If you could tell one thing to newbies on MFP....

Nikki_42
Nikki_42 Posts: 298 Member
in Motivation and Support
....I'd tell them to take lots of before pictures when starting their new life style. I have a couple, but really regret not having standard one (same clothes, pose, etc.) to see if I can tell the 'then vs. now" differences.
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Replies

  • TexanThom
    TexanThom Posts: 778
    ....I'd tell them to take lots of before pictures when starting their new life style. I have a couple, but really regret not having standard one (same clothes, pose, etc.) to see if I can tell the 'then vs. now" differences.

    I really wish I had done this. I've taken some after I started and can see the differences...
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
    You're eventually going to have to break up with or severely limit your time with Cardio. You're eventually going to break up with or forget about the scale once you get to a certain point.. and you will actually be able to use the mirror to track weekly/monthl progress.

    Make peace with that now and save yourself a 12 month plateau later.
  • Jersey_Devil
    Jersey_Devil Posts: 4,142 Member
    yeah...the scale isn't a good indicator of how well you are doing.
  • celticmuse
    celticmuse Posts: 492 Member
    EAT BACK YOUR EXERCISE CALORIES!!!
  • KelseyDawn84
    KelseyDawn84 Posts: 129 Member
    Do not trust the numbers MFP sets out. Do your research and choose your own calorie goal.
  • na25na52
    na25na52 Posts: 9
    Thanks, Everyone. I'm technically a newbie! Keep them coming...
  • chiley1
    chiley1 Posts: 15
    It takes lots of determination.
  • na25na52
    na25na52 Posts: 9
    What outfit/clothing do you recommend someone wear? I've been hesitant to take pics just because I don't like seeing myself this weight!
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    Don't believe that bodybuilder's give good advice to those who do not wish to be a bodybuilder.

    You DO NOT have to lift heavy or guzzle protein to look good naked. If that is your thing then more power to you, but you don't have to.
  • HauteP1nk
    HauteP1nk Posts: 2,139 Member
    Measure!
  • nickyrobinson
    nickyrobinson Posts: 161 Member
    Set your goal at 1 lb/week (or less).
  • SkinnyVMM
    SkinnyVMM Posts: 9
    :smile:
  • NoAdditives
    NoAdditives Posts: 4,251 Member
    EAT BACK YOUR EXERCISE CALORIES!!!

    This. Also, opt to lose 1 pound per week, not more.
  • cuatromommy
    cuatromommy Posts: 120 Member
    Don't let the jerks on the message boards steer you away!
  • jennifer52484
    jennifer52484 Posts: 888 Member
    The scale might seem evil but It really shows you how your diet was the previous day. If you had a sodium filled day, it will show on the scale the next morning, but know that that is excess water and is not fat.

    Know that You are going to meet your goals.. you just have to stick with it and stay on track. Don't let a minor slip up discourage you from reaching your goals. YOU CAN DO THIS!
  • Daisy374
    Daisy374 Posts: 539 Member
    ....I'd tell them to take lots of before pictures when starting their new life style. I have a couple, but really regret not having standard one (same clothes, pose, etc.) to see if I can tell the 'then vs. now" differences.

    Yes! I wish I had done this too... I didn't take any before pics, and only have very few to compare to...
  • kristen6022
    kristen6022 Posts: 1,923 Member
    Eating "bad" food once in awhile isn't a deal breaker. Skipping a workout day isn't either. This is a lifestyle change, find something you can stick with long term.
  • Dinob661
    Dinob661 Posts: 251 Member
    DO NOT Starve yourself then kill yourself with exorcise. Eating 1000 Calories and Burning 1000calories in a day is a recipe for disaster. Believe it or not, eating will help you lose weight if you do it right.
  • andreanicole686
    andreanicole686 Posts: 406 Member
    Don't just eat 1200 calories!
  • mikey1976
    mikey1976 Posts: 1,005 Member
    don't get upset with people who delete you. its there loss
  • secretlobster
    secretlobster Posts: 3,566 Member
    Focus more on the bigger picture than what you weigh from one day to the next.

    It's easy to let day-to-day fluctuations get you discouraged when you don't deserve it. Keeping a journal really helped me here.
  • skinnywithin
    skinnywithin Posts: 1,392 Member
    STAY AWAY FROM THE TREADS AND MY GROUP OF FRIENDS BECASUE THEY WILL EAT YOU ALIVE ! LOL

    No seriously I would Say I wish them the best of luck and keep your chin up everything that is good for you takes time !
  • stormieweather
    stormieweather Posts: 2,549 Member
    If you're gonna take newbie pics, don't wear underwear, because you may have trouble posting them here later, in success stories. Use stretchy nylon workout clothes or a bikini/swimsuit. And take measurements!!! Regularly!!
  • HelloSweetie4
    HelloSweetie4 Posts: 1,214 Member
    drink your water!!!!!
  • Steve_Runs
    Steve_Runs Posts: 443 Member
    Don't be shy or thinned skinned! Be open to what people have to say! Oh wait, you said one thing! ha, sorry!
  • bemott
    bemott Posts: 180
    Record EVERYTHING, even if you go way over your calorie goal. It will keep you honest and is what makes the magic happen (for me anyway-38lbs gone since Jan).
  • TrophyWifeSass
    TrophyWifeSass Posts: 490 Member
    Be patient, believe in yourself, screw the damn scale, pick up some weights. Be a BAMF.

    :heart: Sass
  • Athena98501
    Athena98501 Posts: 716 Member
    [/quote]

    This. Also, opt to lose 1 pound per week, not more.
    [/quote]

    I've seen this said before. Can anybody tell me my people recommend this? At that rate, it would take me around 21 months.
  • Neecy_Pooh
    Neecy_Pooh Posts: 122
    If you really want this, make no excuses about why you can't do this or can't do that.....make reasons why you SHOULD do this and that. Before you cheat, think about how much longer it will take you to reach your goal. Willpower seems to be the downfall of SOOOO many people and unless you get that under control, it will only make it that much harder for you. Think about what is more important to you, five minutes of enjoying that chocolate cupcake that puts on about 30 grams of fat and 400 calories: OR do you want to be healthy? It's your choice.

    Trust me, I pratice what I preach. I haven't not had a sweet in forever, no potato chips no nothing. I really want what I want and the only way to get it is to be 100% committed!!

    Good luck to all!
  • KariQuiteContrary
    KariQuiteContrary Posts: 274 Member
    Take all the advice you can get.....with a grain of salt. If it's not from a professional, make sure you do your own research (and not just from one quack source) before taking every Tom, ****, and Harry's advice as gold.

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