Hello! Coming out of lurkdom....

I've been lurking for about 3 weeks now and thought I would come out of lurkdom to introduce myself. I'm currently trying to lose about 40 lbs and I'm in a summer fitness challenge through the gym where I take classes. I'm hoping to get a lot of information from all everyone to help me with this challenge and losing weight.

Hi, and welcome to THE best site on the web! :flowerforyou:
Between the easy to use food counter (which by the way is SUCH an eye opener!) and all the wonderfully supportive members, you WILL be able to lose the weight that you want to, AND, it'll "almost" be easy doing it!
I recommend logging ALL your foods BEFORE you have them, rather than later, as it tends to lead to better food choices. (not to mention you'll know if you've got enough numbers left to have a night time snack, like I ALWAYS try to do!) Some people also like to weigh and measure some things, such as meats, rather than just estimating and possibly being WAY off! :noway:
Don't go making the mistake that if you have LOTS of numbers left at the end of the day that you'll lose even faster, because that DOESN'T happen. Feel free to read any info about the site in the "help" section at the top of the home page. And also, under "all topics", then "general", and check out the first few threads. They'll really help you understand how MFP works.
Before coming here, I had tried just about EVERYTHING out there, including hypnosis, TWICE, and nothing really worked until MFP!
Also, drink LOTS of water, it REALLY DOES help! :drinker:

Logging the foods I'm going to eat beforehand is a great idea! I bring my breakfast and lunch to work most days so I know what I'm going to have.

Great idea!

Glad I could help!

Welcome!