2018 Mentor Thread

vollans

I've seen, and been part of, the mentor thread for the last couple of years in the main forums. I thought it might be a good idea to have something similar for those of us that are LGBT+, are happy to volunteer to be someone's mentor, but maybe not as comfortable posting it in the main forums that you're LGBT+.

Mentors
If you've got some time to volunteer, post in this thread a brief summary about you and what you'd expect of a mentee. Make sure it includes information that would help someone work out if you'd be a good fit or not.

Mentees
If you'd like someone to be there for you, read the posts below as they pop up, and reach out to someone if you think you'd work well together via a message. Include some information to help that person understand why you've reached out to them. Also, note that no one is obligated to take on anyone. They may now be really busy, have already taken on a lot of people and don't have the time, or your goals and their beliefs don't match.

Let's see if we can do something for our community.

vollans

I've been on here for just under 3 years and using MyFitnessPal lost 40kg / 88 lbs / 6 stone during the first 8 months or so. Since then I've been working on maintaining that and gaining strength, and hopefully a little muscle.

I'm 45, work full time, I'm gay and have a fantastic husband whose also been on the journey with me. My main exercise is gym, including weights and HIIT, running, cycling and the occasional triathlon. And I suck at them all

I am a firm believer, through personal experience, that every calorie has to be paid for. If it goes in your mouth, you better have earned it and it better be worth eating. I don't believe in fad diets, cleanses, detoxes and highly restrictive programs that leave you feeling bad about yourself. I love home cooked food and great food and wine. I believe strongly in eating normally and sensibly in a way that is sustainable long term, but making sure portion control and exercise are the keys. I've learned that the hard way. I also believe that using tools like MyFitnessPal and heart-strap properly calorie counted exercise are vital, not just counting minutes. I've also used DEXA scans to measure my real progress and think it's an incredible tool. Data is good! If you are a data geek, I'm your man. I've used the data I've gathered to tweak my exercise, to correct left-right balance issues, to run better (even though I hate it), and to push myself into things I know I'm going to suck at because stretching yourself is important and the improvement you get can really be seen.

If you want someone that will encourage you and help you with making good decisions, and provide feedback and info based on my experience I'm the man for you. If you want someone that's already been through it and knows what it feels like to slog through losing that much weight, I'm someone to choose. If you want someone who's had bad times and still pushes through, contact me.

If you want someone to tell you that the fact you've eaten half the cheesecake in the fridge, 7 bags of crisps and a jumbo Mars bar is ok for the third day running and we all make mistakes, I'm probably not the person for you. I haven't allowed myself that sort of behaviour, and wouldn't be very sympathetic - you are in control of your life. Likewise, if you log once every couple of days, miss weeks at a time, or calorie restricting yourself to an unhealthy degree, I won't be much support, and probably will give you a few home truths.

If after reading that you think we'd be a good fit, feel free to friend request me and include something for me to see that we'd gel.