help

Have you worked out on here the amount of calories you should have? MFP calculated mine as 1580, but when I began I also had a dietician appointment who told me to lower it to 1300. I have steadily lost between 1/2 - 2 lbs a week. Make sure you have the correct amount of calories, log in everything, and as mentioned previously be patient.
Try doing just little things for exercise if you haven't got the time. I have a really busy schedule and the only way I could do anything was to get up half an hour earlier, so when I started I would get up at 0430 and go for a 1 mile walk, I was so exhaused by 7pm I was asleep! This has gradually become a 2 mile run an hour later (as I can do it faster). Park further away and have a 5 minute walk, just little things add up. Good luck!

You should definitely log *everything* you it, and weigh it properly. Also, 1200 calories is pretty low. Did MFP tell you to eat that?

Also, weight fluctuates. Don't weigh yourself too often, and be patient. It'll come if you work at it

Fat, protein and carbs all have a specific number of calories per gram. Those add up to the total number of calories in the foo dyou eat.

Especially at your weight, the calorie count is most important to losing. The other stuff is more important for body-building (cutting and bulking).

Seriously, don't worry about this fluctuation. They happen. Too much sodium and I can gain 5 pounds overnight and lose it in three days. And you will probably not see a loss every week and you will sometimes see gains. It's normal.

Let me start by saying that old saying of : You didn't gain it overnight, you wont loose it overnight " .

Now lets talk about the important things as you begin your life change. Take a picture of yourself ( I didn't and wish I had ) . Take all your measurements, including thighs, calves, upper arm, neck, and the big 3, bust, weight and hips. Also calculate your BMI which you can find on most health sites This information will really help later on.

The main thing in loosing weight is putting less in then you burn but never go under 1200 calories without contact with your doctor.

Sorry if I sound hard, but I think it is important to set yourself up for success not failure. There are lots of people on MFP that will help you when you get down and support you when you need it and pat you on the back when you accomplish something new but you have to do the first thing which in my opinion is to put yourself first.

I have been on this journey for 1 yr today, some days are great, some not so much but I know that I have to keep going and fight with my body to get healthy. I wish you all the strength you will need to be happy with who you are. I would be glad to have you add me as a friend, if you would like but I think this journey is a two way street, so I will remove you if you do not log in for 3 days ( unless notified ahead of time ) or if you do not support others.

Good luck on your journey, try not to get down on yourself, all good things come with hard work.

Thanks for all the words of wisdom and encouragement!

I have another question. I noticed on the menus people were eating today that pasta, bread, and potatoes were mentioned quite a few times, and by people who lost a significant amount of weight. Should i still be eating some of these foods ? I guess what i am asking..... is 1200 calories of chicken, fruit, and vegetables the same as 1200 calories of bread, pasta, and potatos when it hits your body? I know you can eat more of chicken, fruits, etc than you can of breads and stuff. But is a calorie the same on your body no matter where it comes from ?

Unless you have a medical condition, those foods are perfectly fine in moderation, just like everything else.

You're eating oatmeal. I'm not sure what your logic was in thinking oatmeal was OK, but the rest weren't. They're all carbs. And they're all fine to eat.

Potatoes in particular are very good for you, full of lots of nutrients. Just don't top them with lots of fatty stuff you don't have the calories for.

Sound like you calorie intake is too low,and if that's the case, your body is going to hold onto whatever fat it has stored to use to fuel your body. You didn't indicate if you work out, and if so, what that includes. Please keep in mind that you didn't gain it overnight, and it will not be lost overnight. Delay does not mean denial. Take another look at your calorie intake and your workout routine.