Hello from Virginia

Hello. My name is Rhonda Smith. I live in Rustburg, VA and am new to MyFitnessPal. I look forward to learning new things and losing weight and making new friends.

Please send any advice or ideas you have to help me in this journey.

One question I have is: Has anyone tried the Garcinia Cambogia and if so does it work and is it safe? I have heard conflicting information and do not want to try something if it's not safe or doesn't work.

Thank you,
Rhonda

Replies

  • 281Danielle
    281Danielle Posts: 113
    Hello I'm Danielle born and raised in the Hampton Roads area, recently moved to Illinois. My biggest piece of advise is to make sure you measure, the scale can be mean sometimes and make you feel like a failure but as long as you are exercising and eating right the inches will come off even if the scales says you gained 3 pounds. Best of luck to you and your journey.
  • Robyn7762
    Robyn7762 Posts: 159 Member
    Hi Rhonda, I'm Robyn from Southwest, VA Wythe county area. I agree with Danielle, measure everything until you get used to just what a cup of food "really" looks like and is. Get a scale and weigh everything. you'll be surprised at how much you are really eating!
    Be patient! you didn't gain this over night, don't expect quick fixes. If it looks to good to be true it is! Sensible eating and exercise is the key to weight loss. You will get there! Good luck! I sent you a friend request
  • rrrnda
    rrrnda Posts: 8
    Thanks y'all. I figured that, but still wanted to check. So, tomorrow is my first official day of my weight loss journey. (notice I didn't say diet). I wanted to start at the beginning of a week so I could have a fresh start to the weight loss and the week. I am scared, but determined.

    By the way, does anyone know how many calories are burned by walking dogs? I have the opportunity to walk dogs at our local Humane Society. We have a group that works with the Humane Society to sponsor the dogs and cats and find them foster homes until they can find their forever homes. It's a great system and I want to contribute as well as benefit from it.
  • Crateria_
    Crateria_ Posts: 253 Member
    Hi! I'm from Virginia Beach. :)

    I really wouldn't rely on supplements/diet pills to achieve weight loss. Just eat at a calorie deficit and exercise and you'll see results faster than any pill can give you.

    Check out this post, it will help you:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants
  • Tiernan1212
    Tiernan1212 Posts: 797 Member
    Thanks y'all. I figured that, but still wanted to check. So, tomorrow is my first official day of my weight loss journey. (notice I didn't say diet). I wanted to start at the beginning of a week so I could have a fresh start to the weight loss and the week. I am scared, but determined.

    By the way, does anyone know how many calories are burned by walking dogs? I have the opportunity to walk dogs at our local Humane Society. We have a group that works with the Humane Society to sponsor the dogs and cats and find them foster homes until they can find their forever homes. It's a great system and I want to contribute as well as benefit from it.

    Hello and welcome!

    The calorie burn from dog walking can vary a lot. It depends on your current weight, how fast you're walking, how long, etc. It sounds like a great program and opportunity to move more! If you can, I would suggest investing in a FitBit (I use the FitBit One, but there are different models to choose from). I love mine, and it's very motivating to track and try to improve my progress.
    I know just from walking my dog, our walks vary depending on how many times he stops to sniff things and mark his territory :laugh:

    Also, I lived in Virginia for about 10 years, loved it! I was in northern VA, near Fairfax :smile:
  • pamdsaul
    pamdsaul Posts: 17
    Hello, I am from southwest Virginia. I have lost 63 lbs. since December. I log all my food. I measure and weigh everything I fix at home. I don't deny myself anything. I go out to eat anytime I want. The key is portion size and smart choices. I love Texas Roadhouse. Nothing better than a good steak. The only thing is I eat 2 oz. and give the rest of it away. My sides are usually a house salad with Thousand Island. I always dip my salad in the dressing that way I only eat half the dressing and usually st eat half the salad. I also enjoy my sweet potato but I only eat a small portion. I don't feel deprived, I eat slow therefore I'm full. If I want to much on something before the meal I eat a few peanuts. I do stay away from bread. It is not my friend. I gave up soft drinks too. I had not drunk a soft drink since November. I tried one a few weeks ago and it tasted horrible. I'm glad I gave them up.

    This is a journey and a life choice. You can do it if you realize you are going to have to make changes and live this way the rest of your life. I know because before I went on diets and lost weight. I gave up most of my favorite foods. When I lost weight I would go back to my old way of eating. I always gained my weight back, sometimes more. This time I finally realized you can't give up your favorite foods and live that way the rest of your life. That is setting yourself up for failure. Just use portion control and make sure it fits in your calorie allowance. That way you won't feel deprived.

    I love walking and wish that I could say that I exercise daily but I really don't. I have some health issues that make that impossible. I haven't got to walk much because of the weather. Since it has gotten warmer, I have got out and walked. I feel much better after a good walk in the outdoors. I have a treadmill but need more motivation to use it. Hopefully, things are going to get settled down in my family and I can get on the right track with exercise too.

    It't good to see people on here from Virginia. Good luck on your new journey!!!