Just joined...need a buddy or support or both.

Hey Nikki. Welcome to the forum. First of all, surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you. Join online forums. Seek out people who have the same goals as you. You'll pick up their positive energy! Try and read a motivational book every night, at least 10 pages. It will make a huge difference. Hope this helps!

This is a good place to be. This is probably the best food tracker I have come across, but if information is what you want, SparkPeople.com has a lot more information on how to loose weight. But to get you started I have four recommendations:

1) Honestly keep track of all the food you eat. I wouldn't worry too much about staying within the calorie count to start, but to gain a baseline for where you are. After a week or two, set your goal of where you want to be, weight wise. The recommended rule of thumb is not to loose more than two pounds a week. Also start going through your kitchen and pantry and substituting the less healthful food with more fruits and vegetables. If you work, make sure you keep healthy snacks nearby so that you can resist the vending machines or other temptations that might come in and to satisfy the munchie cravings.

2) Drink plenty of water. I'm not saying you need to drink a gallon every day, but you want to at least get the recommended 8 glasses of about 8 oz. a day. Once your body knows that it will be properly hydrated, it will cease storing water weight and that will lead to a quick loss of weight to start off with.

3) Begin a fitness routine that consists of cardio and some form of strength training. Muscle burns more calories than fat so you want to be building muscle at the same time you are trying to loose weight so you raise your basic metabolic rate (BMR) goes up. That being said, there may be times when you step on the scale and find that your weight has either gone up or remained unchanged. Do NOT let this be a deterrent. Muscle does weigh more than fat, so if you don't see a change, it is more likely that you are building muscle than retaining fat. You should also take a measurement of your arms, thighs, and waist so that you can see changes there as well as the scale.

That should be the mindset you start out with. This isn't just about loosing weight, but improving health. These 3 things have helped me loose 20 pounds and life is good.

Good luck to you in achieving your goals. You can do it!

I agree...lots of great advice!!! These people are here to help and are very encouraging!!! I've only been here for three days, but it's sooooo encouraging being here!!!!!!

Hi there and welcome :flowerforyou:

You've made the right step forward and here is the best place to start :bigsmile: You will receive lots of support and friendship which in my mind is priceless

Best of luck :drinker:

Hi Niki,
Welcome to MFP! joining this site is one of the best things you have ever done! I would love to help you in any way I can. Send me a friend request!
Stay strong and use this site everyday.

Molly

this is such an amazing group. what a great idea

we all have struggled but its a new day....when you fall off get right back on and dot it for yourself...