New and have some questions :)

Hey everyone,

I am new to this site and have seen how supportive everyone is of everybody’s efforts – it’s very refreshing to see :)  I just have a few questions and need some help.  First, I’ve read in a few places (not just this site) that I should be burning as many calories as I’m eating.  That’s way too much time working out, and I know you have to consume at least 1000 calories to keep a “healthy” diet.  I’m 5’5, and about 140 pounds… Ugh for me :(  I want to get down to about 120 which is where I used to be…

Second problem I have is the fact that I’m addicted to chocolate!  Especially cookies and ice cream!  I know that’s why I’ve gained a lot of weight, but it’s like I can’t quit eating it :(   I know I sound like a complete pig, but just wondering if anyone has any ideas as to alternatives for the chocolate cravings… Thank you guys very much! :)

Instead of eating ice cream, try frozen yogurt!  I think it tastes better, has much less calories, and barely any fat!  You don't necessarily have to cut your favorite foods, just find things to substitute them.  As for the cookies, try buying those "100 calorie packs"  they really work!  You still get the cookie that you want, but in moderation is much healthier!  Good Luck!

buy expensive chocolate so that you don't eat it all in one sitting

yes, try frozen yogurt or shorbert

search vitamuffins online

only 100 calories for it , and they come it SO many flavors

feel free to pm me with any questions!

:)

Your body naturally burns calories just functioning. Use the tools on this site. It will tell you how much you burn a day. Then if you add exercise you will burn additional calories. So, say you burn 2,000 cal a day just being alive, and then you walk for an hour and burn another 200. you'll have burned 2200 cals. So, to maintain your weight you can not consume more calories than this, and to lose weight you have to eat less, about 500 less a day.

Speaking of chocolate, I barely eat the stuff, but just indulged in a craving:) You can eat chocolate, really you can eat anything you want and lose weight as long as you keep the cals down, but for the sake of your health try dark chocolate that is lower in sugar. I prefer the bitterness and I think the rich quality is much more filling.

Also, you could try the Jello Sugar Free pudding. It's super sweet and only has 60 cals a serving.

Actually you should be burning *more* calories than your eating if you want to lose weight, BUT you need to take in account your basil metabolic requirements. Just because you eat 1400 calories a day doesn't mean you need to exercise 1400 calories worth. I'd start by finding out what your maintenance calories is through the calorie counter function of this site. Set a goal and find out how may calories your allowed to eat a day and stick to it.

Eat healthy and exercise and I'm sure you'll be there before you know it.

I agree with the frozen yogurt, they also have 100 cal. candies that are the same candy but propotioned differently.  Not the best grade you can get but it is 100 calories and it is the same candy we all love!!!!!

I am a chocoholic also and that is the one thing I can not seem to give up so if you find another alternative let me know.

Great Luck!!!!

Hey!  I just wanted to say thank you to everyone!  I've got some great ideas for my "chocolate attacks"... and I'm understanding this calorie thing a little better now :) 

azainbabe, I'll have to try the frozen yogurt - suprisingly i've never had it before... I had completely forgotten about the 100 calorie packs - will definitely be getting some of those. 

runnabe15, Vitamuffins... never heard of them, but will definitely be looking them up!  Thanks!

grenflowers, thank you for the help about the calories... I'm still learning this site, but I'll get it eventually :)  I've heard dark chocolate is good for you, but then I've also heard there's no difference?  I like ALL chocolate, so i'll eat it for sure :)

ren01, thanks for the calorie help...like I had said earlier, I'm starting to learn this website and I'll hopefully figure it out soon!

clangworthy, haven't heard of the candies, but i'll have to see about them too :)  My sweet tooth is really reall bad (as everyone can see)... I will let you know if I find other alternatives to chocolate.  It's the one thing I haven't been able to give up either...

Thanks again guys and look forward chatting with everyone! :)  I'm sure I'll have more questions in the near future... :)

Okay, when I read your original post, it confused me, so I don't know if you're confused, or you might already know this, but just to be safe...

To lose weight you need to be in a deficit of calories (burn more then you take in). Correct me if I'm wrong, but roughly 3500 calories will lose you a pound, so to lose a pound a week, you need about 500 calorie deficit every day.

This site can not only log what you're eating but also what you're taking in, so, if you want my advice, set your activity level to "sedentary" and just log all the exercise you do.

A few more tips...

DRINK WATER. Seriously. I drink 4L a day. That sounds ridiculous, but it will flush out all the excess water weight your body stores if you consistently do it. I have a big 1L bottle that I refill four times a day. NOTE: Sodium makes you hold water, so don't have an excess of it.

EAT YOUR MEALS. First of all, make sure you hit breakfast. No excuse. You have to start your metabolism! And eat five - six per day. I know that looks funny, but your metabolism will be very effective if you're used to eating smaller portions more often instead of sitting back. For example, I barbecued last night and wanted a second chicken breast but I put it away and reheated it a couple hours later. It's all about balance.

Let us know any questions!