Embarrassed to Ask....

I started out really slowly. For the first week, instead of changing my entire diet I just looked at portions and focused on adding vegetables into what I was already eating. The second week, I added exercise in to my program. Every day, at least half an hour. I also started focusing on switching out some foods. Wheat bread instead of white, brown rice instead of white. The only white thing I am still eating is flour tortillas, but those will get switched out soon, too.

The best thing for me has been to maintain a variety. I have a variety of exercises, a variety of foods, and I try not to get too caught up in the actual weight numbers, focusing instead on my size shrinking instead of just the number on the scale.

No need to feel embarrassed, we all had to start somewhere. What got me started was working out. When I began to see how hard it was to burn those calories, it made it easier for me to cut back on eating so much. And I started to talking back to my body. When I would want to eat more, I would say, "This is what the serving size is and it's plenty." And to combat my nighttime grazings, I would say, "You're not hungry, you just WANT to keep eating. Put it back, you're fine!" LOL

Hello, I Tina,
I just started yesterday and I also did not know where to start. So I just started...I mean I did some exercises, watched the portions I ate. Its neat to look at the calories and stuff everyday. I too am looking to loss amost 40lbs. I think the support here helps. to see what everyone else is doing. Also they support you.
You can do it. Put your mind to it and get it done. Don't write down a plan just start doing it. You can ad me if you would like
tsimmons1974

I started just by logging everything I ate. It's good to see what you think are healthy choices versus what you normally consider bad foods. Then work on finding healthier choices to your healthy choices. Look at the labels of different brands in the supermarket to find ones with more fibre, less carbs/sugar, less calories. And remember that sometimes foods with less calories don't necessarily taste good - some foods I'd rather 'spend' extra calories on because I don't like the low-calorie alternative. They become 'less-often' foods rather than everyday foods.

Then try to get in some exercise each day. Even if it means you prance around in your undies for half an hour before bed playing the latest P!nk cd...

My "easy" way to start is just start tracking your food.. no matter what it is.. pizza, chips, soda, ice cream.. TRACK IT.. Even if you go over your calories.. if you have to, do this for a few days or a week.. then move on to tracking a bit of exercise a few days a week.. Or trying out a new healthier recipe.. Pick one thing and start there. Good luck!!

First of all WELCOME! You've taken the first big step!

Second, you've defined your goal. 40 pounds.

Now start to incorporate some exercise. At first try for 30 minutes of activity every day. Can you do that on your lunch hour? Or how about early in the morning before it gets too hot? Do you have access to a work out facility or swimming pool?

Next take a long look at your diet. What are you eating? Make sure you record it in your diary so you can review it. Are you eating too many calories? Not enough calories?

As the weeks progress add additional time to your workout. You may even want to change it up some and walk one day, weight train another day and then maybe bike. It's all a matter of what works best for you.

If you want to do more than walk try doing the C25K program. This program is designed to get people who are couch potatoes to running a 5K in 8 weeks. It's a great program and many people on MFP have used it with great success.

The main thing is that if something doesn't work then move on to something else. What works for one person doesn't necessarily work for someone else. You have to find something which you can do on a continuous basis.

Hope this helps!

I did not even weigh myself the first week. I could have lost weight that week but I will never know. lol Feel free to add me, I find it helps to have others to talk to. I bought a cheap scale to weigh certain foods. Bought lots of bottled water. Salads are easy and make a good summer meal.

I started by just logging everything I ate and looking at various message boards for ideas. And then it has kind of naturally progressed from there.

My wife and I are both on MFP. When we started we logged in the food that we normally ate. When you see what you are eating it changes your outlook. Then, just change things that you eat. Replace certain foods with healthier foods. Change ingredients in recipes to healthier ingredients.

And make sure you work out. Anything that makes you work up a sweat.

Good luck.

Each night...make your menu for the next day. Log everything you will eat..including snax and splenda..everything. if you go over in calories..take something off. On the day of..start with water..atleast 2 cups as soon as you wake up...and then follow your log. Between meals..drink water..lots of it. It will keep you full. As you draw closer to the end of your day....and you are not hungry....delete something else. That's what I do...and I have found that it really works...my overall calories are reduced. Good luck!!!