I need help getting started. I'm confused.

AngelBullard
AngelBullard Posts: 1
in Introduce Yourself
:happy: Hi, I'm new to this website. My name is Angel. I have a short height at 5'2, I'm 19, and I weigh 193.6...I want to get slimmer at maybe 150ish or less...I just want to be able to look slimmer. I'm really confused on how the website works. Example for how to enter food and exercises would be good. my calories that I have are 1,500. I'm confused on how that works if I should eat all the way up to 1,500 calories a day or if I should eat less than 1,500 a day. that's also a confusing part to me. please all good advice is accepted. Also I do not go to the gym. I just walk every day outside around the house for maybe 30 to 50 minutes. is it good to eat all that I am going to eat then exercise after I eat and that be the end of the day?

Replies

  • b3st
    b3st Posts: 1,350 Member
    Eat around 1500 you can be under or over by how much depends on you.
  • LaraeTX
    LaraeTX Posts: 674 Member
    friend request sent
  • Teddy3931
    Teddy3931 Posts: 7 Member
    Take some time to get a feel how the website works - it's one of THE best!!! It's very easy and has TONS and TONS of food in its database - I love that name-brand products are included. It's simple and so helpful as you can track other things like fat, sodium, carbs, etc. I'm about your height and weight and try from 1200-1500 calories a day. It's been a challenge but MFP is great and you can get some great tips with others going through the same thing.
  • ZOOpergal
    ZOOpergal Posts: 176 Member
    Assuming you put in your weekly goals regarding weight loss, the number that MFP gave you for calories (1500) is what you should be eating to lose what your goal is. Keeping track of portion sizes is important, most people use a food scale. The database is pretty large, so if you are cooking at home you can put in ingredients to make sure you don't leave anything out like butter, etc. There are lots of processed foods and restaurant items in there as well. Log any exercise you do as well. Those calories you burn off in exercise you are supposed to eat back, as you should be NETTING your 1500. Good luck.
  • billhilly1968
    billhilly1968 Posts: 75 Member
    I also recommend that you play with the tabs to learn how the site works that way it is not so confusing. You can learn a lot from exploring. I still am learning everyday. As far as exercising goes there is a tab for adding exercising like adding food. I welcome you and others to friend me as well as we embark on this journey of losing weight and getting healthier together.
  • rose313
    rose313 Posts: 1,146 Member
    Assuming you put in your weekly goals regarding weight loss, the number that MFP gave you for calories (1500) is what you should be eating to lose what your goal is. Keeping track of portion sizes is important, most people use a food scale. The database is pretty large, so if you are cooking at home you can put in ingredients to make sure you don't leave anything out like butter, etc. There are lots of processed foods and restaurant items in there as well. Log any exercise you do as well. Those calories you burn off in exercise you are supposed to eat back, as you should be NETTING your 1500. Good luck.

    This is correct, the formula MFP uses is designed to be used this way. Log your exercise and net 1500, and see if that works for you.
  • Branstin
    Branstin Posts: 2,320 Member
    Hi Angel,

    Here is a great place to start:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

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