How to start!!??

fitzfam2009
fitzfam2009 Posts: 19 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I am just starting MFP and trying to lose weight. The hardest thing for me is figuring out what to eat! I go from eating everything and anything to eating fruit and yogurt and light foods and I find myself wanting to eat everything half way between breakfast and lunch....and then I get into the train of thought that my day is screwed.

Does anyone have any meal ideas to start out on? I am an extremely picky eater and have a hard time finding new things!!!

Thanks in advance!!!!

Replies

  • Erikalynne18
    Erikalynne18 Posts: 558 Member
    First thing.... please check out this link:
    http://scoobysworkshop.com/calorie-calculator/
    I see MFP set you at 1200 cal, but that doesn't work for everyone! So please do some research and make sure you are eating enough :)

    Second thing..... set goals! Long term AND short term goals :) You can check out my profile where I listed my personal goals for ideas. This helped me to really stay focused and to stay on track! (I don't have any current goal because I am at my goal weight now, yippy!!).

    Third thing... start making healthy decisions today. It might be something small like to drink water at lunch instead of pop, but each of those decisions will add up to healthier habits!

    Forth thing.... log everyday. Even the 'cheat meals' like your birthday. Logging makes you accountable.

    And fifth thing... don't stress when you go over your calories, or eat a 2nd slice of pizza or take a cupcake at the company potluck. You are going to make bad decisions and you are going to have rough days. As long as you stick to it and move past those days, you'll succeed :)


    Bonus advice: always carry a healthier or lower calorie option in your bag so you will be less tempted to grab junk food if you get hungry for a snack :)
  • Erikalynne18
    Erikalynne18 Posts: 558 Member
    Also in terms of food, my friend is very picky but she likes these chicken quesadillas I make :)

    Fry up some chicken breasts (I cut it in chunks or strips for faster frying). Then put the chicken on 1/2 a tortilla shell with whatever veggies you like and some light marble cheese shredded up :) I add sweet peppers, tomatos and mushrooms, but you could also add onions if you like them (I don't). Then just fold the other half over so it's like a 1/2 circle and bake in the oven for about 8-10 minutes. Super yummy, super quick and you can customize it to fit what people like. For lower calorie option, Dempster's makes a Calorie Wise tortilla here in Canada :)
  • donald149
    donald149 Posts: 211 Member
    Follow the diaries of others. Plenty of good ideas out there. Some great "I wish my meals turned out like that" pictures / recipes in the forums also.
  • NK1112
    NK1112 Posts: 781 Member
    I am just starting MFP and trying to lose weight. The hardest thing for me is figuring out what to eat! I go from eating everything and anything to eating fruit and yogurt and light foods and I find myself wanting to eat everything half way between breakfast and lunch....and then I get into the train of thought that my day is screwed.

    Does anyone have any meal ideas to start out on? I am an extremely picky eater and have a hard time finding new things!!!

    Thanks in advance!!!!

    Oh boy … does this ever sound familiar!
    Here's a tip … make a list of foods you like before trying to get meal ideas to start out on. If you are a picky eater and have a hard time eating new things it might be a bit harder to eat enough healthy food so that you get the nutrition you need within the calorie limit you've set.
    Also … be sure to not go under those 1200 calories a day. If you are exercising at all, be sure to eat right afterwards with a small meal that contains some complex carb, some protein, and some fat … you need to refuel your body.
    If you post some of the foods you like, you'll get better on-the-mark suggestions. Good luck.
  • AleciaG724
    AleciaG724 Posts: 705 Member
    Choose high protein and high fiber whole grain options for breakfast - it will make you feel full longer. Like Greek yogurt, eggs, whole wheat toast, oatmeal, etc. Eat something every few hours - spread your calories throughout the day so you don't get too hungry at your next meal. I don't know about you, but I can't do 1200 calories for more than a day or two... I'm happy at 1400-1500 and I'm not hungry at that level. When I exercise I eat half or less of my calories back..

    My diary is open, so feel free to check it out (btw, I'm vegetarian). Best of luck to you!
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    I think the easiest way to start is just to eat what you normally eat. Track it. See what (if anything) is causing problems with meeting your calorie goal and make adjustments as necessary. Once you have the calories down, look at any other changes you want to make to meet other nutritional goals. Try and get a good balance of nutritious foods, but don't cut out all the foods you enjoy eating. Just try to keep it simple. if you make massive changes overnight, you're less likely to be able to sustain them long-term.
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    I think the easiest way to start is just to eat what you normally eat. Track it. See what (if anything) is causing problems with meeting your calorie goal and make adjustments as necessary. Once you have the calories down, look at any other changes you want to make to meet other nutritional goals. Try and get a good balance of nutritious foods, but don't cut out all the foods you enjoy eating. Just try to keep it simple. if you make massive changes overnight, you're less likely to be able to sustain them long-term.
    this. Too many people try to over complicate it
  • fitzfam2009
    fitzfam2009 Posts: 19 Member
    Thanks everyone!!! I am going to take it slow....track everything I eat and change one thing at a time! =)

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