I'm new, and this is so hard!

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Replies

  • pennyanne55
    pennyanne55 Posts: 12
    Three days! Good start.
    Can I ask
    Are you using your computer or the phone app?
    If the computer try the app
    I started off "testing out" the phone app as my wife needs to count carbs but not really meaning to do any weight loss myself.
    Then the "angry birds effect" kicked in
    Nibble something, log it, weigh myself, log it the weight once that graph starts to trend down you're hooked
    I totally agree I use my phone and its become like a game of numbers for me if I want to eat something "extra" I do the exercise to have the extra calories. I have deliberately not CHANGED my lifeI'm too old for that but the "game" means I have to play hard to enjoy those extras. However now I find that if I do the exercise I don't want the "treat " anymore.
    Just keep track and it becomes addictive and don't look at the day but the week at the calories left if you go over. Best of luck.
  • sullus
    sullus Posts: 2,839 Member
    I recommend you just keep eating as you normally do BUT log in all the food that you eat--fast food, sodas, chips, candy--eat it all, but log it. Two things will happen:

    (1) you'll get tired of logging and continue on with an unhealthy and fattening lifestyle--but at least you'll know why in the future you're obese and sick, OR

    (2) the rational side of your brain will kick in you'll WANT to employ the tools and techniques to live a healthy lifestyle.

    In my opinion, I believe in your case, you first need to find out if a healthy lifestyle is REALLY what you want. If that's not your priority, then doing many of the suggestions above will be a total waste of your time, money and effort.

    The true success of the MFP system is LOGGING...start doing that and see how it works for you. And it DOES work--I can give you over 85 reasons if you look at my ticker below.

    Best of luck to you--now just start logging with your next bite.

    A 3rd thing happens when you log. The observer effect kicks in. All of a sudden you're conscious of what you eat. You start having thoughts like "oh man, if I eat that I'm going to have to LOG it *shudder*"

    Just by the virtue of logging, you start making different choices - without even really trying hard.
  • daniellew2009
    daniellew2009 Posts: 2
    It's def hard but you can do it I've been super obese my whole life and I've been working out and it's tough but I just find things that encourage me to keep going
  • kimdyj
    kimdyj Posts: 224 Member
    You can do it! My first week was the hardest too and i went over my calories and craving sweets all the time but after that week the craving was gone. I didn't realize I had a lot more self control and will power, sitting next to the breakroom with cakes, cupcakes and goodies all the time, I was able to resist the temptation. What gets me through is I have one cheat day where I still log my calories but I eat what I want but still controlling my portions. This site has so many people to guide and motivate you that will help you with your weight loss goal. Don't give up, it will get easier!

    Feel free to add me! My diary is open and I'm always on here!
  • Tony_Brewski
    Tony_Brewski Posts: 1,376 Member
    you're not depressed. you are probably suffering from withdrawl from the fast food, and your body wants it.

    give it push ups instead.

    Truth! Push Ups cure all! And drink water.
  • mnflame
    mnflame Posts: 24
    Almost everything you will ever do, or have done, is not easy at first. You get better with practice. Being healthy is not supposed to be about going on a diet, something that has an end; it's a process that will last for the rest of your life. With that in mind, know that every day isn't going to be perfect, but every day is also not going to be bad. I completely agree with the people who say to try to make your own egg mcmuffins or other "fast food type" breakfasts. I made these oatmeal muffins that I put in the freezer. I take one out at night and grab it on my way out in the morning. As for the exercise, once your muscles get used to the work, you will not be as sore all the time. I do NOT, however, agree with the people who are trying to tell you that you're not ready, or that are trying to make it sound so easy. It's not easy and it will be an every day struggle, but you can do this. We all can do it.
  • seltzermint555
    seltzermint555 Posts: 10,740 Member
    Here are things that have worked for me

    1) Save calories up all day for the thing you want most. Have it at the end of the day. WHen you want to eat transgressive bad foods all day, remind yourself the treat is there and you will get it at 7 pm or whenever.

    2) BE FULL. Eat a lot of food. You can eat a lot more fruits and vegetables than chips. Put fat on your vegetables to make them savory and the fullness will last longer -- Buttered squash or green beans in Buitoni reduced fat pesto are not a lot of calories, and the pesto or butter makes them wonderful. Add 4 ounces fo lean protein and you will stay full a long time.

    3) Drink a crap ton of water. Have a water cup with you alla time and drink it. Keeps you full and makes your skin pretty because you are nicely hydrated.

    3) Creep on other people's diaries. A huge part of getting HWO TO EAT AND LOSE WEIGHT through my head was to look at real people who were succeeding and see that they DID blow it -- go WAY over on tequila or cake -- and then see them get back on the horse immediately, next meal, not even next day but immediately, and seeing their success over time. Like I had always HEARD about YOU CAN HAVE TREATS AND STILL LOSE WEIGHT but to look at what actual successful peopel were doign and emulate it was VERY helpful.

    I hope this helps!


    I agree. Looking at some of my friends' diaries has really helped. For some reason, I am still not "brave" enough to make my own diary public, in part because I then feel guilty about my bad choices (even though they are fewer and further between lately) and if it was public, I think I'd have this desire to lie and/or please others...which is basically the opposite of what MFP is about, for me! But I am SO glad others share theirs. I guess in my mind, I originally thought anyone who is having success at or above my own level must be eating 100% perfectly all the time...it's nice to see that just about everyone has treats and processed food at SOME TIME!
  • denisedavis1976
    denisedavis1976 Posts: 7 Member
    you can do it!! one day at a time - add me ;)
  • sarahmirf
    sarahmirf Posts: 1
    I had the MFP app on my phone for a while before I got into "the Zone" as it were! I measure out my lunch so it's already to take to work and I plan my breakfast the night before too then I am not tempted.
    On a weekend I may splurge a little but then I make sure that my exercise regime is increased so I deserve what I have to eat.
    Once you see the weight dropping off it will motivate you even more!
    Good Luck and post on here how you are doing as we are all behind you! :smile:
  • RobynMWilson
    RobynMWilson Posts: 1,540 Member
    It does get easier! I just sent you a FR, but what I forgot to mention is that you already started feeling deprived as soon as you thought of calling your new lifestyle a "diet"! Never ever say that word again!! lol
  • HealthFitNow
    HealthFitNow Posts: 1,205 Member
    1 - Kudos to YOU! You started a good program.

    2 - Never fail to celebrate your successes more than your 'failures' -- YAY! You had two great days. You will have more great days. YAY!

    3 - Don't think of eating one McDs food as a failure that derails your plans for success. Listen to what Winston Churchill (whose failures were numerous) said, "Success is not final. Failure not fatal. It is the COURAGE TO CONTINUE THAT COUNTS."

    4 - You are already CONTINUING! So KUDOS on your courage! YAY!

    5. - There are TONS of good hints here. Not everything works for everyone. Give yourself a break. Find what works for you--a little trial and error is okay. Pick and choose...but track everything, so you can SEE actual documentation of what is working and what is not.

    6 - WRITE down every success. every KUDOs Everything you feel good about and create a WARM FUZZY FILE -- a file you can go back to and re read when you feel lost, down, like you failed yourself. It will boost your spirits because it takes you back to your successes!

    7- You took a courageous step and posted. Pat yourself on the back. YOU ROCK!

    HAVE A GREAT DAY!

    Blessings,
    ChapLynne
  • Jennacita
    Jennacita Posts: 116 Member
    Hi. Don't think of it as a diet but a lifestyle change. Don't try to change everything at once. Break it down into smaller chunks. Incorporate one healthy habit at a time. For example drink x amount of water or walk so many minutes or miles x times a week. When that becomes habitual add one or two more.

    I love egg mcmuffins. I also make a weeks worth at home to save $$. But if you want it add to your diary and make it fit your day.

    Track your normal eating habits for a week and tweak from there.

    It will get easier. Just hang in there.
  • Lynn_babcock
    Lynn_babcock Posts: 220 Member
    We don't live anywhere near McDonalds, 100 miles in either direction to the nearest one. Which is awesome.. we don't have a lot of fat people in my small town and I think that has something to do with it. Try to view it as 'not even an option'.. they closed down or something. You can make a dang good Egg McMuffin at home.. then you aren't tempted to do hashbrowns too.. and they are way more filling. Hashbrowns are another 150 calories. Honestly, their breakfast is very reasonable as far as calories go. When lunchtime rolls around though.. those things pack a calorie punch.

    I use the THomas 100 calorie english muffin, as a bonus they have a lot of fiber too. 1 whole egg and 2 egg white are going to make your sammy massive.. which makes me very happy. 1/8 cup of low fat mozzerella cheese (if you want more authentic we were using the Borden's Fat Free slices.. 30 calories a slice), and a few slices of deli ham (in the approx amount of 60 calories). Should be about 304 calories with 6-8 grams of fiber.. their muffins vary by location. McDonalds is 300, with 4 grams fiber. You can drop 53 calories by having 3 egg whites instead of one being a whole egg.

    Toast the muffin in the toaster, cook you egg on a skillet with 0-calorie spray.. salt and pepper. Throw together and love it!

    Should save some money too. I had worked up the price before and they were like $1.60 each to make at home.
  • pkdmfp
    pkdmfp Posts: 7 Member
    It is hard when you start but when you stay with it the results are amazing. I have lost 11 pounds and six more pound to go. I have tried many diets but this is the only one that I like. We eat protein bar in the morning which helps us a lot, you may want to try eating protein bar. Good luck!:happy:
  • AJinBirmingham
    AJinBirmingham Posts: 497
    Three days! Good start.
    Can I ask
    Are you using your computer or the phone app?
    If the computer try the app
    I started off "testing out" the phone app as my wife needs to count carbs but not really meaning to do any weight loss myself.
    Then the "angry birds effect" kicked in
    Nibble something, log it, weigh myself, log it the weight once that graph starts to trend down you're hooked

    "Angry Birds Effect" - best new phrase I've heard in a while.

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