(MFP) My First Post and request for input

jnativ

Hey guys, this is my first post here in MFP but have been reading through the forum extensively. I must say that I am loving the friendly community atmosphere and it is really inspiring me to stick to this new healthy lifestyle.

You may call me John, I'm an 18 year old college student. I have never been fit my entire life. During my childhood I always was the chubby-cute baby/kid, until I wasn't anymore. I thought I was lucky to have lived in a 'conservative' community where I rarely got honest feedback about the way I look. I am just realizing now that this might be the reason as to why I've never got the motivation to be fit (on top of my mom's rocking cooking that is)

I started logging what I eat in MFP last May 30 and hope to continue. Whenever I go hungry (at night) I browse through MFP's success forum and stare at all the awesome transformation and I then I don't get hungry anymore.

Please feel free to add me as a connection! I don't know anyone personally who is also using MFP and I don't want to go through this alone. I know I will be needing a lot of inspiration, motivation and help

Being new to all these, I would like to request your input on how I am going about my journey. This is what I've been doing so far:

- I am trying to net 1400 calories per day. Is this okay or will this cause a deficit?
- I'll probably be swimming 4/week, 6-8AM in the morning. So far my stamina has only allowed me to swim for 30-45 mins each time but I hope to gradually increase this as I go along (I started last Monday)
- I walk to school: (I'd have to climb a 80-step staircase) and it usually takes me 11-14 mins to reach the classroom from my home, I think I walk slowly. After school, I walk back home, naturally (just to clarify hehe)

Some info:
BMR: 2291
BMI: 39 (Obese Class 2)

My concerns:
- I may just be paranoid, but I started checking the scale and I don't see any difference. Maybe it's too early to see results right, I'm coming from my idea that bigger people usually have noticeable weight loss at the start.

- I saw this calorie intake guide from a website for people my frame and age. Should I follow it, and any experiences with the calorie cycle?



- I have been browsing through the nutrition forum but can't get a definitive answer for my own case, are there any supplements, pills, multivitamins that you guys suggest?

Any other input will be appreciated! Thank you!

Cgso

I'm no fitness expert or nutritionist.... but I started using MFP about 18 months ago and was able to completely change how I look. The advice I give friends is for two weeks try not to worry about the diet, but commit to logging everything you eat. After you have a good idea of what your daliy calories are start by lowering your daily goal by a few hundred a week. That way you get used to the low intake and don't give up a few weeks into it. I was on a low intake diet for a while and I feel quite healthy, so I think 1400 calories would be fine. Hope this helps.

keepongoingnmw

I would just say if you feel like crap after a while up your calories.....1400 might be hard to stick to for long term.

MzManiak

Is 2291 your BMR or your TDEE?? If it really is your BMR, I don't see how you would be able to maintain energy and weight loss only consuming 1400 calories.

swat1948

Well I have to tell you that when I joined this I told MFP what I wanted to lose and followed their recommendations as to my calorie counts and macros (carbs, proteins, fats) and did my best to stay within their boundaries. I began trying to get in 25 to 30 minutes of cardio exercise, since I was really overweight and out of shape. I started on a recumbent bike. Now there is not much I can't do in the way of exercise, with the exception of any high impact, since I have had both knees replaced. I think if you can manage that amount of walking and swimming, you are off to a terrific start in the exercise department. I was impressed with this program because it does not keep us from eating the things we love. We just have to learn portion control. I have found that there is just no easy way to lose weight and the only secret is eating less and moving more.

KristyHumphrey

Bump

CallMeCupcakeDammit

Go to this link http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833026-important-posts-to-read and read everything.

At a higher weight you can afford to go lower in calories, but you don't want to go so low that you cause your metabolism to slow down. 1400 might not be enough to get you through your day, and could be the reason why you don't have enough stamina. Make sure you're taking a rest day, also. I'm not going to say anything else, because I'm certainly not an expert, but please read what's in the above link.

jnativ

I'm not eating 1400 only. I'm trying to net 1400, which means when I do exercise I also try to supplement it with more food. To be honest I feel more energy with this new system than when I used to eat whatever I want. Thanks for all the input guys.

For the infos I posted. I just googled them and input my stats. I'm pretty sure 2200 was the result from the website calculating BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate), is there an anomaly there?