New guy looking for weight loss buddies.

I think by now with how you set up your profile, MFP has your daily calorie count in order to lose weight (and you can choose to lose 1 lb - 2lb per week).

My first month, I just started off slow. I made some modifications to my habits, but nothing to extreme. I reduced my soda intake to one can per meal, instead of just mindlessly drinking. I reduced my bread intake; I'd eat four pieces of toast during breakfast, and I changed that to two pieces during that month. Finally, I limited myself to only eat at restaurants or eat fastfood twice a week, and eat home cooked meals the remaining five days.

The first month gave me a nice result, as I lost about 6 pounds or so. And it has already set me with a foundation to start.

The next month, I ramped it up. I began exercising on the elliptical and I hated it. Still dislike it right now (4 months in), but what makes it easier is that I watch shows or movies on there on my iPad. Netflix and HBO Go has been a lifesaver.

I also began tracking. I bought a food scale on Amazon for $10 and weighed everything I ate. It was a pain to track everything during the first couple of weeks, but it started becoming routine and really easy to do. Tracking is the most essential part of your weight loss journey. Knowing exactly how many calories your consuming and being able to adjust accordingly if needed or wanted is great for flexibility during your meals. I always find things I can change, like maybe less lasagna in exchange for an extra Hawaiian Roll. Or forgoing sausage links for some toast during breakfast or vice versa.

The key is that you hit your calorie goal that MFP gives you, and that you don't lie to yourself or are misinformed about what you're eating.

The last thing that's helped me is discipline. Discipline is important to achieve your goal. The discipline to track my nutrition, to exercise daily (although not needed but a nice bonus), and to not allow a bad day to overcome my efforts and slowly morph into an avalanche of bad decisions. I've had days that I went over my calories because of a treat, or I binged. But I would come back the next day, and start again. Not everybody is born with discipline (especially me since I clocked in at 343.8 lbs when I started officially tracking) but everybody can develop it. It's not easy, but it's necessary.

I have 98 pounds left. I'm at 268 right now and my goal weight is 170. I know I'll achieve my goal. I'll send a request and try to help you get to your goal. I have other tips that have helped with hunger and whatnot if needed.

GregF1985 wrote: »

Hi I'm Greg, I've been on and off my fitness pal for quite a while now and I've decided that it's time to start taking it seriously. I never really put the effort in to doing it right and always make excuses for myself, but now I've got to the stage where I'm ready to start living healthier. Is there any newbies out there that are just starting their weight loss plan? If so I'd like to hear from you about any tips or tricks to help keep me on track.

I think if you find someone on mfp that is doing well and inspires you in how much they do etc it spurs you on. As you visit the page often to check on how they are doing xx