Newbie with no idea

Would you be similarly happy if you were twenty pounds lighter? My question was not a typo.

Determine your body type and set your macros accordingly: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/macro-math-3-keys-to-dialing-in-your-macro-ratios.html, e.g., my body type responds best to low-carb.

Drink ample water, half your weight in ounces per day.

As much as possible eat whole, unprocessed, nutrient-packed foods to fuel your body and keep you fuller longer. Find healthy replacements for your unhealthy cravings, but don't be afraid to indulge occasionally and mindfully -- you'll have a greater success rate if you don't deprive yourself entirely.

Find friends to keep you accountable.

Weigh infrequently (once per week or once per month), as the scale can be a deterrent.

"Plan ahead or plan to fail"; plan (and as much as possible log) your meals and snacks ahead of time to avoid reaching for the wrong foods when hunger calls, and also to keep tabs on your daily calorie intake.

Hello and welcome- here's my advice
Get a food scale
Learn how to weigh all your foods properly
Log them accurately

Don't get caught up in fads or quick fixes. There's no need for a special diet. To lose weight, all you need is a calorie deficit. Eat less then you burn. That's all that's needed.
For me, things like low carb, paleo and all that aren't sustainable for the long term. So instead I eat the foods I like, but use portion control and moderation. I couldn't last on a strict diet. So I go by the saying, all things in moderation. I successfully reached my goal about 2 years ago and have maintained just fine. I have had a serving of ice cream every night ( sometimes 2 if it fit!) Since I begun this process, I just used portion control. Again, weight loss comes down to calories. Eat at a deficit and you'll lose weight

thorsmom01 wrote: »

Hello and welcome- here's my advice
Get a food scale
Learn how to weigh all your foods properly
Log them accurately

Don't get caught up in fads or quick fixes. There's no need for a special diet. To lose weight, all you need is a calorie deficit. Eat less then you burn. That's all that's needed.
For me, things like low carb, paleo and all that aren't sustainable for the long term. So instead I eat the foods I like, but use portion control and moderation. I couldn't last on a strict diet. So I go by the saying, all things in moderation. I successfully reached my goal about 2 years ago and have maintained just fine. I have had a serving of ice cream every night ( sometimes 2 if it fit!) Since I begun this process, I just used portion control. Again, weight loss comes down to calories. Eat at a deficit and you'll lose weight

Well said.