Thoughts on my plan for losing weight

mynameisaaronn
mynameisaaronn Posts: 8 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hey I'm new to my fitness pal and it has been working wonders for me so far, I've dropped 5 lbs so far and decided it would be smart to start following some sort of routine.

In short currently i way 18st 13lbs, or 259 lbs. I am only 19 and 6ft tall and it's the most overweight I have ever been and I'd like to change that.

My plan and what I have done so far is i have been consuming between 2000 - 2500 calories a day based on how active I have been, I have made sure to use the my fitness pal app on my phone to keep on track with my macros (although they're aren't always perfect at all I'm still new to this) and on top of keeping track of my calories for exercise I am currently taking myself out of the house and making sure I walk at least 5 miles every day. On top of this i also have part time work at a retail store where I'm constantly on my feet moving around.

Overall I'd just like to ask the opinions of you guys on my current course of action, I'll also be adding a picture below to show my current body, hopefully within the near future i can compare it to myself again and be proud of what I've achieved.

3k21j9l5n1b9.jpg

Replies

  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    If you're in a calorie deficit you'll lose weight.

    You might want to add some strength/resistance training into your exercise routine, to maintain your muscles as you're losing weight
  • mynameisaaronn
    mynameisaaronn Posts: 8 Member
    Would you recommend I join a gym then to incorporate the strength/resistance training?
    TavistockToad wrote: »
    You might want to add some strength/resistance training into your exercise routine, to maintain your muscles as you're losing weight

  • Kait_Dee
    Kait_Dee Posts: 176 Member
    Sounds like you're on the right track.. I agree with @TavistockToad - weight/resistance training changed my entire body.

    I'd also recommend ensuring that you're getting 10-12 cups of water a day to keep your body well hydrated with all of your activity :)

    Good luck and keep up the consistent good work!
  • baciodolce18
    baciodolce18 Posts: 113 Member
    mynameisaaronn wrote: »
    Would you recommend I join a gym then to incorporate the strength/resistance training?
    TavistockToad wrote: »
    You might want to add some strength/resistance training into your exercise routine, to maintain your muscles as you're losing weight

    You can start with body weight exercises at home if you want. Even when I was at the gym I started with body weight. It's entirely enough of a challenge if you're just starting out.
  • cpac91
    cpac91 Posts: 7 Member
    Sounds like what you are doing is working, so great job! Walking is great, and the discipline to "take yourself out of the house (to move)" is a HUGE predictor of success. This is how people accomplish their goals. I would say that unless it honestly does something for you to track macros specifically, go for food choices in your day that appeal to you (and are loyal to your weight loss of course) instead of what you *should* eat because of your protein quota or whatever. What will always matter most is what you put in your body (ie kale chicken salad vs cookies), and you are smart not to worry so much about exact macros. If it's working, keep it up. I agree with the guy above me about resistance training, there are many things to do at home if you don't want to deal with or pay for the gym. Try searching "bodyweight exercises" and see what appeals. Good luck to you!
  • vingogly
    vingogly Posts: 1,785 Member
    edited July 2016
    I've gone from 267 lbs to 184 lbs using MFP; if an old geezer like me can do it, so can you. Personally, I'd choose a level of exercise you can live with once you reach maintenance -- if you push it too hard, exercise will be a chore and you'll be less likely to stick with it permanently.
  • scoii
    scoii Posts: 160 Member
    Not too bad a plan. Pick up a set of dumbells from argos for £25 if you don't want to commit to a gym membership. Youll see the weight dropping pretty quickly.

    As you get fitter, you may want to swap the 5 mile walk for a jog if it's not your commute. That's aa lot of time and you may get bored. When the weather sucks find something to do inside
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    mynameisaaronn wrote: »
    Would you recommend I join a gym then to incorporate the strength/resistance training?
    TavistockToad wrote: »
    You might want to add some strength/resistance training into your exercise routine, to maintain your muscles as you're losing weight

    Up to you if you want to join a gym or not... do what will be sustainable
  • RainaProske
    RainaProske Posts: 636 Member
    I lost my weight before I knew any of the technical stuff about losing, and because I never exercised, I also lost muscle/strength. Now, I am learning some things to help me in that area. I may be an old lady, but, to gain muscle, my nutritionist wants me to learn to maintain a percentile of 50% carbs, 30% fat, and 20% protein. As someone else suggested, you are doing well now, but when you are ready, you might want to expand your new food habits to include considerations of carbs to fats to proteins.
  • dlkfox
    dlkfox Posts: 463 Member
    Excellent plan! Remember that everything you are doing now...You'll need to continue doing the rest of your live-long life. Cultivate excellent habits of balance. At some point you'll need to tighten up logging, and when you get there, I highly recommend a food scale. Best of luck to you!
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    I agree with the others that your plan sounds good, but it would be wise to add in some strength training. At 19, you are in a perfect position to make the most of muscle gains, so now is the time to start!

    As far as joining a gym, if you have the means to do so, I think it would be a good idea. There is a lot more equipment there than you can purchase up front, and you can also chose to take advantage of personal trainers (yes, there is an extra cost) to teach you proper form. I also have found that there are a lot of nice guys (and ladies) in the weights areas who will give you a pointer or two if you ask; just don't jeopardize their time with too many questions, and ask them between sets rather than while they are in the middle of a lift :wink:

    Then look into programs like starting strength 5x5 to get a good program going. (I also like Wendler's 5/3/1 but that one assumes you know the basics of lifting; there are actually a lot of good programs out there).

    Once you find what you like, you can decide whether to invest in your own at-home gym equipment or not. You'll have a better idea of what to look for and can get just those things that you'll use.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    mynameisaaronn wrote: »
    Would you recommend I join a gym then to incorporate the strength/resistance training?
    TavistockToad wrote: »
    You might want to add some strength/resistance training into your exercise routine, to maintain your muscles as you're losing weight

    Absolutely. I wish I'd retained the muscle I had when I was your age.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    mynameisaaronn wrote: »
    Would you recommend I join a gym then to incorporate the strength/resistance training?
    TavistockToad wrote: »
    You might want to add some strength/resistance training into your exercise routine, to maintain your muscles as you're losing weight

    My son at a similar age and size has lost a significant amount of weight.

    He ate in a deficit and started doing some exercise...mainly body weight stuff and jijitsu ...

    You are young...it won't take much for you to lose weight.

    all he did was buy a chin up bar and the rest is pushups lunges etc.

Categories