Any tips to start losing weight?

To lose weight you just need to eat at a calorie deficit.

Personally I'd say that at eating 1200 calories a day you will soon lose your motivation because you will just end up tired and hungry.

Sensible and successful weight loss is generally a SLOW process. There is no quick fix - why do you think all these fad diets don't stick around (atkins, south beach, dukan etc).

My advice would be to be patient. To try and enjoy the experience (seriously), find new exercises you like - try everything! Pay attention to labels on food packaging, research information on the internet, make friends with people on MFP. To sustain any weight loss you are going to have to consider this as a lifestyle change rather than a 'diet' that once you hit your goal weight will go back to old habits.

And really eat your exercise calories back!!!!!!!!!!

DEFINITELY buy food scales. It's a must have to be successful.

Agree with the food scales, also make sure your logging is as accurate as possible. When entering food don't pick generic or homemade entries. Verify the nutritional information if you can and make sure it's accurate. Your diary isn't open so can't give specifics.

Also have patience.

GogoDri wrote: »

jwhited71 wrote: »

Agree with the food scales, also make sure your logging is as accurate as possible. When entering food don't pick generic or homemade entries. Verify the nutritional information if you can and make sure it's accurate. Your diary isn't open so can't give specifics.

Also have patience.

How do I open my diary? Plus all the food I eat is homemade, I guess scales will help me to find calories for homemade food.

Click on the settings tab and near the bottom there is an option to make your diary public.

Eating homemade is great, I love to cook and make homemade things all the time, but when picking the options in the database you want to use your recipes or put the individual ingredients not something marked homemade. When you choose those you are taking someone else's recipe and you have no idea what they put in their recipe and if they were accurate.

eldamiano wrote: »

stuffinmuffin wrote: »

DEFINITELY buy food scales. It's a must have to be successful.

A myth. I lost 2.5 stone in 4 months without them. It's just called being sensible. A few extra grams here and there is not going to have any drastic affect.

Not a myth, is it a must have no, but is it a very useful tool yes it is, especially if you are struggling. It helps with accuracy and seeing what a true portion size is.

A good tip is think long-term!
Too many fail crash dieting or working to reduce for a wedding or high school reunion. Those who achieve their fitness goals long-term see health and wellness as a lifestyle - not a diet or exercise routine.
As for your current situation, I feel you! I had to tweak my calorie intake and exercise burn rates. I found my zone through trial and error using the data base as a guide. Just learn and follow the MFP suggestions for steady and lasting results.
GOOD LUCK!

I agree with the scale. I use it all the time now even though I pretty much can ball park portions.

The other thing is that you should take pictures and measurements. The scale can be misleading. It is not always an accurate measurement of progress. If you feel "lighter" then you are obviously making strides towards your new lifestyle! The other thing is 1200 cals may not be enough. I really don't recommend anyone going under 1400 calories because you won't have enough energy to really strive in your workouts. Hope this helps. Feel free to add me if you are looking for an accountability partner!