Just joined, and a little frightened.

Donnatb1
Donnatb1 Posts: 5
in Introduce Yourself
Hello All-
My name is Donna and I have just joined this site. I have been struggling to lose weight for the last couple of years, and I am a little afraid that this isn't going to work for me either. Did anyone start off like that, but was successful anyway?

I am an ex-fitness instructor and my degrees are in nutrition, so I know WHAT to do, but after going through fertility treatments at 37 and 38, my body does not react to things like it used to. I am now 46, 5'10" tall and 235lbs. My initial goal is 180lbs. I am a size 10 at that weight. It's not my ultimate goal, but getting to that would be over 50 pounds at this point, and I thought I would make that my first goal. Honestly, getting below 200 would leave me ecstatic, my body hasn't seen that in about 6 years.

Any people who tried other things (esp. over 40) without success, but really like what they are doing on MFP?

I would love the pep talk and making new friends!

Thank you, Donna K.:happy:
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Replies

  • harpercutie
    harpercutie Posts: 118 Member
    dont be nervous. we dont bite..that hard ;) jk

    welcome to a virtual world where everyone is super support. you might get addicted-just warning you
    -Harper:)
  • rooster70460
    rooster70460 Posts: 206 Member
    45 yo girly here and I love MFP. I have done EVERY diet in the past and was most successfull with WW but found figuring out points too stressfull and now with MFP I have everything I need on my phone. Welcome and feel free to add me.

    You will LOVE it too...I promise or we will give your money back!!! LOL


    Colette
  • 1n2m3g
    1n2m3g Posts: 40 Member
    Hi Donna!
    Welcome and yes this works!
    :) Nicole
  • Mini_Me_G
    Mini_Me_G Posts: 4
    Hi Donna....I joined about two months ago....my weight loss at first was pretty good .... about two pounds a week.....I have done many diets in the past too...WW was one of the better ones but the weight always came back plus more...and after a while counting all of those points just wasn't doing it for me anymore....I would rather count calories....and as long as you are good at keeping track of what you eat, you should be successfull.....plus doing a bit of excercise doesn't hurt.....only helps the cause.

    Good luck!

    Mini_me-G
  • EKK0220
    EKK0220 Posts: 6
    Hi Donna, I may not be in my 40's yet (am 32) but I certainly feel your pain - I am very similar to you in what I want to lose - and size wise. I am not a nutritionist but I know a lot about it and I do eat very healthy and exercise. Tried low carb, tried WW...what works for me, is counting calories and watching my bad carbs (you know what they are).

    I would love to have you add me and we can encourage each other, keep each other in the loop on what is working and what is not, etc... I really do think this is a great site and the mobile version is awesome too.

    Erin
  • QueenGorgo
    QueenGorgo Posts: 75 Member
    I think anytime you attempt to make a change in your life you have an amount of fear..especially if you haven't succeeded the way you wanted to in the past..here's the advice I've learned during my journey of losing weight/gaining weight/losing weight- my body has kept moving, kept working, throughout all of the abuse I've put it through to lose weight..now I'm learning that this body I have is amazing, it's strong, and it's beautiful- no matter what weight I happen to be at. I have to love who I am right this second so that I can truly appreciate who I'm trying to become.. with your background you know this is a lifestyle and a forever type of change..so if it's going to be forever there's no need to rush or beat yourself up if you don't get the results you want when you want them.

    If you can work on loving your body, it won't seem like punishment if you don't succeed at the rate you imagine you should...anything you accomplish will be icing on the cake. But if you judge your body negatively because it doesn't look like you want it to look or how you used to look it just makes a difficult job even more difficult..

    Never say anything to yourself you wouldn't allow anyone to say to your best friend ....
  • MernyMac
    MernyMac Posts: 37 Member
    Welcome Donna.....To your next addiction....lol.....I'm 61 years old, with a sedentary life style due to medical issues, and it's working for me !!....Don't be afraid.....This site is really awesome !....Everyone on here is so supportive, and I've learned so much.....I've dieted before, only to gain it all back plus more.....I would NEVER log my food or blog my thoughts....to be honest I was just to lazy to do it and didn't feel it was necessary.....Boy was I wrong !!!.....I log every day and I blog now too....It helps if you just need to vent about something, or if your just having a great day and want to share it with the world !.....And what's nice is that you find out your not alone, when you might feel like you are....Everyone on here is on the same journey, they don't gloss things over, and tell you how easy it's going to be....They tell you how it is, or how it's been for them.....But they do it in a kind and caring way.....You'll make lots of friends here.....They will cheer you on when you're doing well, and cheer you up when your feeling defeated.......So don't be afraid one bit.....Dive right in and give it a shot. You've got nothing to lose but those nasty pounds.......Please feel free to add me as a friend in you would like.....Good luck on your journey......Together WE CAN DO THIS !!
  • don666car
    don666car Posts: 167 Member
    welcome i am here daily if you want a mfp friend add me you wont be disapointed love to give and get support best wishes to all your goals
  • princessquitealot
    princessquitealot Posts: 58 Member
    I said almost the same thing when I started. I was a bit scared...what if this doesn't work, what if it DOES work? Now sit back and let the fun begin! You can meet and surpass your goals in time.
  • XHeatherDianeX
    XHeatherDianeX Posts: 7 Member
    I felt the same way, until I felt the changes. Just take it day by day. You will be OK :)
  • efhilton
    efhilton Posts: 13 Member
    Hey Donna, I'm in your same boat. I'm 41 and for the first time in my entire life, something seems to be working for me and sticking. Hang in there, follow the program, and you'll be fine!
  • nene01pop
    nene01pop Posts: 80 Member
    I was skeptical too, tried all the diet pills and even have the lap band... but I was terrified with last fill when I couldnt eat, so had them pull some back out. I am now 30+ days into MFP and have lost 16 lbs. sometimes just accountability helps. and definitely the encouragement you get from complete strangers who know where you are and where you've been.
  • LJCannon
    LJCannon Posts: 3,636 Member
    :flowerforyou: Welcome to MFP!! It is (usually) a Safe, Fun Place. It is slightly addictive, but I don't mind because Consistency -Logging in and Tracking your Food and Exercise every day - leads to meeting your Goals AND meeting some pretty Fabulous Friends!!
    :drinker: Good Luck!!
  • ArtsyLaurie
    ArtsyLaurie Posts: 39 Member
    Hi! Welcome to MFP ^_^
    I did pretty well using MFP, lost about 7 pounds I think. Then re-set my ticker when I decided to try the primal blueprint diet I read about on Mark's Daily Apple. Adding friends on here is really helpful, they cheer you on and ask what's up if you're gone too many days.
  • kmm7309
    kmm7309 Posts: 802 Member
    There are a lot of success stories coming out of this website. It's easy to use and simple enough. You'll hear a lot of back and forth about the proper way to do things, but just remind yourself what you are here for: calorie counting. I think you'll do fine and find a good support group. I am 23 but I have hypothyroidism and PCOS and I have been successful using the laws of thermodynamics: calories in > calories out.
  • MNguerita
    MNguerita Posts: 199 Member
    I don't know what I thought when I first started here...probably that I would do it for a week and drop it like cold turkey. 4 1/2 months and 49 lbs later I m still here and going strong! I too will be ecstatic WHEN I reach 200 as I have not been that light since the early '90's...I am confident that the site nd the supportive people that are here will be just what the doctor ordered! Welcome and see you "lighter"!
  • estrada3d
    estrada3d Posts: 78 Member
    be verrry afraiddddd........ jk good luck! :)
  • luckyinlove2
    luckyinlove2 Posts: 66 Member
    Wow, Donna, I'm the same height and age 56! I love MFP, I've tried to lose the same pounds over and over and over! At least for the past 10 years, I was at a stable weight, well, within 10-12 pounds up or down! However, even thought I was okay with my weight and figure, I wasn't ecstatic! My first goal was to have to buy a new wardrobe and I achieved that goal within 5 months of starting MFP. I had started a weight loss and fitness contest at work and had lost about 15 pounds before I started MFP. It's definitely been easier when I can log in and see what I'm eating is "costing" in calories. My aiml is to make this weight loss forever. Right now, I'm at the same weight I was 31 years ago, which was my second goal! My next goal is to get below 200, and I'm sure I'll have to buy yet another size of clothes to wear! Thank goodness for consignment stores. :tongue: If you can get yourself to log in faithfully and don't get discouraged about eating more calories than you should. As long as it's not often, you'll do great on this!
  • SingeSange
    SingeSange Posts: 98 Member
    Welcome! I've been on this site since the beginning of June and have lost 10 lbs so far. I'm 37 and have some health problems that can make it difficult for me to lose weight... so far so good though! I've found that with better portion control I've been successful these last 5 weeks. Through tracking my food I'm also way more aware of what I'm eating than I ever used to be. My biggest fear being on this journey is that if it stops working I don't want to give up completely.
    Welcome to MFP! And good luck!!
  • wannadance
    wannadance Posts: 59
    I was definitely a little skeptical - i mean i knew it could work, i just wasn't sure it would (if that makes sense?). But seriously, its the consistency and long term of it that matters - don't worry too much if you have a bad meal or a bad day, the next meal / day is a chance to keep moving foward and towards your goal... it all adds up, and it definately works. All the best! :)
  • karenmetfan
    karenmetfan Posts: 62 Member
    Hi Donna,

    47 here and have been on MFP since end of October 2011. So far I've lost 40 lbs. I had a couple of setbacks, injury wise, and did gain a couple of pounds back that had to be re-lost, but I love MFP. I don't blog and don't usually have much time to come on the message boards, but what I love about MFP is, well, everything. LOL I love the food diary and that it essentially does all the work for you. I especially love that I can put in my own recipes and it will let me know how many calories a serving is. Same with the exercise log. I like that I can put in what my activity level is, my goal, my weight, etc. and it figures out how many calories I have for the day before exercise to lose in a steady and safe manner. I have mine set for 1 lb a week and my first goal is 60 lbs. After that I will set another goal, probably for another 60, but if I decide I want to stop at 40 or 50 it will still get me to a decent weight. My highest weight, and my starting weight was 260 and I am absolutely LOVING seeing the numbers go down on the scale. Used to dread getting on the scale, especially at the doctor, but not so much anymore. It's nowhere near where it needs to be, but the simple fact the numbers are going down makes me so HAPPY! My doctor had actually recommended MFP to me after I had my 1st appointment with the cardiologist (weight related high BP), but I told her I was already using it! :D

    Feel free to friend me :D
  • goldfinger88
    goldfinger88 Posts: 686 Member
    Hi Donna. Congratulations on breaking your goal up into smaller sections that are attainable. That's smart and keeps you from being overwhelmed.

    There are lots of nice folks here and most of them (there are exceptions) are willing, even happy, to support you and offer help if you need it. But since you have a lot of nutrition knowledge and perhaps know more than the average person on here, may I suggest you consider going on a low glycemic diet and reading a book called "The Smarter Science of Slim"?

    While you'll certainly lose weight on a low calorie diet, it won't stay off and it's not really healthy. Having studied science, I suspect you know that and perhaps that's why you're scared. You want a permanent weight loss.

    I'm sure you'll get to your goal and welcome to the site.
  • queenie09
    queenie09 Posts: 25
    Hi Donna, I'm Pauline. I joined a while ago now. I lost 60lbs...
    Got sick for a while and quit everything. Diet exercise etc.
    I.came back on after 5 months and have relost almost all 20lb I
    Regained... It works, it's addictive, I LOVE IT. :)

    You will do great. :) Pauline
  • robert65ferguson
    robert65ferguson Posts: 390 Member
    Hi Donna, and welcome to MFP. As someone for whom 40 is but a distant memory, the great news is that the programme definitely works. It requires honesty in logging everything you eat. Patience for the times when progress is slower than we would like. Persistence when the going gets a bit tougher. Determination to stick with the programme. Some 41 pounds later the answer is yes most definitely. Take your time to look around the various boards and get a feel for the site. Exercise discernment by not jumping on every idea which is floated here. Have a look at some of the interest groups on the site and find one in which you feel comfortable and encouraged. You start with a great advantage in that you possess much of the knowledge you require. Use your God given intelligence to avoid some of the pet hobby horses. You've made a great decision in joining the site and I wish you every success.
  • Erica27511
    Erica27511 Posts: 490 Member
    dont be nervous. we dont bite..that hard ;)

    Unless you want us to
  • statickey
    statickey Posts: 309 Member
    Hey!

    I'm 27, but this is the only thing that's ever worked for me! I've tried for years to lose weight and never stuck to anything. I finally made it to one-derland and I keep going down! Counting calories and exercise, so simple just never clicked before. This site is very helpful and makes it easy to keep a food diary. Good luck!
  • MaraDiaz
    MaraDiaz Posts: 4,604 Member
    Hello All-
    My name is Donna and I have just joined this site. I have been struggling to lose weight for the last couple of years, and I am a little afraid that this isn't going to work for me either. Did anyone start off like that, but was successful anyway?

    I am an ex-fitness instructor and my degrees are in nutrition, so I know WHAT to do, but after going through fertility treatments at 37 and 38, my body does not react to things like it used to. I am now 46, 5'10" tall and 235lbs. My initial goal is 180lbs. I am a size 10 at that weight. It's not my ultimate goal, but getting to that would be over 50 pounds at this point, and I thought I would make that my first goal. Honestly, getting below 200 would leave me ecstatic, my body hasn't seen that in about 6 years.

    Any people who tried other things (esp. over 40) without success, but really like what they are doing on MFP?

    I would love the pep talk and making new friends!

    Thank you, Donna K.:happy:

    I'm 39, is that close enough to 40? :happy: I also started out at 232. I'm now 182.6 and progressing along. Slower than I want to, but it's happening, and MFP is a huge help and motivator. Especially the people here. If you aren't afraid of a slightly off-beat sense of humor, add me if you want!
  • joannbrunton
    joannbrunton Posts: 93 Member
    IT KEEPS ME MOTIVATED AND KEEPING THE FOOD AND EXERCISE DIARIES ARE SO HELPFUL....I LIKE TO SEE WHAT I WILL WEIGH IN 5 WEEKS.
  • Jodibear58
    Jodibear58 Posts: 280 Member
    Congrats for joining!

    Lots and lots of support here :D I have a total of 50 pounds to lose myself and I am 54.

    Feel free to add me!
  • Toughmudder8
    Toughmudder8 Posts: 5
    I also just joined 3 days ago, but so far it has been really easy and has kept me accountable. I am a nurse so I understand the frustration of knowing what to do but not following through. I signed up for Tough Mudder 2 months ago ( the race is in Oct!) to motivate myself & that still didn't work- so now my sister and I are doing this to monitor one another. As a nutritionist- how do you feel about South Beach Diet because that is the only one that has every worked for me.

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