3 DAYS IN

Congrats on being 3 days in....I'm officially 4, so not far ahead of you. I was a little over zealous with planning this week and have way too much baked chicken and vegetables. For me, though, the big difference is WHAT I'm eating, and not necessarily how much....trying to eat clean and avoid anything processed. So really, it's protein and vegetables and a little brown rice! We did crabcakes and baked potatoes one night, then turkey tacos, then pork chops, broccoli and and a spicy mixed veggie saute. Tonight is chicken. Pinterest actually has a ton of meal ideas for Whole 30---you may be able to find some good menus there. Good luck!

I'm a bit older than you, started out heavier and about the same height. Beyond the links above (all good by the way) here is what I've learned. Since Sept I'm down from ~330 to ~275.

1. Weight loss is not that complicated. But there is a crapload of BS out there regarding weight loss. You need to filter through it. Example, sugar is not evil and does not have to be cut out completely.
2. What works for you may be different than what works for others, so don't worry about what others do if it doesn't suit you. I don't do intermittent fasting (IF). Others do and it works for them. I step on a scale daily, others can't.
3. The MFP system does work. It may not be 100% accurate, but it is close. But it takes effort on your part to log accurately and keep to the calorie goals. Put your stats in and trust in the process. You may have to tweak it somewhat, but don't throw it all out.
4. Weight loss is not linear. You won't lose the same amount per day/week. Weight may climb and then woosh away. Over time the numbers won't lie, but they will bounce around a bit in the process.
5. For meal planning, start off eating what you have been, just less of it. You will then quickly decide what you can keep and what you need to get rid of based on the calorie cost. I got rid of pop (I'm Canadian, so soda if you aren't) because I'd rather have food for the calories, but it was my choice to make. I didn't get rid of chips, I just eat less at a sitting (one 28g bag instead of 1/2 a 200g bag) and not every day.
6. Move more. Do what you can. Go for a walk, take the stairs at work, but try to move more. It will help the weight loss.

The only thing that I think is crucial to weight loss to buy is a food scale. Not expensive but pretty essential. Beyond that, if gadgets help, then you can spend the money. But in reality they are not needed. I'm on my 2nd tracker, have a treadmill, chest strap, weights, bands, a step etc., but I like gadgets.

ibscot740232016 wrote: »

Hi!, I wasn't looking for super meals, just some good meal prep recipes. I meal prep to save money and keep myself out of other foods around that I might be tempted to eat. I used to go out for breakfast AND lunch every weekday. I was spending 15-20 bucks a day. This has quickly put that to a stop

I'm still a bit lazy on food prep. Breakfast is quick oatmeal out of a packet, not steel cut or anything like that. And skim milk (but I've been drinking that for years and prefer it to 2%). Lunch is 1/2 a Costco frozen lasagna, carrots, snap peas and a banana. Dinner is what the wife has cooked, just less than it used to be.

I've not been one to go out for breakfast, so that hasn't changed much. But I was eating out for lunch all the time, so yeah. Saving money there.

I get recipes from diabetesdaily website, they often are lower in carbs and sugars. They also have modified popular recipes that are more diabetic friendly. You don't need to have diabetes to enjoy low carb alternative recipes and they are pretty decent. Otherwise, I go to allrecipes and see whats there, just make sure I search for healthier menus.