Any Tips for a newbie?

Here are some tips...

1. Log your weight and calories/meals accurately everyday...do not cheat yourself...be honest...you would be surprised how the calories add up. If you go over, you go over...but then you can find ways to cut out calories the next day and so on.
2. Exercise when you can and log it...accurately as well...do not exaggerate. Depending on your schedule, exercise can be challenging, but find the time.
3. Follow the MFP calorie recommendation as closely as possible. Do not get frustrated. Your weight might go up and down from time to time. It might take two or three weeks to notice the results...but everyone is different.
4. Find a gym if you can...if you can't find a safe place to walk/jog...you can also do aerobic workouts at home (check Youtube for ideas).
5. View this as a lifestyle change...not as a diet or as something you are going to do until you lose some weight and then stop and go back to your old ways.
6. Don't give up. The will power, patience and mental part of it is the hardest...plus all the temptation of friends/coworkers/family always trying to shove food in your face. Find ways to keep your motivation and passion...it's tough being succesful wihtout this.

Good luck!

Don't take calorie burn estimates too seriously. They are frequently too high. Bear in mind that the calorie estimates on food labels can understate the amount by as much as 20 percent. If you aren't losing, analyze your diet and increase your exercise. Increasing calories is rarely the correct response, especially without trying other things first.


Use your judgment.