My One Month Weight Loss Journey/Lessons Learned

I have been into MFP for a month now and have lost 4 lbs. I am 67 and want to lose 40 lbs. Here is what I have learned so far:

Getting Started: I did not lose anything for the first week or two because I was on a learning curve. These community boards were a huge help (thank you everyone) because I learned what mistakes I was making.

Pre-plan food intake! Even if you go out to eat, the database is very extensive. But if you go to a gourmet restaurant not listed, I try to watch portion sizes and eat plain - no sauces, breads or dessert

Meals with family/friends: This is the most challenging for me - almost impossible to estimate calories since I have no idea what ingredients were used to prepare dishes (and people try to make great food that tastes good-not watching calories) - even vegetable dishes could be high in calories. So I make a pure guess and try to overestimate as much as possible. Oh well, at least I try and I am not going to miss out on being with family and friends because I am on a diet. I just try to be really aware of portion sizes and limit the appetizers and desserts. If I go over my 1200 calorie goal, I am trying to eliminate that amount the next day-jury is still out whether this works for me

Hunger Control: For me I have to eat several times a day (about every 2-3 hours). I eat healthy, low calorie snacks (40 calorie bread, low calorie yogurt, reduced fat string cheese, 1 tbsp. reduced fat peanut butter, Halo Top, fruit and vegetables)

Weigh all solid foods-use USDA calorie count wherever possible

Goals: I have found setting a weight loss goal, such as "lose five pounds in two weeks" can lead to disappointment. Everyone is different, weight loss varies from week to week.

Exercise/Deficit Calories: I have been walking 30 minutes per day and trying to increase the time. I use the Accupedo App to count steps, distance, time and calories burned. Not enough calories burned to eat back the deficit so I am sticking to my 1200 calorie goal. I admire those who get in 10,000 steps! So far I am only doing half that amount. Need to work on this...

Wine/alcohol intake: In social situations, the calories can add up real quick!

Patience: It has been said over and over again this journey is a marathon not a sprint-oh how true this is! I think I am a slow loser, and managing my patience and expectations continues to be a struggle, especially if I am trying to lose a specific amount of weight by a certain date.

Vacations: My husband and I are retired and have several trips coming up that will require a great amount of constraint because I love food and love to eat! Hoping I can handle it - but I have to learn how to manage 3 meals out per day. While on a road trip, I have found there are many good options in fast food restaurants-such as salads, soups and small burgers.

Bottom line - I am still learning...