New and Looking for Support

Im about two weeks in now, also 31 and I have 91 lbs. to lose. This site is wonderful and buddies make it even better. Sent you a friend request : ) Good luck!

You can add me!

Welcome, Good luck stay strong.
My name is Nancy I an considering surgery and I have been instructed to lose 9 lbs, so far I have been walking everyday 30 mins before my lunch and when I get home (if my son lets me)I get on the treadmill for 20-30 minutes more. You have to slowly work up to it, I started at 20 mins and the 25 then every week I try to go up. Today I walked 45 mins,so far I have lost 12 lbs and I started walking in March. My food intake is only 1200 calories a day and I am eating very healthy, the food tracker keeps you honest and once the weight loss starts you get more motivated. My weakness is sugar ,with that as well I started cut out more and more everyday I don't denie myself just eat less.

You can add me. Just joined a program ministry that emphasizes good old fashioned exercise and clean eating. Anyone else who wants to add me would be fine. I need all the support I can get.

<a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com"><img src="http://badges.myfitnesspal.com/badges/show/237/4053/2374053.weight-togo-sm.gif&quot; border="0"></a><p style="text-align: center;width:226px;"><small>MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com">Free Calorie Counter</a></small></p>

Loving this app very helpful.

Hi Trish!

I'm 28, hurtling towards 30 (which I have no problem with!) and started my journey properly at the start of April after losing about 25lbs since January.

MFP is brilliant - from a "I just want to know how many calories I'm eating" point of view to "I just want to know what I eat most of" view. I think there is a lot of us who have tried diet's before - I've done WW, calorie counting, shakes - all sorts. Sometimes things just click and you are in the zone. Other times you feel discouraged and want to eat junk.

My advice, as a newcomer - eat a diet (I call it lifestyle) that you know can be sustainable. This kind of thing should be a change for life, not for six/twelve months - you may have to eat healthily with treats in moderation for the rest of your life. It doesn't need to be a burden, but it does need to be controlled - and it can be. Actually, controlling it is the most important thing; the ability to eat a takeaway, or a packet of crisps, or chocolate and say "That's enough". It's really hard and takes a while so don't rush it.

If you restrict too much, you'll end up hating the diet and feel discouraged. Be kind to yourself - don't beat yourself up for a lost day or big calorie meal - we're human, we make mistakes and actually, it's not a mistake to want things - it's natural. Personally, I would start to gradually limit your intake rather than start with a 1400 (or whatever) calorie guide - get yourself used to it first because it is hard. It's not as hard if you do exercise as you can eat those calories back (there are a lot of debates about such) but be aware that MFP bases your calories on small factors and are not always very accurate.

The most important thing in all of this is to not deprive yourself - eat your calories, don't restrict, and enjoy treats. It's incredibly liberating.

I'm going to add you as a friend xxx