I got started today
 

Hi Everybody,
I finally started my new lifestyle this morning. I am very happy about it. As you know i do not have a bike yet so started walking today. I woke up early, put my boots on and walked 3.1 miles. I have a pedometer to track it. had one cup of oatmeal and a banana for breakfast, i was running around at lunch time so only had an apple. For dinner i had veggies and pink salmon. I only used 634 of my calories for the day. Magohn says i need to eat more than that, so will work on it. I signed up on myfitnesspal. It is giving me 1690 daily calories.

I feel good today, do not feel bloated. I think i did good for myself. I will stick to this no matter what now. Thanks everybody.

Good for you. But please, up the calories. 634 cals for a 6'0" guy is way too low. You need to eat more ;)

Magohn is right, at least in this instance. That calorie count is too low. Way too low.

For example, here is a 'low calorie' day for me. The food choices may not be the best but cal count is low.

Note: What works for me may not work for you.

http://i47.tinypic.com/1zd2mv5.png

remember you didnt get where you are in a day, you wont get to where you want to go in a day. Drastic changes are hard to swallow long term. Learning to manage hunger, exercise, and food consumption is the key.

You are right by looking as this as a lifestyle, and not simply "diet + exercise."

The problem with eating so little, besides being unhealthy, is that you will find yourself starving at some point during the day, and you will satiate your hunger with the worst possible foods you can find. Don't ask me how I know. :D

Yes, you need more calories. The very best formula/simulator I have found for caloric needs in a weight loss program was put together by Dr. Chow of MIT and the NIH. Here is the link:

http://bwsimulator.niddk.nih.gov

You will have to download or update Java to use it.

If you eat too little, your metabolism will slow down and you will find it more difficult to lose weight.

If you are going to eat that low then you must be on medical supervision. On my diet that meant weekly checkins with the RN, monthly checkins with the doctor, and monthly blood word. You're also going to want to take bile salts to try and avoid gallstones. Do not try to diet that hard on your own.

I live in PHX in the early 80's. Squaw Peak and Camelback are great hikes. Lots of ppl do them several times a week. We flew in to PHX last year and caught the shuttle to Sedona. It has lots of hiking/biking areas. You arrived in PHX at the best time of the year. As it gets hots, get up early. I love the Southwest, but it does take some getting use to.

Hi,

On a different note, if you have a smart phone, can get free tracking software (myTracks for android, for example). You can then upload the tracks to places like Stravia or even MyGarmin (where, as far as I can tell, you don't need a Garmin for the account). For whatever reason, I find it motivational to look back over my old tracks (and I find the Garmin player a hoot).

Whatever keeps you motivated, do that.

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And I don't really want to chime in on your diet, because, well, you're trying and it might feel like we're all ganging up on you (we're not, but it can feel that way), but I think InTheRain has it right. A friend of mine at work recently upped his calories from 1200 to 1600 or so because he found he was losing more weight when eating 1600 calories.
\end {soap box**

Eat better, get outside and exercise more. Be happy and safe.

Cheers,
Charles

p.s. I don't understand why the forum is turning '**' into '**'. Oh well

I just ran the simulator to see what it came up for calories for me to maintain my weight. It matched up pretty well with reality. The tough part is finding the appropriate activity levels.

How are you today? The new lifestyle begins again every morning.

You do need to eat more. I myself don't really track but I watch. I try and eat a balance of carbs and protein but not real picky on what form. Today I have started out with egg and oatmeal, coffee. Lunch will be a protein shake with some frozen fruit in it, supper....not sure yet but will have protein, complex carbs and simple carbs. Water throughout the day and some nuts, cliff bar maybe or even a spoon of peanut butter if I feel like i need a lift. I don't go much more than three hours without putting calories of some sort in my mouth. As for activity, I will be on the rollers for 45-60 minutes at some point.

NashNation: Lot's of good advice here. Pleasae don't be disappointed or think we are saying your are somehow "wrong." The key is that you have started. That is great. It is much easier to correct course once you have started than it is to get started in the first place.

Good on you for taking that first step - literally.

Doing good today Neil. Forced myself to eat today lol. I am up to around 800 calories for today, and still have to eat dinner yet. I did do my walking but may also go out tonight yet and walk some more. It's been hard going 2 days now without a soda, but it is a good thing. Been drinking water and diet ice tea. Thanks. A big thanks for all of you for your advice and replies.

If it says diet on it, throw it out. That stuff isn't tea.