2015 Adopt a Noob Official MFP Thread

sazzyanne14

I would like to be a mentor.

My names sally-anne. I have just in the last 6 weeks or so finally got my head around my own diet, knowing what I can and cannot eat, what makes me ill etc. and how to fit it in with my job and very active social life. I'm sure if I had someone to give me a little push here or a little nudge there then this would have happened a lot earlier in the year.

Anyone looking to start fitting everything in so you're eating the right amounts of food and getting the right nutrients in (especially those just out of university) feel free to give me a message.

fat2strongbeth

I can mentor 1 or 2. I have been on MFP for a couple of years. I've lost 40lbs, log everyday and and have learned a lot along the way.

randomtai

MissKahli85 wrote: »

I am a noob just signed up today....I could use a mentor is one would like to mentor me!!!! I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

You need to read through the responses and see a mentor who would be a good fit.

moniquedeanne

Hello, I'd be happy to mentor a couple of newbie's.

I'm 32, 5'5'', and 161 lbs. I've lost around 35 lbs this year with a different outlook on health and fitness.

I was diagnosed with Lupus earlier this year and that made me take a hard look at what I could do naturally to ease the symptoms of this disease. I started Crossfit in April of this year and fell in love. I've always been fairly active: sports in high school, Jillian Michael's videos/workout videos, weight training in the gym, and some mixed martial arts training in grappling, Jiu-Jitsu, and kickboxing.

I started eating about 90% Paleo to keep inflammation in my body down in combination with exercise. I took the week of Christmas off, but right before I got up to 111 days straight and started it over again yesterday. Paleo of course isn't for everyone and neither is Crossfit for that matter. It's really just a balance of healthy living.

I would not say I'm a runner, other than what is required in my Crossfit classes, but this Thanksgiving my sister talked me into running my first 10K (6.2 miles). We had run a 5K together a couple of months prior so I knew I had my work cut out for me. With the best intentions of training for my first 10K I managed to only practice once and that was only half the distance that I needed to go. But on the day of my 10K thanks to lots of Crossfit classes I finished in 1 hour and 10 minutes and I never walked. My profile picture is from just after the race I couldn't have been more surprised by myself or proud. I did what I thought I could never do, but I was wrong. We are capable of so much more than we realize.

annette_15

I'll add some more info I guess, Id love to help someone out

From I was born till I was 23, I was probably the laziest person you'd ever met. I refused to walk for more than 5 minutes, I skipped every PE class in school and I was a very picky eater. I only really ate fried foods and all of my dinners involved fries lol. Combine that with a very sedentary lifestyle, I ended up at 150lbs at 5'1.

After meeting my wonderful SO in december 2011 and learning that he had lost 60lbs I knew it was time for me to eventually make a change. It wasnt till may 2012 I felt ready. I started p90 and found this site about a week later. In the first year I lost 30lbs and I'm now sitting comfortably at 105 which I've maintained for almost a year now.

I've had periods with disordered eating, its been an emotional journey, but I've learned a lot about myself and my body, and I've become much healthier, confident, and I've explored a lot of new activities that I never would have even considered 3 years ago.

I'm a huge believer in not following specific diets, cleansing or cutting out food groups. This should be a lasting change and something thats enjoyable, fun and sustainable.

I would be honored to be a mentor so please send me a pm with a little info about yourself so we can get started

GiveMeCoffee

Has found her noobs and is no longer accepting new applicants.

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I can mentor a couple this year.

I started 2 years ago, the day I was released from the hospital at an all time high weight, and an all time low health physical & mental. By logging my food at a reasonable deficit, and being consistent I've lost 127 lbs. In the beginning I was not physically able to do any exercise, about 3 months in I was able to start slowly.

I love to lift, ride my bike, use the punching bag (this is more for mental health than anything else, and I've even found a love for running. I love food, love to bake & cook so I talk about food a lot and best thing is you can include really good food and still lose weight. I absolutely hate cauliflower YUCK, but love ice cream and eat it almost nightly.

So if you think we'd be a good fit send me a pm please have a sense of humor

danieleast1987

I am new to this app and don't know what I'm doing yet. I haven't even worked out how to add people and then if I do add someone what this actually means? I can't be the only one who is experiencing this so let's work together and smash all our goals! Who's with me?

CyberTone

danieleast1987 wrote: »

I am new to this app and don't know what I'm doing yet. I haven't even worked out how to add people and then if I do add someone what this actually means? I can't be the only one who is experiencing this so let's work together and smash all our goals! Who's with me?

Welcome, please take some time to read through the Frequently Asked Questions on the Customer Help page, accessible by clicking the Help link at the top of any Web page, or on the Help > FAQs / Feedback menu on the mobile app.
Some helpful FAQs for sending PMs and friend requests are here.
myfitnesspal.desk.com/customer/portal/articles/1028959-how-do-i-send-another-user-mail-
myfitnesspal.desk.com/customer/portal/articles/12032-how-do-i-invite-a-current-member-to-be-my-friend-on-myfitnesspal-

andy_geek

Hi,
I'm available to mentor a bunch of folks.

My name is Andy. I live in Washington state, i'm 48, married, no kids but two cats.

I've been on MFP for a few years and it's helped me lose close to 70 pounds. You can read my weightloss journey (it's a little stale after a year but gives you a feel for who i am) :
http://allred.us/myweightlossjourney.htm

Andy

dnamouse

Has found her noobs and is no longer accepting new applicants
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I'm happy to mentor 1 or 2 newbies. Females only, preference to small (vertically challenged lol) peeps, as that's what I am, so I would be able to give more relevant help, particularly with goal weights and calorie calculations.

I've been on MFP for almost 2 years.

I'm 4'9, 35yo and a mother of 2. I live in Australia.

I've been maintaining my weight pretty steadily since October 2013.

I believe that there are no 'bad' foods, it's a matter of finding what is the right mix for you and that means experimenting. I love to cook and experiment, which is good because my household is gluten-free (2 Coeliacs) and lactose-free (2 lactose intolerant). I LOVE vegetables.

I have PCOS, I was pre-diabetic before I lost the weight and changed my lifestyle. I also have diastasis recti (split stomach muscles) thanks to my pregnancies with large babies.

I lost the majority of my weight following various forms of intermittent fasting which (for me) taught me how to tell the difference between real hunger and bored/ritual hunger, which was huge. I don't strictly fast any more, just as I no longer count calories (my diary is empty, sorry!), but follow a moderation approach having spent the last 2 years learning as much as I could and resetting my eating habits.

In terms of exercise, I lift 3x a week and like to keep active - getting up frequently from my desk or work bench to do other things, walking, running, swimming, kayaking, other watersports, I will pretty much have a go at most things.

If you think I could help you out, please send me a message with a little about yourself. I promise to get back to you within a couple of days (we're on holidays at the moment ).

SnoopyMama15

I could really use a mentor and love this idea. I have been overweight all my life. Even as a little girl and now many years later I am desperate. I lose and then gain. My body is telling me very loudly that I cannot continue this. I think having a mentor would really help me and I would appreciate it. I am 42 and weight 237lbs. I would like to get down to 150. I really need to do this for myself and my son. Thanks!

GiveMeCoffee

SnoopyMama15 wrote: »

I could really use a mentor and love this idea. I have been overweight all my life. Even as a little girl and now many years later I am desperate. I lose and then gain. My body is telling me very loudly that I cannot continue this. I think having a mentor would really help me and I would appreciate it. I am 42 and weight 237lbs. I would like to get down to 150. I really need to do this for myself and my son. Thanks!

Welcome to MFP! Look through the postings and profiles of mentors, pick out who you would like to mentor you, and send them a PM telling them something about you to see if you are a good match. Good luck

SnoopyMama15

Thank you!

arussell134

Has found her noobs and is no longer accepting new applicants
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I'll volunteer!

After yo-yo dieting last for several years, I finally got serious about making reasonable, sustainable changes to my diet & fitness. In 2014, I finally not only met my weight loss goal, but exceeded it by a pound! I am now fitter than I have ever been - and I"m in my mid-30s and have 2 kids!

I would be happy to mentor 1-2 people in 2015. Ideally....

[*] You agree to NO gimmicks or weight loss products. If I see you are doing Advocare or want to do a juice cleanse, I just can't get behind that. I am interested in mentoring someone who's serious about doing this as a lifestyle change.
[*] Potentially, you'd love help to become a better runner (or runner, period). I am an avid runner, having done every distance from the 5K to full distance marathon. I'm running my 5th half marathon in less than 3 weeks (With plans to run at least 2 more half marathons in 2015) and my 5K PR is 26:24. Currently trying to run a sub-8 minute mile and sub 25-minute 5K. I'd love to lend my knowledge to help someone else out!


If you are interested, please PM me more of your story.

MsMollyKing

I would be happy to volunteer as a mentor.

Olivia

Happy New Year! And thanks to all the new volunteers. The volunteer list in the OP is current as of this post.

darrensurrey

I'd be happy to help. My history's in my profile.

I guess 40 something males with around 50lbs to lose is my best match?

kb770

I'm a restart too.... How does one go about finding a mentor?

kb770

Duh... Just saw the "instructions". Thank you!

Unknown

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the_arghbowl

I'm willing to take one or two n00bs.

I've been a member for over 2 years, going on 3. In all, I've lost over 40 pounds and am still going. I routinely do bulking & cutting cycles and aim to compete in power lifting competitions by mid-2015. I've done various programs (e.g. SL 5x5, Mad Cow, Shortcut to Shred, The Blueprint), and currently train using a hybrid program that's most effective for me.

If you're a cardio bunny, I'm not the mentor for you. If you want to work your way to lifting heavy, eating healthy yet big, and don't mind the occasional heavy squat/deadlift induced projectile vomit in the gym, feel free to message me.

dorkyfaery

Has found her noobs and is no longer accepting new applicants.

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I would be willing to take up to two noobs to mentor.

In 2014 I lost 22 pounds using MFP. At my heaviest I was around 215 and I'm currently fluttering below 170. I do a variety of activities including tennis, yoga, walking, body weight strength training, and occasionally barbell strength training. I follow a flexible eating approach and my diary is open to friends. My weight loss in 2014 was slow but steady because I ran very small deficits and sometimes gave myself permission to take time off from calorie deficits. This worked for me because I like food and wine, but also because it's closer to how I will need to operate once I reach a maintenance weight. Besides losing weight and being healthier, my goal is to build sustainable habits for the long haul. More information is available on my profile.

I am 36 and married with no children. I occasionally curse and I like people with a goofy sense of humor. If you think we would be a good fit please send a message telling me a bit about yourself and your goals and why you think we are a good fit. I keep my friends list small so I can keep up with everyone I follow, get to know them, and provide encouragement and hopefully fun interactions.

NaomiJFoster

I've had a lot of replies to my offer to act as a mentor. I'm loving this. I think I'm "full" now. I'm still getting messages from people and I hate saying "no" but I think I have to. I don't think I'll be helpful to anyone if I'm not able to keep up with people.

Is it appropriate to alter my first post in this thread to say that I'm no longer accepting new people to mentor?

TR0berts

I'm in. I didn't get any takers last year, but I'll help as many as I can.


I'm a 42 year old male. I've been here at MFP for a few years. My main goals currently are getting stronger - not weight related, as I'm currently training for a powerlifting meet in March. That said, I've purposefully both lost and gained weight (cut and bulk). I'm perfectly willing to help anyone that is ready and willing to listen and follow basic advice.

girlviernes

I can mentor 1-2 people. I have insulin resistance and a long history of binge eating. I am addressing both through a moderately low carb diet and moderately high fat and protein diet. I try to maintain as high a calorie diet as I can and still lose weight (1800-2200 daily seems to be working right now). This has helped me to not binge eat for the past nearly 20 weeks, and so far I have lost 45 lbs.

The other side of the equation is exercise. My primary activity is dance, which I will do 3-4 times a week. I'm also working on strength training using calisthenics and weight training. Do this 1-2 times per week, but I want to build up to 3-4 times.

If you think you might have insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome and would like to try a similar diet approach, I'd be happy to serve as a mentor. Here are some potential indicators of IR (only a doctor can diagnosis, but unfortunately this is often overlooked!)

• Waist size of 40 inches or more in men and 35 inches or more in women.
• High levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood): Your levels are 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or you're taking medicine to control your triglycerides.
• Low levels of "good" (HDL) cholesterol: Less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women.
• High blood pressure: Your blood pressure is 130/85 or higher, or you're taking medicine to treat high BP.
• Blood sugar levels that are above normal: Your fasting blood sugar levels are 100 mg/dL or above, or you're taking medicine to treat high blood sugar levels.
• Darkened skin around places like neck and armpits
• PCOS

jgnatca

Hey, I will mentor a few. I'm a fifty-something grandma, had Bariatric surgery last summer, and am now at 190 lbs from a high of 276. Weight loss so far has gained me spectacular health gains including normal blood pressure, normal blood sugar, and off cholesterol medications. My heel spurs are gone; bursitis is gone this past month.

My mobility gains make me happiest. I have just finished a winter-time "Learn to Run" program and I now regularly run 2.5 K.

Undertaking this project I had all kinds of expert training and support including a dietitian, physical therapist, psychologist, nurse, doctor, and surgeon. I am also rather thoroughly trained on how to eat for type 2 diabetes. I am very happy to "pay forward" all that I have learned.

A good match would be a mature dieter with a significant amount of weight to lose. I also like to connect with those who want to get active.

If you friend me, please also include a note why my profile appeals to you.

LeslieB042812

I would love being a mentor to 1 or 2 people--it really can be mutually beneficial. I don't have all the answers and don't always practice all of the ones that I do have, but I've been "dieting" since I was 11 and generally know what works and what doesn't.

I'm 5'2" and currently weigh 148 lbs. at age 38. I'm down 10 lbs. from my all time high weight of 158 lbs. after recommitting on MFP last fall. My goal weight is 125, but I'd like to get down to 122 eventually. I had lost that much weight (158 to 122) about 6-7 years ago with Weight Watchers' old program and maintained the weight loss for 2 years before health and family issues derailed me. Since regaining, I've yoyo'ed quite a bit (learning what works and what doesn't work and trying to find my motivation), but feel that I'm back on track now and would love to share what I've learned with someone as we both continue on the journey together.

My weight loss philosophy can be pretty easily summed up that it's all about the calories, and specifically being religious about tracking them! Exercise is important for health, but it really won't make you lose weight unless you're also at a calorie deficit. It is also important to be patient--I can gain 4 lbs in a week long vacation, but I know it will take 1-2 months to lose it. I see a lot of people get derailed when they don't see fast results. I expect a long term average of about 1/2 lb per week loss when I'm staying consistent. I think this is especially true for short people like me.

I also have found that while no food is off limits, some foods help me stay on track more than others. Therefore, I try to focus on higher protein, lower refined carb, high volume, less processed (whole) foods for my core diet with other foods as treats only. I also try to limit artificial sweeteners because I've found that they really do make it harder for me to resist binge cravings. I am currently an omnivore, but I was a lacto-ovo vegetarian for 5 years (including the time of my initial weight loss and maintenance).

I currently only have real-life friends on my friend list, but if you'd like to partner through this mentoring project, please feel free to reach out. I think I would be most helpful to a shorter woman, like myself, since that's what I know!

crystalflame

Has found her noobs and is no longer accepting new applicants.

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I'll be willing to mentor up to 10 people. If I get that many, I'll either do regular blogs or start a group for topics that interest you guys.

I've been on MFP since January 2010 - this is my 5-year anniversary. Since I joined, I lost 30 pounds very, very slowly and have maintained for a couple of years now. I battle with EDNOS - anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, weird OCD issues related to food. I know how hard losing weight in a healthy manner can be when you're prone to eating disorder behavior, but I've learned a lot about how to succeed over the years. I'd love to help out a few people facing these challenges. Disclaimer: I'm not a substitute for a therapist. I expect that you are in recovery/recovered and have adequate external support. I have no problem unfriending you and reporting you if you're engaging in and encouraging unhealthy behavior.

Just looking for a weight loss buddy? I can do that too. I believe in small caloric deficits, lots of protein, fat, and fiber, getting most of your calories from unprocessed food, having treats, having occasional splurges, regular workouts that include resistance training, doing your research, and being patient. My personal workout regime is mostly running and kinda-heavy lifting.

Feel free to browse my profile. If you think we'd be a good fit, send me an FR with a note. Looking forward to getting to know you!

fillingame

I just want to say as a "noob" this was a great idea and I am so glad that I got on here, looked at it, and snagged me an AWESOME mentor. Thanks for all the support on and off the forums!!!

nerdymathgrrl

I volunteer to act as a mentor. I've lost 87 lbs on MFP since October 2013, and it hasn't been easy, but I've learned a lot along the way. I recently got a Fitbit, so if you have one, you can add me on there as well. I have a more extensive bio on my profile if you want to know more about me.