Weight-Loss newbie question

[linuxchild]

Id like to start by thanking everyone here who contributes their knowledge about weight-loss and fitness, you've honestly changed my life completely. I'm a 30 year old computer engineer who's spent most of the time hacking technology, and hasn't given an ounce of thought into hacking my own body. I've come to the realization that I've got to work at this now for the rest of my life, eating healthy, working out, and respecting my body so that I can live another 30 years to see my children and family grow up.

I'm ready to plan my diet out, but have no idea how to go about putting together the meals so that I'll have the proper amount of carbs, protein, fat, vitamin, Calcium, etc. I've signed up for FitDay but have no knowledge about which foods to put together and how much to make etc. Are there any links that you guys could provide me with? Again, thanks to all of you good guys and gals, you've helped enough people achieve their dreams of becoming healthy.

 

[Steve]

Ya know, if you haven't been eating well up to this point, before getting your hands dirty with tracking calories and macros... you might want to get your feet wet with simply cleaning up the diet... making better choices.

It's your call obviously. Everyone is different. I like the idea of muddying the waters only when you need to in order to realize progress.

If you haven't been eating all that bad, then this really is moot to a point.

Eating balanced meals is where I'd start; balanced in that they contain protein, carbs and fat.

Protein: chicken breast, turkey breast, lean ground beef, top round steak, pork tenderloin, fish, cottage cheese and other fat free dairy, whey protein powder, etc.

Fats: Fish oil, fish, natural peanut butter, avocados, olives, flax, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, etc

Carbs: Whole wheat breads and pastas, brown rice, wraps, fruits and veggies, yams, etc.