Just joined MFP :)

Welcome to MFP & much luck on your journey! You'll find lots of helpful folks around here, and lots of helpful posts if you use the search function well. Feel free to add me if you'd like

First off, I like to welcome you and congratulations on your decision to a new healthy lifestyle. Coming here is the first step. I have similar goals. But being a guy, the way we both get to our goals may be slightly different.

OK! I am going to assume that you set up your goals on here correctly and that you took a look at the requirements that MFP has provided you? As far as total calories, how much macros (protein, fats, carbs) you should be consuming each day? Making sure you hit your vital micros (chloresterol, potassium, fiber, Vit A, Vit C, Calcium, and Iron, and careful not too exceed the sodium limits set for you). I will assume that you have the typical measuring cups (1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup) and spoons (TBS, 1/2 TBS, tsp, 1/2 tsp), and you need to invest in a good dietary scale (does both oz and grams). Practice portion control (pay attention to serving sizes on labels) and measure EVERYTHING you plan to put in your mouth per the serving size and then log it accordingly.

This is the basic stuff. Now modifications. Personally, since I am lifting and cutting (trying to loose fat but gain/maintain muscle) I try to increase my protein percentage than what mfp suggests. Many say to consume 1g of lean body mass while cutting. I also do cardio. I log my calories burnt but I don't necessarily eat them all back, but many will advise you to do that.

MFP is not set up to automatically adjust your calorie requirements if you log your exercises. If you put in a goal to loose 2 lbs a week, MFP will automatically give you a calorie deficit of (500 cals/lb) for a 1000 cals per day under what is considered your TDEE. If you exercise, this is a calorie deficit in addition to what mfp provides you, so many will advise you to eat back those calories that you exercised. This will be an ongoing play as you go along on your nutrient goals as you learn how your body reacts to exercise and a new diet.

30-40 lbs I believe justifies 2 lbs a week as a goal. Whether or not you actually loose this much every week depends on a bunch of factors that I am sure you will slowly learn as you do research and ask more questions on here. Just hang in there no matter what. There will be a short period (first 2-3 weeks) where poundage just pours off (mostly water weight) then you come to a screatching halt for a period. Just work through it and continue. Ask questions if you must. Main thing is to start at the basics and get in the practice of portion control, logging, and analyzing your diet. After your goal becomes more like 20 or 10 lbs, you may find it that you will get more sucess if you try to loose 1 or .5 lbs a week. It is slower process but more adapt to your bodies needs.

The other thing you mentioned is definition and toning of muscles. Basically this means building muscle mass. Now don't worry, I am not telling you to look like a man. But there is an art on how to to weight training as a woman to achieve those goals. I am sure many women on here will jump in and provide some basic work out strategies on how to achieve this.

Good luck!!!

Welcome to the site MsPinkston! You are going to find all the support, encouragement and information you'll need to make your journey as successful as you want it to be! I am on every day logging and trying to lift people up as best I can. As I always say, we are in this TOGETHER! Every step you take closer to your goal is a victory for you AND for me! Add me if you are so inclined!
:bigsmile: