New here

Im new to this board, actually new posting on this entire site, but have been reading for months. Since wls is not an option for me due to an exclusion on our insurance, Im gonna have to do this the old fashioned way. My question is, is how many calories do you ususally eat and what kind of diets would you recommed? Monday is the day for me and tomorrow is grocery shopping so what do you reccomend I stock up with? Im currently about 250ish and hoping to lose to around 150 ish as of now.

Hi Susan and WELCOME! I am glad to have you! I can't really give a lot of advice as I am currently struggling as well, but you will find GADS of helpful advice and support here! If you are shopping, though, I know that fresh fruits and veggies are always a good choice.....lean meats (fish and chicken) etc. Anyway, welcome and jump right on in here.......................we love to share and we welcome a new "voice"! Kandy

Hi Susan, I've lost 165 pounds with LA Weight Loss and exercise. I don't count calories but have a controlled number of servings from each food group. Kandy is right about fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed foods (canned, frozen meals) because they have too much sodium. I watch the carbs too. While in the loosing phase, I had 3 carb servings to start with. When I got to about 180 that number dropped to 2 carb servings. A carb serving for me is 3 lowfat Triscuits, 1 slice 40 calorie bread, or 1/2 pita, (around 40 -60 calories per serving). I would estimate when I was around 250, I was eating about 1700 - 1900 calories. Then at about 190, it dropped to 1400- 1600. Then at 160, 1200-1400. It got less as I got smaller. Right now, I'm at 135ish and maintaining. I've added more calories back in. I having about 1700 - 1900 calories again. It seems like I'm rambling, but I hope it is helpful. Good luck. Lynette

Hi Susan, Welcome to the non-op board. I imagine you have already started reading profiles, that will give you a good idea of how people on this board work their plans. I do a low-carb, low fat approach although I have to say I don't concentrate completely on the low fat part. I choose foods that are low-fat when given the opportunity such as low fat cheese. Take a look at the posts where we all list what we eat so you can get an idea of what that is. I keep my calorie count to about 1100-1200 a day. That works for me because I really needed to break that obsession with food. As Kandy and Lynette before said, lean protein, vegetables, low sugar fruit, whole grains. Basically I keep away from anything processed, anything in cans or with tons of sodium and of course anything made with sugar. Good luck. Donna

Hi Susan, Welcome. I'm pretty new here myself and I can vouch for the fact that this is a group of very nice, open, welcoming women. I try to keep my calories between 1500 and 1800 - the high end may be too many for you (I weigh 140 pounds more than you -- imagine, the weight of an entire other person, kind of disheartening to think about). Anyway, I digress. I track my calories, etc. using Fit Day so I have a breakdown of fat, carbs, etc. You can use Fit Day on line - www.fitday.com - or you can pay about $25.00 or so and download a version for your computer (which I did). I also like that I can track weight loss, measurements, all in one place. I try to keep fat to about 30 grams a day, carbs to 300 and protein to 125. Limiting the fat is the most difficult for me. Everything that is tasty seems to be full of it! (or sugar) ;) Karen

Thanks so much for all the nice welcomes. I decided to basically count calories. Im thinking between 1000-1200 per day to start out with at least 100 oz of water and daily exercise. I have a bad habit of not eating enough and setting myself up for failure. I plan on checking in at least daily so I look forward to talking with you. Also congrats to you all for your sucess you have had.

Welcome Susan !!!!!!! I must say that is a good start. I try to stay within 1000-1200 calories myself. You will be fine. Just hang in there with us !!!!! Please read my profile for my personal story. Again, welcome !!!!!!! Phyllis

I recommend Weigh****chers. With LA Weight Loss, you pay a large fee up front, and their products are really expensive. With Weigh****chers, you have alot of freedom in choosing your foods, and only pay $12.00 a week, on a weekly basis. I like their flex points system, myself. Denise Phares

phyllis, enjoyed your profuile, and congrats on your weightloss this past year!

Thankyou Susan, I have lost a total of 145 pounds.......... Maintaining now......... Phyllis............