I am also learning programming no prior experience. The MITx intro to computer science using Python was my first foray into the realm, and it absolutely kicked my butt. The tutors in the class will say "this class assumes you have introductory knowledge in CS," which I Didnt, so i watched the vids intently, took notes, and subjected myself to the class despite some difficulties. I didnt complete all the Units because I had school starting, so had to focus on my HW. However, the class i feel, actually gave me an edge because i challenged myself, that when i went to other courses for programming, it was like taking the training bars off the baseball bat. I highly recommend checking out the class (because it teaches about certain key algorithms and has some challenges that get you familiar with syntax and logic). Once you get the hang of algorithms and doing more simple challenges (that Arent really the most useful on its own, but the logic is essential to your progress), when learning to code for a specific function (going thru tutorials) you will have a better grasp on For loops and how and when to use If conditionals.

To keep my own skills sharp, I did use Khan Academy. I say, if youre a beginner, learn like a beginner. KA uses JavaScript, HTML, CSS, but i took it as an opportunity to learn logic and build something that is interactive. They make their classes so that you are building projects that you can view in real time as you code, and has an easy debugging tool. I think learning a curly bracket language trains your brain to seek out details when debugging. Then, when going back to Python, it is like a big sigh of relief you dont have to worry about brackets and semicolons. It makes learning Python a bit lighter, IMO.

So TLDR, i recommend MITx intro to Python to kick your butt with introductory algorithms and concepts, and keeps up the challenge for a newbie that i think supercharges the learning process. I also recommend learning through services targeted at a younger audience, like Khan Academy. Although you are learning another language, the most important thing you are training yourself to understand is logic, algorithms, and how to debug -- getting things on the screen in real time (with KA) will give you that feeling of satisfaction of creation that encouraged me to keep going.

One last thing: TAKE NOTES! Taking notes will help you retain all this knowledge. Im a big note taker, and honestly I dont look at my notes much afterwards, but the act of writing down the information is a form of repitition/recitation that will help you to retain info.