Clueless!

ktbug1186
ktbug1186 Posts: 266 Member
edited September 2024 in Introduce Yourself
Hey everyone! I just joined yesterday. Over the last three years I have gained about twenty pounds, and I have no idea how to take it off! Anyone have any tips/suggestions on doing it and staying motivated? Thanks!! :D -Katie

Replies

  • tgaul
    tgaul Posts: 123 Member
    Tracking your food is one the best tools. I do my best when I do this. :smile:
  • ErrataCorrige
    ErrataCorrige Posts: 649 Member
    I have found that diet is way more important that exercise. It is a lot easier to cut 500 calories out of your day than it is to workout for an hour or more to burn those 500.

    Good luck!
  • weaklink109
    weaklink109 Posts: 2,831 Member
    I have found that diet is way more important that exercise. It is a lot easier to cut 500 calories out of your day than it is to workout for an hour or more to burn those 500.

    Good luck!

    The most effective approach is recording food, making good dietary choices, AND getting some exercise. Cardio will burn fat. Strength training will help build muscle and tone.

    If you are not sure what a good food choice is, there are many books available that can give you an idea, and TONS of info on the web.

    Welcome and good luck!! :flowerforyou: I WISH I only had 20 lbs. left to lose!!:wink:
  • TateFTW
    TateFTW Posts: 658 Member
    Add your food to your diary obsessively. Everything. If you treat yourself, don't be afraid to add it, because it's all about learning. If you go over on different things (carbs, cals, fats) now and then, don't sweat it. But if you're going over on one or two specific things consistently, it's time to rethink your choices.

    If you commit to staying just below everything at the end of every day you possibly can, you'll lose weight. It's crazy how automatic it is.

    I agree that diet is more important to weight loss then excersize, but it sure is easier to stay under your calories with an extra few hundred calories on your total.
  • Stevearoonie
    Stevearoonie Posts: 43 Member
    Hey hun,

    A balanced attack on multiple fronts is best. Watching what you eat is important, and exercising even a little each day goes a long way toward reaching your goal.

    Avoiding things like carbonated drinks and huge portions of red meat, while eating more fresh fruit and green vegetables will go a long way.

    Walking at a brisk pace for just 30 minutes is an easy way to burn calories, and it won't leave you moaning in pain the next day. Just make sure to stretch out after =)

    Final comment: Change is 10% about knowing how and what you to be different and 90% about the choices you make. You have to make it happen.

    Good Luck!
  • sanura
    sanura Posts: 459 Member
    I agree with everyone's advice so far, and I would add that you need to have reminders of why you are doing this. I love keeping a journal, you can add things like a before picture, pictures of activities you'd like to try, healthy recipes, and a list of reasons that you feel strongly about, and great quotes and other inspiration you find along the way. and years ago when I lost 50 pounds I collected success stories from a variety of magazines, so be sure to check out the amazing success of members on mfp! congrats to all of you!!
  • ktbug1186
    ktbug1186 Posts: 266 Member
    Thanks you guys!! :) and weaklink109, trust me, this twenty looks like 50 on my 4"11 frame!! But Ive given up carbonated drinks **super hard since i was drinking at least 2 a DAY!**...and i've noticed my stomach seems flatter after only about two weeks! Thanks for all the support and tips, it really helps! :D
  • shari253
    shari253 Posts: 202 Member
    More advice: Just don't quit no matter what! Keep trying.
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