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

Would you say support from other people on MFP is a big help? I saw it mentioned somewhere, but Id rather keep it private from the people I know from day to day life!! And be able to talk to people that know the situation

Like you, I didn't want all the people in my life to know what was going on with my weight loss, but the anonymity of MFP makes it a lot easier. I love having the friends I do on here, and only selected other people in my life know what goes on.

No person on MFP is going to be able to tell you exactly what is the best way for YOU to lose weight. There's a lot of good information, and a lot of self-righteousness. The former can be helpful, the latter never is.

Take what YOU can use, and leave the rest. And don't ever, ever, ever give up on learning about your own body.

This.

Figure out what works for you and learn more and more. Be selective about all of the advice floating around. Except for the success stories, take it all in, in the future it will be you! And me

^ both of these people are trying to trick you already. this is advice. dont fall for it!!!

Look out! That's advice too!

LOL...

Don't be so hard on yourself. I like the phrase "This is a marathon, not a sprint". But, I don't know - that might be an intimidating phrase. :O) Anyway, just know that this is a life-long process and not some "do it now, do it right, or be forever fat" kind of scenario.

I'd tell them: Don't be the one to post "Hi, I'm new here, looking for support!" That initial motivation comes from within. As far as I'm concerned, you shouldn't look for a single MFP buddy until AFTER you've lost the first 10 lbs. Because if you can't do it on your own, no amount of support is gonna get you there.

I waited until I dropped 12 pounds. THEN I posted and said I was looking for MFP buddies who were COMMITTED to weight loss and had the RESULTS to prove it. Every "friend" of mine has dropped anywhere from 10 to 50 lbs. When I get a friend request from someone who's lost, say, 2 lbs, I ignore it. Anyone can lose 2 lbs. Drink water and take a good poop and you've lost two lbs. That's not commitment, that's an accident. But when a person has lost at least 10 lbs, that shows a consistent commitment.

So, I'd tell a newbie: Be a newbie BY YOURSELF for the first 10 lbs. Report to nobody but yourself (or your closest loved ones, people you live with). Because if you surround yourself from the beginning with people who, like you, haven't accomplished anything yet, then you'll all likely let one another quit. And, if you surround yourself with people who have already committed to fitness, yes, they may have some support to offer you...but what do YOU have to offer them?

Motivation is a two-way street. Don't expect it if you can't give it. And "motivation" from someone who hasn't lost any weight is empty...just words.

I'm rambling, I know, but this subject drives me nuts. Do it FOR YOURSELF, BY YOURSELF at first. THEN, when you have EARNED the right to join the community of dedicated people who have results to prove it, you can, knowing that you have as much to offer as anyone else.

I would say -

Take pics and measurements
Use the search feature before you post a new topic asking a question - chances are it's been asked today, and yesterday, and the day before...
Get a HRM as soon as you can

Exercise...... not too much
Eat at a deficit..... not too low
Enjoy yourself.... a little bit

Well said! Thanks!

Measure!

exactly!! measure measure measure..........so when the scale doesn't move and you get discouraged you can remeasure and be amazed~!

There's no ONE thing..its a silly request.

1: Calculate your Base Metabolic Rate (BMR) and try to NEVER let your NET calories consumed go below your BMR.

2: Measure and don't place too much emphasis on the scales.

3: Focus on consistency in all that you do related to weight loss and fitness.

throw the scale away

Don't cheat yourself! If you never lost weight doing this activity before, don't log it. With hard work, comes results!