2015 Adopt a Noob Official MFP Thread

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Replies

  • JaneECS
    JaneECS Posts: 71 Member
    Count me in. I'm not a nutritionist or a health advisor or any of those things.

    I am a middle aged woman with a wife (If you are homophobic, I'm probably not the person to help you) and 2 disabled young men at home, my own business, a part time job, cats, a house part way through renovating and a long history with weight and a shorter, but realistic history with beginning to beat it.

    I won't tell you what to do, I will support you and cheer you on when it is going well, I will empathise when its not, and I will kick you up the rear when you are wallowing - that's what my wife does for me, so especially if you are on your own, or worse, you have dissenters in the camp, I am happy to talk. I will tell you what works for me and what doesn't, what works for my friends and family, but I will never preach (I hope!)
    -
    I am 40, from the UK with Canadian heritage and have so far lost half what I need to, which in total is around 30 pounds. In the past I have used the gym to justify eating what I like, nowadays I will happily admit I should do more exercise to aid the food balances, but with my lifestyle - pass the shoe horn!

    So if you want a real person in your life, I'm your girl. I will commit to emailing you once a week without fail, and I want to hear about what is working well and what you are struggling with. I will share the same back the other way - I strongly believe that I can learn from you, whether you have been doing this for 5 years or 5 minutes.

    I would rather support women or gay men, but I will chat to anyone. I already have 4 ladies who I talk to by email regularly (I truly appreciate their support as well as trying to support them), so I would be happy to take on 2 more.
  • donnysoule
    donnysoule Posts: 1,185 Member
    I'd love to help out.

    I'm 47, work a full time job and own a business. I don't have a lot of spare time but I get to the gym at least 5 times a week and make the most of it. I educate myself based on my goals and I like challenges. I eat a pretty healthy diet that I don't think feels like a punishment and I like to listen and I'm free and kind with my advice. So, if there's a couple of people looking for someone like me, send them my way

    thanks
  • Turbotez
    Turbotez Posts: 14 Member
    edited January 2015
    Noob here. New to weight loss full stop. Would love someone to help me out and point me in the right direction etc.
  • GiveMeCoffee
    GiveMeCoffee Posts: 3,556 Member
    Turbotez wrote: »
    Noob here. New to weight loss full stop. Would love someone to help me out and point me in the right direction etc.

    New members
    Please review the short paragraphs of the members and feel free to PM them or send a friend request (you should include a little bit about yourself as many members won't accept blank friend request). Hopefully, you will utilize this as a mentoring tool to increase the chances of success.
  • Turbotez
    Turbotez Posts: 14 Member
    For some reason clicking in a username sends me to an error page so I can't add anyone?
  • ihad
    ihad Posts: 7,463 Member
    Turbotez wrote: »
    For some reason clicking in a username sends me to an error page so I can't add anyone?

    There is currently a bug that clicking on the names under the pictures causes issues. Clicking on the links on page 1 of this thread seems to work, as does searching on their name in the "Find Member" section in the top menu.
  • Jordan
    Jordan Posts: 307 MFP Moderator
    Thanks to all the new volunteers! The list has been updated.
  • ihad
    ihad Posts: 7,463 Member
    malibu927 wrote: »
    603reader wrote: »
    @Olivia, @Michelle, @Rachel, please remove me from the list.
    Thanks

    Me as well, I've had many more people than I expected add me

    I think a useful practice would be for a mentor to set a limit on the number of mentees they will take on at a time, and then to move them to a separate list when they reach their max, so people do not seek them out after reaching capacity.
  • rides4sanity
    rides4sanity Posts: 1,269 Member
    ihad wrote: »
    malibu927 wrote: »
    603reader wrote: »
    @Olivia, @Michelle, @Rachel, please remove me from the list.
    Thanks

    Me as well, I've had many more people than I expected add me

    I think a useful practice would be for a mentor to set a limit on the number of mentees they will take on at a time, and then to move them to a separate list when they reach their max, so people do not seek them out after reaching capacity.

    Agreed... I don't like to deny noobs or make them feel unwanted, but it can be a bit much to accept them all...

  • bobsox
    bobsox Posts: 5 Member
    I'm willing to act as a mentor.

    I'm work for two local Churches, in all aspects but especially in youth ministry and Faith formation. I'm also vice-president of a local food pantry & resale shop as well as leadership in two faith based programs. I'm a musician, avid outdoors enthusiast and ham radio operator doing communications for the Navy/Marine Corp Auxiliary Radio Service.

    As you can see I've got an active life and that's why I love MFP. It makes it easy to be aware of your activity level and nutrition. I've been a user of MFP for a while and took some time away from workouts for a forearm injury and am working back into it. I'm also helping some friends develop good habits and would love to help others. MFP makes it easy to develop healthy lifestyle choices because it's balanced and real. Balance is the key because if it's too extreme you won't follow through.

    I'd love to share the journey, message me.

    Bob
  • NotJustVictoria
    NotJustVictoria Posts: 25 Member
    I would love a mentor! I'm 21 years old - always been on the chunkier side, but lately I've been getting out of control. I don't exercise much, but have the ability to. My biggest problem is my reliance on food - my love addiction, as I think of it. Haha! This time I am trying to surround myself with people who will keep me accountable. I have 66 pounds to lose.
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    edited January 2015
    VLynchesky wrote: »
    I would love a mentor! I'm 21 years old - always been on the chunkier side, but lately I've been getting out of control. I don't exercise much, but have the ability to. My biggest problem is my reliance on food - my love addiction, as I think of it. Haha! This time I am trying to surround myself with people who will keep me accountable. I have 66 pounds to lose.

    Note, you're supposed to read through this thread and contact them, not them contact you...
    Olivia wrote: »
    Welcome to the 2015 Adopt-a-Noob Discussion!
    New members
    Please review the short paragraphs of the members and feel free to PM them or send a friend request (you should include a little bit about yourself as many members won't accept blank friend request). Hopefully, you will utilize this as a mentoring tool to increase the chances of success.

    (...but if any of them break the rules and contact you anyhow based on your post, you should totally out them in this thread. It's the right thing to do. =P )
  • Panthers89
    Panthers89 Posts: 153 Member
    edited January 2015
    I was a mentor in 2014 and would be willing again in 2015. I have recently cleaned up my friend list, so I can probably add 3 or 4 without too much of a problem.

    I am very active on MFP and will answer questions from newbies. I do not comment every day but will always attend to e-mails or PMs from my friend list as soon as I can respond.

    I eat a lot. I drink beer. I drink wine. I like pizza. I'm also not a fan of processed foods because I like to cook. I would not be the person to friend if you are shooting for a 1500 cal / day goal. I like to work out, mostly cardio and weights.

    My main policy is that I will "unfriend" anybody that does not log on for over 20 days, if I am mentoring. It is my belief that the commitment to logging is the best way to achieve weight loss goals. I am currently at 1300+ consecutive days logging, which is going on 4 years.

    When sending a friend request, please send a sentence or two about yourself - I will not be able to friend you blindly.
  • Sinistrous
    Sinistrous Posts: 5,589 Member
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  • I'm not a noob to this site or to fitness, but have fallen off the wagon pretty terribly since my last race last summer. I took my PT test December and needless to say I am just looking for someone to help hold me accountable. I love to work out, run, play hockey, ski, bike, hike, and swim, but my desk job kills my motivation. Anyone up for it?
  • sazrina
    sazrina Posts: 99 Member
    I've never done this before but I'd be happy to mentor someone. I'm 28, married with no kids and I do a full time office job. I've never been over weight as such but I was borderline a couple of years ago and I decided to do something about it in May 2013. Since then I've made a total lifestyle change, lost 21lbs and have become a bit of a gym bunny. I couldn't run for more than a minute but I've pushed on to do a couple of half marathons. I've also taken up lifting and completed a Spartan Race last year and I'm a girly girl who hates mud!

    I don't think I could help someone who had a lot of weight to lose as I can't pretend to understand that challenge but if someone is looking to make a lifestyle change (no fads) and get fit then I think I could help.
  • writemusic4him
    writemusic4him Posts: 312 Member
    edited January 2015
    Hi! I am willing to mentor women, especially single women (because I am single). And I'm a short girl :)

    I've been on my weightloss journey for a few years now & have lost 70 pounds already & have another 80 or so to lose. So if you are looking for someone with experience and can be on the journey with you, then feel free to contact me.

    I believe in a lifestyle approach to weightloss. I have when I was younger done the all-out gungho-lose all the weight fast-biggest loser-approach and then ended up gaining it all back & more over the years. Now I have been working to make these changes be life-time changes that I will implement for the rest of my life. I believe the natural approach to weightloss- not diet pills, weightloss surgery, etc. I am familiar and have done specialty diets as well. Soon I am starting the Fodmap diet per my doctor's instructions. I am also familiar with exercise (have done the gym & personal trainers) I just currently do walking right now with the pain & while we try to determine what might be my health/pain issues.

    It has taken me a little bit longer than I ever expected to lose the weight due to health issues. So if you have some pain or health issues that make it hard to stay motivated & keep on track, I may be a fit for you as well. I also know how important the mental portion is in weightloss in general. When you add not just general life stress but health issues &/or pain as well, I understand how that can be a bit tougher...because I've lost weight without any issues and now with.

    Anything else, just ask...I lead groups on here all the time and they are a lot of fun :)

    Oh, and if you are local in the Phoenix vicinity, I'm working on putting a local group together that will meet in person as well.
  • saitiffeh
    saitiffeh Posts: 251 Member
    I am a newbie looking for a mentor but I am a little too shy to pm anyone so I hope I can leave a message here =)

    I am a 29 year old mother of two... I lost approximately 45 pounds in 2013 but slipped back into bad habits... I know now that I need a total lifestyle change.

    My challenges include:
    -I love unhealthy food and by nature dislike vegetables. I am trying very hard to try new vegetables... today I tried zucchini and didn't hate it! I know it's just a mental block. I also need to start picking healthier options as snacks and learning to grab a yogurt or apple instead of a couple of cookies.
    -I cannot afford a gym currently so rely mainly on exercises at home. I have a friend who works as a personal trainer who has been helping me get started. In the spring I plan to start walking. I would like to eventually start running but have a ways to go first.
    -I have two boys ages 2 and 7 and a picky husband... it's hard to make a meal that is good for me to eat and everyone else as well. I am considering making meals in advance for myself and freezing them.

    I would love to have pretty much anyone as a mentor but if you feel that my challenges are something you can support me with then I NEED to hear from you =)
  • NaomiJFoster
    NaomiJFoster Posts: 1,450 Member
    ihad wrote: »
    malibu927 wrote: »
    603reader wrote: »
    @Olivia, @Michelle, @Rachel, please remove me from the list.
    Thanks

    Me as well, I've had many more people than I expected add me

    I think a useful practice would be for a mentor to set a limit on the number of mentees they will take on at a time, and then to move them to a separate list when they reach their max, so people do not seek them out after reaching capacity.


    I messaged Olivia a few days ago about editing my original post for exactly this reason. She helped me out and was wonderfully helpful.

    I received many more requests for mentorship than I'd ever expected. I accepted more people than I'd planned because I hate saying no. But I did have to say no to several people. I know myself too well, I know I tend to overextend myself and then I can't focus on anything very well at all. So I had to turn people away. They were all very gracious about it, and even message me back again to just say thank you for reading their message and request!

    Anyway, having the newly added note at the top of my post has let people know not to message me asking for a mentor. It's been helpful.
  • Katrinaribena90
    Katrinaribena90 Posts: 2 Member
    Hi,

    Not really sure how you are meant to go about this being new here but I would like to be adopted as a noob.

    Recently found out I have PCOS and an intolerance to gluten and wheat, have tried a million times (well it feels like it) to shift the weight maybe some advice and support would be the key?

    Katrina :) x
  • gr8tfulm
    gr8tfulm Posts: 10 Member
    edited January 2015
    Hi my name is Marianne. ( gr8tfulm). I do iifym and flexible dieting. I have maintained a large weight loss and lead an active lifestyle. I teach fitness classes and have dealt with PCOS, Thyroid, arthritic conditions and all sorts of limitations. I am available to help anyone that needs an extra boost or is new to MFP.
  • Kendall2006
    Kendall2006 Posts: 124 Member
    Hello there. I would love to help out Noob. But the thing is I am no pro. I take it one day at a time. I have been an active member for about 2 years. But have stuck with the app for about a year. It has helped me make better decision on what to put into my body. I am also a budget friendly grocery shopper. If anything, we can always learn together. Down 31 lbs and plenty to go. I am always looking to make new friends and help out as often as I can. Congratulations on joining on the app and find nifty new things to incorporate in your journey. And if I am not the one, then you will find your perfect match.

  • Hi all, Just got engaged and nothing has kick started me into getting into shape like that ring. We are getting married Sept 12, 2015. I have battled being just a bit bigger but carrying it weirdly only in my stomach for forever. I lose.... then gain... then lose... then gain. Over the summer I was down from 200 to 170 and it was awesome. I was doing a vegan diet and I used a diet pill my doctor gave me, adipex. After three months I was off the pill and switched from vegan to vegetarian....back came most of the weight over the next six months. Now I am back to 192. I have been working out once a week but really eating what I want..... hence, the weight gain. My fiance.....who is 6'2" was in amazing shape.....until SEPT? Out of nowhere he gains 40 pounds a gut and the start of manboobs.

    He took a pic of me two nights ago and I just looked horrible in it. I wasnt confident and I definitely didnt feel healthy. I was regretting my huge lunch that day. SO I just made a pact with myself that I want to look amazing during the best time of my life. I am hoping I can make some buddies on here to keep in check with. I think a mentor would be great too!

    Thanks,
    Jamie Ann
  • lalepepper
    lalepepper Posts: 447 Member
    edited January 2015
    I could take on 1-2 folks

    I'm 24, a native western NY'er (grew up on a small farm) living on Long Island and working as a social worker. I've been overweight since ~10 y.o., and put on a lot of my weight through binge eating. I had my gallbladder removed at 21 and it helped push me in the right direction, but I still needed to commit. Not sure if there's many others out there, but I have Tourette's and my shoulder tics interfere with daily life. I have lived with chronic pain for a long time, and know how daunting it can make weight loss seem. Since my highest of 293 lbs at 6' tall, I've lost about 80 lbs. I've discovered a love for cycling as well, and am finally addressing my long-term knee issues. While I still have a bit to go and some of my goals are yet to be determined, I've learned an incredible amount through this process and am always happy to share. I'm unlikely to be commenting on your every post, but I like knowing my friends and I will reply to messages. I will also point out if something you're doing seems unhealthy, unrealistic, or downright stupid. We have to look out for eachother! I have a somewhat atypical schedule and can't check in all day, but I'm available daily and looking forward to my pending 365 day login streak.
  • Jordan
    Jordan Posts: 307 MFP Moderator
    List has been updated! Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers - you guys rock!

    *To anyone wanting to be adopted, you don't need to post in this discussion but you should send the person you want to be adopted by a private message*
  • StrawbC
    StrawbC Posts: 167 Member
    I'm having trouble contacting any of the mentors as I too am getting an error message when I try to pm them .

    Help!!!!!

    Would love to be adopted... I need help!!!

    I'd be excited to be adopted as a noob...

    I've played around with MFP for a while but always half heartedly with no real success though this time I'm taking a slightly different approach as in not giving up just cause I stray which has been my previous pattern.

    I want to make 2015 a different year, I'm not sure how but I definitely can't do another year like the last few.

    I'm an Aussie turned 50 in 2014 which sent me mildly insane & have 4 kids between 18 & 20 ... There's a set of twins in there ... & I'm ready.. really ready for change but know I can't do it on my own.

    Even tapping this out is extraordinary for me!!



  • HazelBug1987
    HazelBug1987 Posts: 30 Member
    I would love to help 1 or 2 people. I'm a stay at home mom of 2 children. I've got a 2 year old and a 3 month old. My specialty is putting on pregnancy weight (and losing it again). When I'm not gestating I like to challange myself with my workouts. I'm 10 pounds away from my goal weight. (gained 48 pounds during my last pregnancy)

    I'm not just into weight loss. I'm into nutrition and fitness. I usually watch my carb and sugar intake. I don't worry as much about fats. I'm also currently breastfeeding, so I may be more helpful to another breastfeeding mom.
  • captjac97
    captjac97 Posts: 17 Member
    I would love and need to be mentored. I am 35 years old. I am married with 2 kids. I have a sedentary job. In 2013 I went from 185 to 161 in about 6 months by counting calories and going to the gym. Unfortunately, I got out of the routine after vacation and never really got back into being focused. Until now. I started back 1-5-15 on MFP and going to the gym. I also got a Fitbit for Christmas and trying to incorporate that is important to me. I would love to have a mentor who can help me with a fitness regime as well as someone who can help with diet. I also have to cook supper for my family and would like to make sure that it is something everyone will eat. I am a firm believer that we all eat the same thing. I will not cook a separate meal for anyone. Old school mindset of you eat what I cook for supper or you don't eat at all!! LOL.

    Seriously, I would love to have a mentor who can assist with both eating and fitness to help me reach my goal. Please consider me. I am willing to work hard.

    Hoping for a GREAT 2015!
  • lynnerdmc
    lynnerdmc Posts: 8 Member
    I'm a 'restarter' (again and again and again)!!! I'd love help so maybe THIS TIME I can get healthy....

    writemusic4him, I live in Phoenix and would love to have info about a local group!!!

    B)



  • randomtai wrote: »
    I volunteer as a mentor. I like to lift, no it doesn't make you "bulky". I like to eat as food is fuel not the enemy. And I am sarcastic, so thin skinned folks need not apply.

    Hi Randomtai

    I'm rahim and would like to get a mentor. Just starting out on a six week program to shape up. Working with a trainer during this time but only for 3 sessions. Possible to get some advice from you?
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