I'm on like the 4th week now. I think I might make more changes to maximize calorie deficit while hitting the proper ratio of macros I'm trying to hit. (Trying to not make myself weaker with inefficient meal compositions.) If it sounds like a video game, that's because that's the easiest way for me to parse it. (Parsers are illegal)
Going for a split of 50% protein 15%fats 35% carbs. I'm going to swap to lean protein sources since the proteins I've been going for have been very fatty. The fats are needed for health as the body synths a lotta stuff out of it but they're also very calorie dense. Fat is very incidental so I don't have to be super conscious of it. (Also helps with satiety.) Carbs are energy of course, but the source of carbs matters more than anything. Beans is cheaper calorie-wise than rice for example. Potatoes and rice are about even but potatoes give more nutrition vs. rice. So I've got options. I've swapped to mainly no calorie drinks and water, lots and lots of water.
It seems inflation has hit the price of pre-made food (Frozen) and junk food the hardest so buying healthy is actually saving me about 30% on my food bill. (anecdotal, no research on it)
My goal currently is NOT weight loss however weight loss is welcome. I'm trying to up my strength and endurance first which is why I'm not calorie counting. With correct foods in reach it's very rare to go severely over 3000 calories anyway. Once my strength and endurance are up, I'll start a cut and go for 2lbs/wk for 30 weeks or something. Soft goal is 190. Will re-evaluate at that point and adjust my goals from there.
I will likely get a gym membership once I've outgrown my at-home exercise solutions which mostly consist of long walks, body weight exercise and ddr.
Current goals: increase ankle mobility to be able to squat and maintain that pose. I want to be able to sit on the floor and play and sit without any discomfort. I'm also going to practice the sitting style used in japan with the low-tables. I eventually want to be able to run a 10 minute mile minimum again. Basic movements interest me the most. Things like getting up off the floor without needing to use my hands, or sitting up without needing to whip my feet sound awesome.
Future Goals: Dropping caffeine. I think caffeine is causing more harm than good especially where the circadian rhythm is concerned. Will probably exhaust my current supply of caffeine and rely completely on my body's own sleep/wake cycle. Maybe swap back purely over to teas as they tend to be very light on caffeine and feel like they metabolize much faster.