54 yr old - First Day - First Post

Just to reiterate what some others have already said.... if you set your calorie goal too low, and find you can't sustain it, just eat a bit more. I calculated that you need just over 2,000 calories per day to maintain your current weight. So, at 1500 calories a day, you should lose 1 lb per week. Some people are fine down at 1200 calories a day, some aren't. And as for exercise, it's not necessary to lose weight. But, it makes you feel good, and means you can eat more.

Definitely check out the sexypants link that was posted previously. It's like the go to noob guide.

And this link:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1161976-adopt-a-noob-official-mfp-thread

If you're interested, is a thread where experienced MFP's mentor noobies. You can go through the thread and look for MFP's offering their services, and message them, if you think they might be a good fit. The last couple of pages in the thread have alot of recent additions.... people who quite likely might still be available. I'd suggest you don't just post in the thread, but actively check out the mentors offering to help, and see who sounds like your type of person, and message them. This is an awesome program, and you can get really valuable one-on-one help. If it sounds like something you might be interested in.

Welcome to MFP Katie, great to have you join us!:flowerforyou:

I must say, glancing briefly over the replies... I've seen some wonderful ideas shared and some lovely members that are new to me.:drinker: Welcome to each of you, MFP will change your lives!

Looking forward to coming back to this thread to catch up and get to know more of you!

Hearts

Hi! I just started today, too. I had a major wakeup call after seeing an nutritionist for the first time in my life today...she gave me insight and this app to follow and it's nice to log in and see that there is a whole community here. We can do it, Ludka13!

Welcome! I am 51 and I am also a diabetic. I have found that I was using the medication I was on as an excuse as to why I was not losing the weight. I actually stepped back and took a look at how my eating and lack of exercise was the real reason. I also love carbs. I am not a lettuce/salad girl but I do love fresh veggies and fruit. The key for me with weight loss is working out. I do a morning workout DVD and then a hour long power walk in the evening (burning typically between 700-900 per day). The two workouts per day give me a chance to keep burning more calories per day plus it keeps the body from getting flabby. My goal is to burn 3500 calories in exercise per week. Now, I did start very low with only 30 minutes per day and built up to where I am now. I also stick to eating about 1500 calories per day although MFP gives me a lot more. I also do not eat processed foods. What works for others may not work for you. You will find your own system of food/exercise balance and weight will just fall off. I would stick to 1lb per week.

Thank you Care..

I agree with you. I'm going to try and change my relationship with food.
I'm a sugar and junk food junky. Through my diet ears I have come to like some healthy foods, so I am optimistic.

I need to lose at least 100 pounds. I don't know what weight would be best for me. I've never lost more than 40 pounds and kept it off, so I can't imagine losing 100!

I appreciate all your responses. I think the support here will be a huge bonus!

Thanks!

Katie, I have 2 MFP friends who've lost 100 pounds and they are both well over 60 so this is totally doable for you! Today is the end of your life of dieting and the beginning of a new lifestyle. Surround yourself with positive friends here to build a supportive, encouraging network. Log everything you consume. Look at exercise as investing in you...you will love what it does for you! Start slow and gradually build up--it's not a race. Oh, and keep your diary open if you want the most accountability and atta-girls from your MFP friends.

BTW I just had my 53rd bday in June. I'm 5'5" and started last October at 188. I began at 1200 calories a day and my enthusiasm carried me for 3 months but then I learned that I could eat 1350-1450 calories a day and still lose weight--just a bit slower. That was the best thing I could have done--it got me off a plateau and I wasn't so hungry.

I'll send you a friend request....welcome to MFP!

I too am older than you and have been successful with just counting calories on MFP. I am allotted 1290 calories a day, some days I go a little over that, but the scale is going in the right direction.

I started about 2-1/2 years ago, when I didn't know about MFP. I took off about 18 pounds in 9 months then got stuck on a plateau for about a year, found MFP and the scale started moving again. Now only a few more to go.

You can add me as a friend if you want.

Welcome; I"m new myself. This is day 6 for me. I think this is a wonderful way to work on loosing lbs. At first I thought it was going to be a struggle. I was so wrong. I am actually eating more than I use to. The one hard habit for me was fast food and eating after 8:00 pm. So far ,NO fast food. I do still have mixed snacks.Sometimes sunflower seeds.once a single side fudgsicle.(40 calories) Wishing you well.Seeing how many calories I'm putting in my body,makes this doable.