Introduction for Beginner

adamhart87

Hello,

I am here looking to get healthy for pretty much the first time in my life. I am 31 years old and 5-9 and 270 pounds. I've always been on the larger size, but since I started working my current desk job about 5.5 years ago, I gained about 50-60 pounds. I have had anxiety/depression issues most of my life, and my doctor put me on blood pressure meds, which was the wake up call for me. I want to get healthier for myself and for my wife and 1.5 year old son. As any parent of a toddler will tell you, time is very limited for me considering I commit 12 hours a day to work including 2 hours for my commute. Basically, I am looking for ideas on how to begin this journey like diet plans and exercise routines. I would like to lose those 50-60 pounds at least so I can set a better example for my son and have more energy for him. Right now, my rough plan is to get a consistent diet plan going this fall and winter and hopefully more exercise next spring since I live in Michigan. I read that the best way to do something like this is to have a support group, so that's a part of why I am writing this. I am really looking for any input/advice, etc to get started, and hopefully I can stick with the plan.

Thanks

orngnerdz

Welcome to the MFP party! The community here is great and supportive. Feel free to add me as a friend as I am always looking to help motivate others (and be motivated myself). People will tell you that you need to have a calorie deficit in order to lose weight, there are so many eating options available, you just have to find the one that works the best for you. My journey to wellness does not seem like something that would line up for you right now as I am going to the gym for group classes and personal weight training four times a week. My gym also has provided me with a meal plan. I'd down over 30 pounds since June. The biggest piece of my success is not quitting. I've had good days and bad days, but I also start over each morning. You can do this!

joinn68

For advice make sure you go through the "getting started" posts https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10300331/most-helpful-posts-getting-started-must-reads#latest

Welcome!

adamhart87

Thank you both for the input. I am one that needs structure in many things that I do, so the step by step information really helps!

JennyJelly100

Hi!
I also work a desk job so I know how you feel. I lost a few pounds recently just by making simple substitutions. I started drinking more water in the morning and taking my dog for longer walks. It doesnt seem like much but I lost about 5 pounds in a month. This month I started going to the gym and doing light cardio. So we will see.
Add me as a friend. 😇