New and need help.

sechadyl
sechadyl Posts: 28 Member
edited September 27 in Introduce Yourself
Hello everyone, I start my diet tomorrow and I am on 1200 calories. Is there somewhere on the site that tells me what to eat. Like 2 dairy, 4 carb, 3 protein, 2 fat, etc. or is it try to do it on your own?

Replies

  • runningfromzombies
    runningfromzombies Posts: 386 Member
    The food journal here tracks calories and whatever groups you choose--like fat, carbs, protein, sodium, etcetera. So, it will give you a goal (in grams) for those, based on your calorie allotment. Hope that helps. (: Welcome to MFP!
  • aimee0515
    aimee0515 Posts: 67
    It gives you your goals for fat, carbs, protein, sugar, and fiber but doesn't specifically tell you what to eat.
  • workinprogress12_2
    workinprogress12_2 Posts: 110 Member
    When I started I just stuck to the food pyramid and tweaked it is needed. It was nice because my children are familiar with it and they can help see the balance of a meal. All the other numbers kinda fell in line as I worked it out in the real world of life. Hope this will help.
  • WifeMomDVM
    WifeMomDVM Posts: 1,025 Member
    I recommend the zone diet, or in other words changing your macro nutrient profile (your carbs, fat, protein) to 40% carbs, 30% fat and 30% protein.

    As you log what you eat, you will quickly learn how to "balance" things and learn which foods have the macronutrients you are looking to get more or less of so you can make more educated choices in the future to get things balanced out.

    When I first started MFP (in January) one of my friends pointed me to this GREAT link that showed me how to make gradual changes in my eating over an 8 week period to eat cleaner (less processed food), you know, much healthier, so I could FUEL my body for the changes I wanted to take place.

    Here's the link: http://www.extremely-fit.com/fitness-tips/2011/01/8week-transition-diet/

    Also, to change your diary you will have to select custom settings. I also recommend changing sodium to 1500 mg and fiber to 30 grams.

    But don't want to overwhelm you. This site is what you make of it. Welcome aboard and good luck!
  • xcountrymom2
    xcountrymom2 Posts: 29 Member
    The nice thing about this site is that you can personalize your food and eat what you want. Therefore you are more likely to stay on track for life. I am also on 1200 calories. I have been on for two weeks and I weigh in tomorrow. I lost 2 pounds the first week. I usually like to have the majority of my carbohydrates before 3 pm and have just a protein source and a green vegetable for dinner at night. It helps if you LIKE green veggies. I do and I had fresh steamed asparagus last night. If I have a salad, I use the spinach and darker lettuces. Of course your natural forms of carbohydrate are better then processed sources like bread. If I do have bread, I will eat toast for breakfast or sometimes I make a sandwich with wonder light wheat bread which is 40 calories per slice for a lunch on the go. Do you have Schwans company where you live? I like the live smart yogurt bars which are 70 calories and the live smart fudge bars which are only 50 calories. Always have a lean source of protein at every meal. Chicken, tilapia, steamed shrimp, turkey (ground), and once a week we do eat steak. Hard boiled eggs (with or without yolks) and Cottage cheese 1% are also good choices for in between snacks or with lunch. Although high in sodium, your different pickles are good for snacks also. I think the key is being accountable for everything you put in your mouth and tracking your food each day. Drink plenty of water too, that is my downfall! Good luck and see you in thirty pounds...lol...!
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