DNA codes genes code RNA code proteins that make your eye color, hair shape, skin tone, digestive enzymes, voice box... You are the proteins you make.
Fat - long carbon chains either saturated or partially unsaturated with hydrogen atoms either as free fatty acids (triglycerides) or attached to a head of another functional group like phosphate, a protein, or small carbohydrate chain. All are essential for the structure of cell, vacuole, and organelle membranes with different functions. Also important to the function of the brain and endocrine system (hormones).
Carbs - non-essential macronutrient that breaks down into glucose molecules for readily available energy use (or storage into triglycerides in adipose tissue if not utilized)
Water - not really a nutrient by any mean, doesn't fit the profile. But I mention it because people dont drink enough water considering you are composed of 70% H2O.

Micronutrients are the vitamins, minerals, cholesterol, and other functional pieces found in wholesome foods required by the body to function properly. Deficiency in any micronutrient certainly may not be fatal but it could have negative health impact and deter you from your goals.