I need guidance.

It s going to be hard to give guidance with your food diary not visible. But are you working out regularly? Such as going on walks, stationary bikes, hiking, etc? And as far as sides, what better sides than veggies? If they start to get dull, try adding in some low-fat cheeses or something. Healthy doesn't have to mean dull. I still add cheese to my brocoli sometimes.

It is important to remember we did not get where we are overnight & we will not get where we want to go overnight either. Last year I lost almost 50 Lbs. but because of medical issues I gained some of it back so I am re-starting my journey and have a goal of loosing 100 Lbs. That goal will probably be adjusted as I go but for now that is what I have set. Just be kind with yourself. Every little change is a change in the right direction. I remember nothing can change without Change itself. Basically you will get through your journey with any change you make. It is only natural to get discouraged at times. Tomorrow day is a new day. For me being as informed as possible is the key. I read a lot of articles surf the web and now ask away on MFP. Keep up the hard work it will pay off. Good luck

For me I find eating 6-8 small meals a day is key to keep going. Especially if you are doing cardio or strength training.
I try to eat as organic and healthy as possible and all in moderation. I eat pizza with the works on it but not longer 1/2 the pizza. I have two slices. I found eating in moderation and what i wanted provided me with success thus far. Depriving yourself will set you up for failure and make you feel guilt over food...which is never good.
I feel I use the tools from weight watchers of healthier choices and portion control and MFP calories counter and go from there.
Remember to take measurements as I found this changed but my number on the scale did not for three weeks. Would have discouraged me from continuing and all my hard work would have been for nothing...the inches fell off...the number took a bit longer to drop. Best wishes:)

After looking at your food diary, I can give you a few suggestions.

1. I saw several days were you were below 1200 calories. That will stall you. Always try to get close to that goal. Especially days that you work out.
2. A lot of the foods you are eating are high in sodium. With you working out, you will regain a lor of water if you are high in sodium.
3. You need to be getting more fluids. Water, juices (healthy ones of course), etc... Drink as much fluid as you can. And I am not talking sodas.

Those are just some I can think of.

Hi I'm just starting out as well (12 days now) I find it funny though because over all the years I have learned about dieting, I know what I need to do to get healthy, I just never knew how to get the motivation to control my willpower. I found my motivation and I KNOW I can reach my goals! (I quit smoking a year and a half ago...go me hehe). I have a few suggestions that have been working for me, and maybe they will help you too. I hope so

1) Find your motivation, just saying "I want to do this" or "I sure would like to lose some weight" isn't quite enough for me, and I'm going to guess more then a few others out there or else weight loss wouldn't be so difficult. My motivation is my Grandson , when I even THINK about eating something that doesn't fit into my plan...I let it go much easier! He's my main motivation! Find your one thing super important to you that will motivate you.

2) Plan your days worth of food/meals after you have your breakfast. Make sure you already have your breakfasts planned, then prepare, portion, check calories, fat, carbs etc. Obviously MFP is the way to go with that, once you have all your food for the day planned, put it in a lunch bag (My mom got me a cute hello kitty bag about the size of a medium gift bag, and its perfect size, it's not insulated, but I keep it in the fridge @ home and @ work). If something is not in your bag...DON'T EAT IT (there is always tomorrow, if you still want it you can always plan to have it then). Space out your meals and snacks so you're not ever really "starving".

3) Cook your food ahead of time! Prepare as much as you can ahead because it makes preparing your days worth of food SOOOOO much easier! I cut up my veggies, cook my chicken (I don't like chicken breast, so I get boneless skinless chicken thighs instead), portion your cooked chicken, steak for salads or whatever you plan to use it for...and I have a basket that I keep protien bars, granola bars, fruit bars, nuts for snacking and other pre portioned type healthy snacks! This helps me because I don't have to rack my brain or hunt through my kitchen trying to figure out what I can eat! Invest in a few boxes of ziplock baggies of various sizes, (big for storing, smaller for portioning) also containers (I went to the dollar store and got the cheap tupperware like stuff, that way if I lose or break one its not that big of a deal)


4)Talk about your progress, it will make you feel good! Even if you have only been on your plan for 2 days great, if you made it through them, you can make it through the next day and so on, and IF you do stumble, remember thats all it is and get right back on track where you left off! I have made it through 12 days (i started on new years day to make tracking my time easier lol one less thing I will have to think about) and I am so excited, I appoligize occasionally but keep right on saying I'm proud of myself lol My friends and family dont care about my yacking because they are proud of me too and will listen to my chatting lol

5) Cookbooks for healthy meals, and online reciepes...that will help with ideas of what to eat. If you have a kindle there are TONS of things on there, reading is always helpful, even if its just a few things ..its better then not knowing anything :happy:

I hope this helps, even if one of my routines works for you I would be thrilled! Good luck and don't get discouraged...we can do this!!! :flowerforyou: