Newbie attempting to do things right!

xatannerx
xatannerx Posts: 36 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I just opened my daily diary to keep me accountable! I have been reading and researching to determine the best plan of action to reach my goals! A bit confusing, but I think I figured out my TDEE, BMR, and appropriate macro goals ( I think this site need to add a dictionary for all the fitness lingo I see on here)! I am doing 20% below my TDEE not including workouts. I will eat those calories on top of my daily goal only if hungry. Any feedback on my diary is welcomed so don't hold back :) I take constructive criticism and feedback with open arms!

Also, does anyone measure progress with measurements or calipers rather than a scale? I don't like the variations in scale readings due to water weight or increased muscle mass. I want to start the strong lifts 5x5 :) I have heard amazing things from women that have done it!

Replies

  • xatannerx
    xatannerx Posts: 36 Member
    Btw, I am 5'6, 156 Lbs, and I think 32.3% body fat.
  • Babeskeez
    Babeskeez Posts: 606 Member
    Hi friend!

    I do measurements because I have been getting disappointed by what the scale has been telling me. But my measurements have been telling me I am losing inches. It makes me feel soooo much better. I do strong lifts too. It is so hard to just do that (and cardio) because all my life I have been told to train body parts. But I like this so much better. Plus I feel like a bad *kitten*.
  • DanaDark
    DanaDark Posts: 2,187 Member
    Honestly sounds like you are on the right track. You know your numbers and have a reasonable goal with an actual writen weight training program on the horizon.

    Go for it.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    Hey welcome! Woohoo this is going to be fun everyday for the rest of your life now you get the opportunity to try to be a little healthier and move a bit more. Experiment see what works and doesnt work for you. Also be aware of the sanctimonious sharks who sometimes circle in the sometimes shallow waters of MFP. I just harpoon them with my ray gun and my awesomeness! But welcome one day at a time your doing great starting you move foward.
  • Robin_Bin
    Robin_Bin Posts: 1,046 Member
    Here's a collection of suggestions: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Robin_Bin/view/how-to-use-myfitnesspal-427993
    It sounds like you're off to a good start. Go with that and you can adjust over time.
    And here's a list of terms or abbreviations used here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Robin_Bin/view/mfp-terms-introductory-274185
    Best wishes!
  • xatannerx
    xatannerx Posts: 36 Member
    Thanks guys! Randi, glad to hear you have seen success with measurements. I am excited to start lifting, however a bit intimidated with the equipment, executing proper form, and not hurting myself...lol. I know after a few days I will feel more comfortable!
  • xatannerx
    xatannerx Posts: 36 Member
    Idro, thanks for the encouragement!

    Robin, thanks for the links! Gonna check them out now! I love the wealth of knowledge available through MFP :)
  • originalcookiemonster
    originalcookiemonster Posts: 278
    Welcome!!! Sounds like you are off to a great start! Eating properly and lifting weights has been one of the best decisions I ever made. :) I am going to agree with the above nice posters and say that measurements mean more to my success than the scale does. I honestly haven't touched in in 2 months!

    One thing I noticed, and I'll give you a link to read on it too. If you are going to be working out, your TDEE should be determined based on your activity level. I myself work out 3 to 5 days a week so I put myself at moderately active. If you eat at a 20% deficit of a similarly structured TDEE you do not need to eat your exercise calories back. Doing your calories this way eliminates the need for that. It is important to remember however that you should not eat below your BMR.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12

    Also, know that when you start lifting, your muscles will retain water as they heal from "tearing" so be prepared to feel a little bloated and such. It will go away promise!!! Other than that, welcome, stay away from the dumbz and feel free to ask any questions you need! Congrats on getting started! :flowerforyou:

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