Tools

_michaelks
_michaelks Posts: 3 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi!

I'm just getting started with MFP. I've got 50+ pounds to lose and I think it'll be tough heading into the holidays. But, if I don't start now, when will I start, right?

I've considered several different tools and then settled on MFP. I have a WeightWatchers membership but I think I can probably get as much out of MFP as I did with PointsPlus. It's just thinking about numbers a little differently. Although, now that Oprah owns WW maybe she'll give everyone a free car or something if they lose some pounds! :-D

I also considered Beachbody and Shakeology, but the $$$$!! It just seems cost prohibitive and there's got to be alternatives. I do want to include a meal replacement shake into my day so if anyone has suggestions, I'm open!

I also wear a FitBit and use an Aria scale. I love the way things wirelessly record my activity... and I love that I can connect it to MFP.

Thanks for welcoming me and sharing your thoughts on the tools you use/recommend in your weight loss journey.

Replies

  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    My tools: food scale, MFP database for logging, Fitbit, running shoes.

    All you NEED to lose weight is to consume fewer calories than you burn. Things like shakes can help you get there if you like them and they fill you up. But it's totally optional. You can get there any just about any food.
  • PinkPixiexox
    PinkPixiexox Posts: 4,142 Member
    I've tried most 'diets'. WW being one of them! Then I discovered MFP - and not only do I no longer have to pay but I'm losing more weight doing it this way. I hope you find it just as useful here :)
  • strong_curves
    strong_curves Posts: 2,229 Member
    My tools - fitbit, food scale, mfp, adjustable weights, patience & consistency.

    @janejellyroll is right. You don't need beachbody/shakeology/meal replacement shakes to do it either.

    Your fitbit will give you a very good estimate of your daily burn. These stickies also helped:

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10260537/most-helpful-posts-general-diet-and-weight-loss-help-must-reads#latest
  • TheBeachgod
    TheBeachgod Posts: 825 Member
    Get a digital kitchen scale with a tare feature. I got mine at Aldi for less than $20.00. Weigh everything in grams (not a requirement but it makes my life easier). Eat less, move more, be amazed.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    edited November 2015
    Welcome, Michael.

    Stay away from anything that costs you momey or promises you weight loss from their product.

    Don't replace any meals, just eat all the foods you love in moderation.

    Set your goals to lose about 1-1.5 pounds a week. Don't fall for that 1200 calories a day stuff. You're young, you're a guy, you will get plenty of calories and still lose weight. The person who eats the most and still loses weight is the winner!

    Use a food scale and log every single thing you eat and drink.Weight all solids and measure all liquids. Pay attention to packages, confirm nutrition information for your foods, and even start building your own database of foods because the MFP database has a lot of incorrect entries.

    It sounds like you have your fitbit and scale thing down.

    Good luck!
  • xXGearheadXx
    xXGearheadXx Posts: 56 Member
    janejellyroll wrote: »
    My tools: food scale, MFP database for logging, Fitbit, running shoes.

    All you NEED to lose weight is to consume fewer calories than you burn. Things like shakes can help you get there if you like them and they fill you up. But it's totally optional. You can get there any just about any food.

    That's about it. I lost a sizeable chunk of weight...about 20-22 of my 44 without MFP, a scale, or fitbit, they just made it easier to stay on track.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    Welcome! MFP is really easy. Like WW's points budget, you get a calorie budget. I'm sure you know that on MFP, you do log your fruits and veggies. On the plus side, I hear the MFP database is easier than WW. Once you've done the work of adding the foods you commonly eat, they are right there in Recent.

    Now that it's cold I'm on to soup, but in the summer I had a smoothie or two a day. I started with protein powder and added fat and fruit.

    Here's a substantial one that I had for breakfast. (Teeccino is an herbal coffee substitute. I like half ice coffee and half Teeccino in this smoothie.)

    akxglemkl8q0.png
  • _michaelks
    _michaelks Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks for the welcomes and all the great advice! I especially like the idea of being able to eat well (and often, and a lot) and still stay healthy and within my calorie limits. I KNOW that's the science of it, and I KNOW it's easy in theory, but in practice. . . it can be tough! I think that's why relying on MFP and similar tools is so important. If you stick to it, you really can succeed.
  • queenofpuppies
    queenofpuppies Posts: 189 Member
    I am loosing a pound a week with MFP, which is a health place for me if I'm going to sustain my weightloss. All I do is count my calories, and I started walking for 30minutes a day on my lunch break. Thats it! Good luck to you and remember, this is a long process of changing daily habits to live a healthier life. There is no quick fix, just calories in, calories out.
  • WBB55
    WBB55 Posts: 4,131 Member
    _michaelks wrote: »
    Thanks for the welcomes and all the great advice! I especially like the idea of being able to eat well (and often, and a lot) and still stay healthy and within my calorie limits. I KNOW that's the science of it, and I KNOW it's easy in theory, but in practice. . . it can be tough! I think that's why relying on MFP and similar tools is so important. If you stick to it, you really can succeed.

    What makes it tough for you? People here can give LOTS of advice. Some of it brilliant (and some of it snarky). Share some of your hurdles and tap into the hive mind.
  • TuffChixRule
    TuffChixRule Posts: 190 Member
    Consistency is really important. I've logged my food every day for 368 days now. Record the good, bad and ugly days of eating. It will help you notice what your triggers are and what times of day you are most likely to reach for a snack out of boredom and not from hunger. Keep a water bottle at the ready when you want to snack but aren't really hungry. I've lost 26 pounds so far, could probably have lost a lot more but didn't want to reduce my calorie intake drastically. I notice when my friends only log a few times a week they have a harder time losing the weight. You can do this! Feel free to add me.

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