@RBnorth66, @chulton2020, @TeresaSavage, @Sharon268 Welcome to the group! Its my second month here and I love it and everyone is so encouraginging, supportive, and helpfull. You will love it here! Good luck this month!

@SModa61 when it comes to how I handle my calories, I'm along the lines of @BMcC9. That is to say, I eat back a portion of my exercise calories. Since I tend to walk daily but also do a varied monthly workout routine, I ONLY count my "workout calories" as what I can eat into. That is to say, I do not consider my "walking calories" in my calculations. On active rest days, I just eat my base calories (unless I'm still hungry and want an indulgence)

Why? I've set my MFP activity to "Sedentary" (or whatever the 2nd lowest option is) and do not use a food scale. I also recalculate my TDEE on the first of every month. That means my calories change every month (usually so that I can eat more, thank you, Lord).

That said if I'm hungry; I'll eat. Starving or feeling hunger pangs makes no sense to me. That's my body telling me I'm missing something. The MFP tracking helps in that - even if I go over my calories for a day - I can choose my "indulgence" wisely. If I'm low on protein, I'll take a snack like turkey jerky. If I'm low on carbs (lol a rare occurrence for me), I'll eat chips. It may even be a micronutrient issue so if I'm low on fiber that day, I'll have a small bowl of my All Bran Buds or something.

That's the kind of 'trial and error' BMcC9 alluded to above, I suspect. So far, this set-up seems to work for me and my health goals (which are fat loss based as opposed to strictly weight loss based). With some time, you'll get a hang of what makes sense for you based on the metrics/results you're seeing.

That's part of the fun of all this!

@MaltedTea thanks for your insights. And great intro you wrote!

This is my first month for the challenge. I've gained 8 lbs over the past couple months after losing 125 with the help of gastric sleeve surgery. I recently started the C25K training program which started off great but then I had major surgery on my arm and had to take 2 weeks off. Now on my 2nd week back the weather has been less than cooperative with 25+mph winds today with the temp 35° but I did my training! I look forward to the advice and encouragement from with group and hope to reciprocate!

craigo3154 wrote: »

Hi. Short introduction. I used to be a regular here, but life took a turn and I had to take some time away.

I'm a 52yo father of one and husband to a lovely wife.

I am also amid a major depressive episode at present. I find I need things like UAC to keep me in touch. Having some daily goals helps me.

Look forward to sharing more as the month goes on.

Welcome back! We missed you.

@craigo3154, welcome back, Craig! Wishing you well as you work through your illness.

Hi I am Jen. I have been in and out of the UAC for a year now, or close to that. I found the UAC while I was in college, and have since graduated. Which now gives me more time to actually work on my health and lose weight. This is an awesome group, and feel free to add me at a MFP friend!

TerriRichardson112 wrote: »

I’m Terri from Northern Ireland. Back for my 25th month. Still working on improving my fitness and health. Made the Winners Circle 24 times so far.

UAC is a good place for anyone to start the practicing of new habits, in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Through being a member, I have achieved my lowest weight in 4 decades, and have maintained it since late 2019.

Stick with the process. It DOES work! But it does take time, effort, and most of all, patience!

@TerriRichardson112 Kudos to YOU for achieving your lowest weight in 4 decades and maintaining it! THAT is exactly why I'm excited to be a part of this community/group!