PLEASE HELP!!!

Have you filled out your profile yet? Activity Level makes a difference. This is calculated for you. As diannethegeek said you can also fine tune but first see the percentage that MFP sets up as a beginner.

Watch extreme weight loss ... do what they do

Seriously though, go speak with your doctor or a nutritionist and get real advice 99% of the people on here are Google experts and not professionals at all.

34 pounds in 4 months is optimistic. Not unreasonable, but you will probably need more help than MFP and Google and provide to you. Talk to your doctor, explain your goals, and be ready to deal with some severe restrictions on diet. You SIL's 200g protein suggestion is probably untenable, as that means 800 calories per day of protein, and you're looking at (likely--this is pure SWAG on my part) somewhere in the neighborhood of 1300-1400 calories per day. Getting nutrition and satiety while eating 2/3 of your calories in protein is going to be a challenge.

tl;dr: talk to your doctor about how to accomplish your goals, and be ready to work really hard for it.

There are a number of guidelines on the web for managing macros. Generally, what I've found works and works for a number of folks are higher protein, enough good fat and low carbs but you have to find what is best for you. Like Tedebearduff says, seek out a nutritionist, coach, doctor or other professional. If you work with a personal trainer, check their credentials.

Jeff

It all depends on your activity levels and your goals.

Just starting out, your macros don't matter as much, move more and eat less is effectively what you need to do.

Set your profile up, see what your calorie goal is then don't go over. The rest isn't as important right now.

I lost 30lbs in 3 months by exercising to burn between 400-600 cal per day 6x per week (mostly cardio with moderate weight lifting), While keeping my intake at about 1800-2000 cal per day. I tracked EVERYTHING. I'm only 5'6, so you will probably have a higher TDEE and BMR than I do so you may want to go around 2000-2200 or just burn fewer calories and eat less. I aim for a macros of 35% protein 25% Fat, 40% carbs (including beverages which I mainly drink water, coffee, and booze with fruit juices). It worked really well for me, gice it a try and see how you like it. good luck!

It's not WHAT you eat but HOW MUCH. Too much protein shake will take you over.

It is allowed to eat normal food. That lunch sounds delicious. Lots of veggies which is good.

So if your goal is 1400 how much are you actually eating?

Basically your macros, protein, fat and carbs, are important but not that much. They are fuel sources for your body and they have their uses in different ways. The protein will help you with building and repairing muscle but I'd your goal is to lose weight then you need to eat less and move more. The individual macros won't matter as much right now.

For example if you are 5000 cals of fruit or veg or protein. You would still gain weight if you didn't burn it off.

For you right now, your goal should be forming good habits that you can maintain.

If your wedding is in January you want something sustainable that can survive the holiday period and meals out etc.

Just having protein shakes won't really cut it.

Look at planning your days and weeks in advance and having a balanced diet.

I've sent you a friend request tlif you want any help or to go over anything . Good luck

Bmiller - I lost 40 lbs. in 4 months and I did not do any kind of Crash diet. I went onto MyFitnessPal and entered my information, weight, height, weight loss goal - and the Pal assigned me my macros - what is macros? that's what I said at first, too. Macros - how many gms of protein, sugar, carbs, sodium, calories, etc. You enter in your food each meal (and snack too) and the database shows you how many calories, etc. you have left for the day. I have learned a lot on this app - like I didn't realize there was protein in more things than meat, cheese, eggs - there is protein in vegetables and fruit too. My issue is sugar - doc said I was going to have to go on insulin and I said No I'm Not!! Of course, we all know we've got to exercise too. Who wants to do That! Not me... but - I've committed to at least 30 minutes per day - also trackable on the app. When I enter in my exercise for the day, the macros increase so that if you were not trying to lose anymore (maintain) you could eat more. At this point, that would be counterproductive. You're getting married in January so you have some time - even if you met 75% of your goal by then, you'd still be looking good on wedding day.... My boss got me a fitbit, that is also helping. It keeps me aware of my activity (or lack thereof throughout the day). You don't need to get one - a simple pedometer will do the trick too. When you have the opportunity, do what you can. I am lazy - so I got an exercise bike (cheap off Craigslist) and I plant my butt on that thing every morning while I watch tv and every night when I get home - 20 minutes each time - and walk... my goodness I never knew how much just walking helps. No time or money for the gym so I'm doing it old school. I really do feel so much better - - - stronger!! And willing to do what it takes. I still have 35 more lbs to lose but the good news is, doc said I no longer need the insulin - so thank God for small favors. Best of luck Bmiller.