how to do this, please help

sillyjilly1583
sillyjilly1583 Posts: 3 Member
edited December 23 in Introduce Yourself
good morning!

I'll try not to blather on about my failings when it comes to losing weight..long story short..I've been overweight for too long and I have tried many diets unsuccessfully. I finally stumbled accross an article that said, "it's the calories stupid" soo, I joined MFP. My question is, is everyone here just counting calories? or are you doing something in addition to it? I've tried all the fad diets..south beach.atkins... I couldnt stick to them for long and it made my stomach feel wretched. any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am starting to think that everyone thinks I'm all talk, and that I'll never lose this weight.

Replies

  • nicoletarobu
    nicoletarobu Posts: 9
    hello.i am in the same situation so any advice would be welcome.
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    How long have you been using MFP? Why dont you try just counting calories for a month, and see how it works for you?

    (Everyone is different, some are more sensitve to carbs than others, so you do really need to give a fair trial to something and then decide if it works or not. But yes, many people on here are just counting calories)
  • DeeDee2211
    DeeDee2211 Posts: 1,133 Member
    I'm just counting calories. I've been here since May 20th and I've lost almost 17 pounds now. However, I agree try it for a week or two and see if it works for you. Good luck.
  • joannafarrer
    joannafarrer Posts: 20
    I agree, try it and see. Do remember, though, that what makes up the calories is so important. Try to eat mainly nutritious, good calories and don't waste your allowance on rubbish (though obviously give yourself treats now and again - we all need that!). Eating decent food usually means you can consume far more for your allowance too, which means you are less likely to feel hungry and start cheating. Nothing worked for me before (couldn't stick to anything), but using MFP - AND EXERCISING!!! - is doing it for me,f or the first time in my life. Good luck!
  • kinghavok
    kinghavok Posts: 104
    Yes it is about calorie counting, see how it goes then move on to calorie counting and a slow walk 100% agree with Joanna
  • 75Juniper
    75Juniper Posts: 376
    I started out just counting calories. Once I felt I had that down, I started focusing on some of my macros. For example, I know I stay full longer when I get a little more protein than what MFP suggests and I watch my sodium because I don't feel good if I get too much.

    Once you feel comfortable with counting calories, then you can start tweaking your macros. Small steps are easier to maintain than giant leaps.
  • 140lbgoal
    140lbgoal Posts: 19
    I started counting carbs on June 4th and I weighed 204 pounds. Today I weigh 186 and I feel so good! I am never hungry and rarely crave anything. I make ice coffee with sweetener if I want something sweet and it works for me. I have started exercising 5 nights a week, just walking and some weight lifting. I never thought I could do this because I have a heart condition. I don't eat after 8:30pm and I work until 2:30 am. I am not hungry nor do I snack when I get off work. Forget the kitchen after a certain time in the evening. Less TV too because commercials are dangerous for us...lol I try to think of junk food as poison and really it is if you think about it.
  • invisibubble
    invisibubble Posts: 662 Member
    I count calories (I calculated my TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) and subtracted 15% from that calorie estimate - as I don't have mush to lose - to lose fat) and stay within macros I set for myself, which is 50/25/25 (50% carbs, 25% proteins and 25% fats). I try to get between those ratios and 40/30/30. I exercise regularly, too. Diets don't work because they're temporary. To lose weight and keep it off and be healthier, you really need a lifestyle change. That means moving more and eating more healthily. You need to pay attention to what you're putting in your body.
    You don't have to stop eating certain food groups, or stop eating at a certain time of day. You don't have to ban all "bad" foods. You just need to fuel your body properly and move around.

    Edited to explain better.
  • htmlgirl
    htmlgirl Posts: 314 Member
    Counting calories has worked for me. At first I didn't worry about where those calories came from, but I discovered I could eat a lot more when I ate healthier (vegetables, lean meats, etc). As a result, I ate less pasta, rice, etc. I still eat things I like, but stay within my calories. I also run 3x a week and am in the middle of 30 day shred.

    Edited to add: I use a heart rate monitor to keep track of my exercise calories and I use a food scale to get an accurate measurement of food.
  • glenbabe
    glenbabe Posts: 303 Member
    Just calories...moderate what goes in thats all ...it works like a dream...after all your 14 pounds lighter thats definetly progress as far as I can see ...just keep going thats all
  • TaylorsGranddad
    TaylorsGranddad Posts: 453 Member
    HI all,

    I say this a lot to new people, read my blog, the feedback I get especially from newbies is very positve. Once you've read it should you wish to send a friend request please do, I'm no personal trainer, but I have been on MFP over 13 months or so and I share tips ideas & give loads of support, BUT more importantly I never judge.



    PEACE


    Dieting is a life choice not a life sentence, so don't punish yourself
  • NitroxBoss
    NitroxBoss Posts: 13 Member
    My name is Mark and I have lost 42 pounds so far this year using weight watchers meetings and etools. I am here because I feel like we are moving on to the next level of our journey.
  • sara11679
    sara11679 Posts: 7
    I started 2 weeks ago, and have lost 8 pounds, I was suprised at how many calories i was consuming on a daily basis, so im delighted that its working so far. Im at a stage now where i think my body is comfortable and always in the past found it hard to get past a certain weight. So this week im hoping with the calorie counting i can say goodbye to that weight and feel happy that ive finally got past it.
  • nlsalvatore
    nlsalvatore Posts: 519 Member
    Hi! I have been on MFP since last Jan. I lost 38 lbs. through counting calories and exercise. Over the last few months I have regained some of it due to a combination of factors, but mostly through not finding time to exercise, so that part is important too. Being on MFP is a great motivator for me. Good luck! I am going to friend you & we can encourage each other! Don't give up!
  • Snuggles726
    Snuggles726 Posts: 3 Member
    :smile: I understand how you feel! I am 68 years old and have been struggling for a long time with asthma and joint problems. I have joined a gym where I go 3 times a week and also do MFP everyday. I find that exercising helps me stay focused on my goal to get healthy... and the most important relieves the stress and gives energy. I hope that you find this info helpful. Dont't give up!!! This is a great site.
  • ickybella
    ickybella Posts: 1,438 Member
    I just count calories and exercise. It's all I've ever done and it works.
  • Swissmiss
    Swissmiss Posts: 8,754 Member
    Continue counting calories, get in exercise and stay away from those diets. The only way to make this work is to have a lifetime change to healthier eating. You will not be able to stay on any of those diets forever. Start eating healthy and smart and continue for the rest of your life. Are you doing any exercising at this time?
  • glens2422
    glens2422 Posts: 1
    If your not doing some sort of exercise as part of your weekly routine its difficult to lose and keep it off. Keep reducing your caloric intake and reduce your fats and carbs. If you burn off additional calories by exercising you will get results. Remember you did not gain weight in a week or month. Its comes off slowly and you have to be patient. Good luck.
  • sillyjilly1583
    sillyjilly1583 Posts: 3 Member
    Thank you all sooo much! I feel better about counting calories now! Thanks for all of the support and ideas. :)
  • megsmom2
    megsmom2 Posts: 2,362 Member
    I just count calories and exercise. It's all I've ever done and it works.

    This^ ive tried the other stuff...this WORKS. Painlessly, pretty much.
  • josiereside
    josiereside Posts: 720 Member
    Honestly, I swear by Weight Watchers. It is not a fad diet, nothing is off limits but you need to be accountable. I just started counting calories for a change of pace but I will fall back on weight watchers again if I don't see changes here. This is a great website though, not downing it, but I find food tracking with Weight Watchers much simpler.
    Best of luck to you!! :smile:
  • b_fit4life
    b_fit4life Posts: 105 Member
    I set my profile on MFP to lose 1 pound each week. So, I'm definitely watching calories and I'm also exercising. I'm finishing my 4th week of Turbo Fire, running 1-2 times a week, and starting to contemplate how to get more strength training in my schedule. You just need to find what works for you and jump in with both feet! I agree with not doing fad diets, I would assume you aren't looking for the changes you're trying to make to just be temporary...if that's the case, then the changes you make can't be temporary either! Eat what you want (always with your goals and the rest of your day in mind) and get yourself moving in any way your can enjoy! Good Luck!
  • KIMBAILEYWILLIAMSON
    KIMBAILEYWILLIAMSON Posts: 258 Member
    For me - I just count calories and have been using MFP since first of January. I have lost 60 lbs so far and feel absolutely great. Still have at least 30 lbs to go but that's alot closer than when I started so it will take time. I started out by cutting what I do eat in half, that was hard at first but after about 3 weeks got better, now I am think more about what I eat but still splurge every now and then and that's ok for me. This is the first time in my life that I have actually lost this much weight and I also exercise now and that makes me feel so much better. Don't get discouraged if in the beginning it comes off real slowly especially if you are exercising too but believe me if you stick to it the scales will begin to move in direction we want. :) Good Luck and hope this works for you like it has for me and so many others!
  • soupermomof4
    soupermomof4 Posts: 17 Member
    Great advice from everyone! I am so not into counting calories. I workout about 2 hours a day and burn close to 1000 calories, but because I don't enjoy writing down what I eat, the exercise must be deemed pointless becuase I have only lost 10 pounds in 6 weeks! Ahhh, So, I am in desperate need of the motivation to write down or use the app to keep track of what I eat. It seems so hard though, everything that goes in your mouth, if you grab a bite of something it needs to go in there, I don't always remember!
  • luvhandles74
    luvhandles74 Posts: 85 Member
    How long have you been using MFP? Why dont you try just counting calories for a month, and see how it works for you?

    (Everyone is different, some are more sensitve to carbs than others, so you do really need to give a fair trial to something and then decide if it works or not. But yes, many people on here are just counting calories)

    This!

    I also did South Beach and Atkins (South Beach worked better for me) and now I'm here and I just feel healthier :)

    I count calories not necessarily carbs BUT I will try to curb the wheat products a little, less bread and pasta..I do still have them though just less frequently.

    I have been toying with the idea of incorporating South Beach because really I loved the food! I have started to exercise more often and it's working, but more importantly I feel great and DON'T feel deprived :)

    Just see how it works, everything can be tweaked as you go and eventually it will fall into place :)

    Good luck and feel free to add me if you like!

    LH~
  • bf43005
    bf43005 Posts: 287
    My husband and I both use this site and we are going to a gym. Our trainer at the gym actually turned us on to this site to help track calories. I know the gym can be expensive but you should try to do some exercise. Add in some walking (and maybe after awhile bump it up to jog/run). Do you have access to a pool, water exercises are supposed to be really gentle if you have injuries or feel like you can't walk/run. Maybe buy some light weights and use them at home.
  • rose313
    rose313 Posts: 1,146 Member
    I count calories, and I watch sodium, fat, and carbs as well, but I'm not super strict with those as I am with calories. I also have exercise goals to burn a certain amount of calories a week.
  • Snuggles726
    Snuggles726 Posts: 3 Member
    If you are still struggling, try the D.A.S.H. food book. I have found this to be an excellent source of information, menus, and it is healthy. I try not to say diet because each time I do I fail. I remember Richard Simmons saying a long time ago about the word diet.. it is the first 3 letters is the reason not to say diet. Give the D.A.S.H. a try.
  • meaganrh19
    meaganrh19 Posts: 20 Member
    I just count calories and exercise, but I try to be cautious about what I am eating. I try to keep my junky food to a minimum.
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