Adopt a Noob - Official MFP thread

psuLemon · January 2014

MyChocolateDiet · January 2014

Mod edit: This user is not currently accepting noobs right now. Thank you for understanding.

So here's what I have to offer. Unique meet your chocolate macro's guidance. A years worth of MFP experience. A lifetimes worth of weight loss and maintenance experience. Previous hot status for 3 decades running. Recent "in the same boat" status of current overweight with sporadic successes. Great tips on the ignore, delete friend, and search button features. Once a week PM on TMI tuesday. If you have nudes please reference that on the subject line of your PM so I can forward it to one of the fella's without reading it. I will be fair in my rotation of forwarding them and that will be done on a first come first served basis, sorry guys no chooseys dibsees.

Credentials:

Coiner of the acronym JSF. (don't ask me to prove it, if I told you I'd have to ...well you know).
Nordstrom Catalog recipient.
Lover of all things shiny, red, or beautiful.
Sniffer outer of pro ana members, creepers, sellers of stuffs and every kind of cray.
Protector of the weak and/or timid.
Knower of the term TOM.

SpeSHul_SnoflEHk · January 2014

Mod edit: not currently accepting any more noobs at this time.

OK. I am a mentor wannabe. I am a long-term fitness fanatic. When I was in the Navy a bajillion years ago, I was my command's "fat-boy" program coordinator as a collateral duty. As a part of the job, I took all the people the Navy was going to discharge for being over fat, and educated, and monitored their programs. I have myself allowed myself to fatten up after an injury or three left me wanting. You can read all about my story of how things were before and how things are now at this blogpost:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/SpeSHul_SnoflEHk?month=201304

In the public eye, I may come off as a total goofball, and joke and play. That's because I think that this pursuit of fitness doesn't have to be hard, and boring. I like to have fun. I enjoy all of my friends, and try my best to love them all. If you choose to seek me out as a mentor, I expect you to forge a friendship with me. Also, as fair warning, things on my wall can get a little PG-13 (maybe even NC-17). So, if you have delicate sensitivities, I may not be the right match for you.

BikerGirlElaine · January 2014

Mod edit: Poster is currently full and no longer excepting noobs.

I'm not as successful or knowledgable as most of the other folks that are offering to help you out. I also don't post on the forums as much as most of the other people you will see here -- I tend to live in the groups and on my newsfeed. But I did start January 1 2013 (despite the fact that my account is older than that) -- which means that I know how you feel right now -- and I did lose 30 pounds in 2013 -- yeah it's slow but that's OK, I'm proud of my efforts. I sitll have quite a ways to go, so you will be helping me while I help you.

Reasons why you might like to talk with me: I have fibromyalgia, I am in recovery from alcohol & drugs, I love to lift weights, I'm a binge eater. Oh and I'm older than the average age on here. Sometimes experience counts for something. I'm a good listener and I read more than I post, so if I don't know the answer I'll probably be able to point you in the right direction.

Things I don't do and don't have any experience with: very low calorie targets, workouts of more than about 75 minutes, running, obsessing about dieting, fitness, or my body. (Yeah, I'm giving those things my time and attention but it is not the sole focus for me. Life is short, and I'm not going to be lying on my deathbed worrying about that time in April of 2014 that I went over my calorie goal.)

In a nutshell, I believe in IIFYM, using a moderate deficit from your TDEE to lose weight, and resistance training to help keep your muscles. If you don't know what those things mean, that's OK, I'll be happy to explain. I also believe that weight loss is basically a game of patience and persistence, and having good friends to joke around with helps pass the time.

Basically, I believe in creating your own individualized program to lose weight and get the body that you want using a method that you will be happy to use for the rest of your life

I've got a lot of experience with eliminating entire categories of foods. It didn't work for me. I eat reasonably healthy but I have a sweet/junk food every day. I am learning to eat all things in moderation, and I'll encourage you to do the same. I've been trying, and mostly succeeding, to have a 'healthy lifestyle' for 9 1/2 years -- but I was still fat until I started using MFP to count calories.

I have time and energy for a few people who want to discuss, learn together, hang out, laugh, and basically keep each other company while we find what works for us. I try to keep my newsfeed pretty clean personally, because I have a wide variety of friends and not all of them are raunchy people like me. But if you like to get your freak on, swear, be sarcastic, etc. I'm completely down with that. That's how I would be if you met me in real life. After all, I've been hanging out in low places for most of my adult life.:glasses:

Drop me a line and let me know what you are looking for. We can talk.

wheird · January 2014

I would love to mentor a few people who are serious about getting into fitness.

I have been a member of MFP since 2011 and have logged daily since June of 2012. I am an active member of the community and regularly answer questions in various parts of the forums. When I first started, I was incredibly ignorant of nutrition science and was eating far too low for a guy of my size and age. This lead to a lot of binge cycles and giving up/restarting.

Thanks to some of the incredibly intelligent members of this community, I have learned a lot and discovered a passion for nutrition and fitness, going so far as to make educating myself on physiology and nutrition a priority in my life. Since I feel that I have gained so much from other members of this site, I feel that I should pass on that knowledge to the "next generation" of newcomers, hoping that some of them will integrate into the community and become active members who help others as well. The fight against the DERP is an endless struggle and we need as many warriors as we can muster.

However, I am not for everyone. I have a good sense of humor and am often snarky, crude, and make innuendos. So if any of this offends you then we likely will not be a good fit.

Miscellaneous:

-I have lost 45lbs through MFP, regained 35 after being injured midyear in 2013, then lost 10. I'm now mostly healed and back on track.
-I lift heavy things and put them back down. While I won't push weight lifting on you too aggressively, I will be urging you to do some form of strength training.
-I do not eat "clean". It is unnecessary and you can lose just fine eating pizza, ice cream, burgers, etc. It is all about portion control.
-I do origami from time to time.

***If you send me a FR, please include a message so I know that you found me here.***

echofm1 · January 2014

no longer accepting noobs for mentoring at this time

I’d love to be a mentor! There can be a lot of negativity around New Year’s Resolutions, but there really is no better feeling than making it stick.

Looking for:
Another female or two, preferably with 100+ pounds to lose. The heavier, the better. I started at 343 and would love to be able to help someone along who is going on a similar journey. You have to be committed to doing this RIGHT—not necessarily quickly.

Why I could be the right mentor for you:
*I’ve been here for about 6 months now, with a total loss of 55 pounds and getting better every day.
*I’ve never, ever, been thin. At 288 I’m currently the smallest I’ve been in my adult life and getting smaller. This might not seem like a positive, but it’s always nice to see people get smaller who have always been the big ones in the group.
*I’ve got a good deal of diet and nutrition knowledge, but I’m not pushy.
*I care! I’ll read and comment on your status updates and check up on you when you haven’t logged in for awhile.
*I’m a firm believer in not having to exercise your butt off or starve yourself to lose weight. Even better? I’m PROOF that you don’t.
*I’ll always answer your concerns honestly.
*Unlike a lot of people on MFP, I tend not to be snarky. That doesn't mean what I have to say will always be easy to hear.
*P.S. I’m a big nerd. Doctor Who, Kingdom Hearts, Anime, Young Adult books, etc.

If you’re interested in having my as your mentor, send me a PM telling me a little bit about yourself, and giving me your current stats and goals.

psuLemon · January 2014

I too will become a mentor.

I am a fitness fanatic and athlete most of my life (soccer, ice hockey, black belt in tang soo do, golf, etc...). I have been since 2009. I started at 22% body fat, now I am 13-15% body fat. I have set up help many members as I am kind of a post *kitten*. I spend most of my time educating myself by reading studies. I eat fairly dirty, but I believe that an individual has to find the best approach possible to make them accountable and keeping them successful. Since my wife has Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, she has to eat gluten free and lower carb. So i have worked with many members that have medical concerns.

Additionally, I love to cook and workout at home. I generally use beachbody products as my source of exercise. If you want, feel free to PM me.

ps- my fitness tracker doesn't match my knowledge.

Hauntinglyfit · January 2014

I am willing to offer some help if anyone needs it. Here are some things about me, and what I can/am willing to do:

I have lost about 25 pounds on MFP. It took me a long time, because i wasn't very heavy to start with, but had really high BF%.
I am very close to my goal, and happy with my body.
I am a low maintenance MFP-er. I don' want to hold your hand through every little step you make, I want you to let me know when you struggle with something, have a question about exercise/nutrition etc. If I don't know the answer, I know people on here who most likely do, and i will do my best to help you out.
I lift weights for exercise, I can't help much when it comes to running/cardio because i don't do that.
I don't do diets, I believe in everything in moderation.
I can help you figure out your calorie needs, set up macros and all that stuff.

In case you want to know if our personalities match:
I like a good laugh. I am not easily offended. I don't do very well with overly sensitive people.
If you want to talk fashion/shoes/perfumes/hair, i'm your girl.
I watched LoTR for the 8th time last night. Yes, all 3 of them.
My favorite things to eat right now are chocolate cupcakes, and grapes. But that changes all the time.

Pm me if interested, and tell me a bit about you and your goals!

Achrya · January 2014

I'd very much like to mentor a one or two people, as I was mentored when I started my weight loss.

Looking for: One or two newbies who want to learn more, do more, and just generally BE more than what they are right now. I'm in the process of finding myself and aspiring for things I wouldn't have dreamed of before and I'd love to share that with people and in turn share in their future adventures.

Am I the Mentor for You?

-I've been 200+ pounds and I've been 130 pounds. I know what it is to be obese and to wake up tired and worn down and just feel broken.

-I'm not as well versed in fitness and nutrition as some, but I absorb new information happily and if I don't know something I make it my mission to find the answers. If you need something I'll ask people who know (really know) and do my best to help out.

-I love food. I read about food, I watch TV about food, I eat food, I take pictures of food...I basically live for food. And there is nothing wrong with that, as long as it's moderation. I'm happy to share what I make and what I'm working on.

-I'm a gamer. Games. SO. MANY. GAMES. I think curling up with a bowl of cheesecake pudding and watching Pokemon speed runs is a great date night. Raid time with my husband is sacred. I'm that person.

-I lift, therefore...I lift.

-I aspire to do a tough mudder this year. It's not just about looking great, or even feeling great, it's about doing things I never dreamed of! And then doing other things I haven't dreamed of! ADVENTURE TIME!

-I'm honest. I won't lie or sugar coat things, but I also won't abandon or cut you if you slip up or have some bad days or disappear for a month or two.

-Baked goods. Every day. No Shame.

So. If this appeals to you feel free to send a FR or PM and we can talk it out. Please tell me the basics about you (Age, height, intake, workouts of choice, goals, Big Dream For the Moment)

Danilynn1975 · January 2014

What I have to offer:

I've been maintaining for almost a year. Next month makes a year.

I've lost 53 pounds using MFP.

I'm not a food Nazi. I will not chastise the Nutella you may eat, nor the birthday cake. I understand Chinese buffet outings too.

No judging on your food. You might have me ask where the veggies and coffee are.

I've lost weigh through some of the most awful circumstances life can throw at you and then maintained.
In the last 2 years I have dealt with while losing weight, the boss from hell. Cancer of my mom, and my mother in law's cancer fight that she lost in July of 2013. Concurrently with all that, my child has been hospitalized since April of 2013 and she still is.

I get vending machine food and emotional needs very well.

You will also never hear me say in mean tones what you should or should not do. I figure you are an adult and can make fairly sound choices or you wouldn't have made it to adulthood.

I can find positive in most negative.

Nothing you say will gross me out. I work at a wastewater treatment plant and once served in the Navy.

So if I sound like a fit, friend me.

_JPunky · January 2014

I am willing to take on two new members.

It looks like I'm new, but I've been around for well over a year.

The positives I bring:

1. I started at the beginning December 2012, so I've amassed enough knowledge to help you, but I'm not so far away from my beginnings that I can't remember what it's like to BE a noob!

2. I've lost almost 70 pounds in that time and 17% body fat...so I know how to lose weight, and do it WITHOUT losing a lot of muscle.

3. I've learned from the best of MFP (shout out to my friends!) so I promise to be brutally honest with you when I see you doing the right things AND when I see you doing the *wrong* things to achieve whatever your goal is...they did this for me and it made all the difference in the world!

4. For anyone who suffers from any physical limitations...This is where my real expertiese lies...I know the frustration that comes with trying to do this the right way when you're facing obstacles that are not of your own making. I will both understand AND push you to surpass what you think you can do.

Newbies wishing for help may PM (private message) me, explain their goals, including height/weight/past history...basically, go ahead and tell me your life's story. If you are chosen, you'll receive a friend request from me.

Barbonica · January 2014

I would also like being a mentor. I am 52 YO female, and I get the challenges of getting fit during menopause. Kind of. I have lost 56 pounds - 19 since joining MFP. I have another 20ish to lose. I am into nutrition, and have started running and lifting. I eat mostly meat, veggies, fruit, nuts, diary. Nothing is off limits, but I think micronutrients are important for overall health. I started this journey on my own almost 3 years ago, and wish I had the resources of this community during my early days. I would like to be friends with someone who is looking for overall health and fitness along witb weight loss. I am no expert, but can help find answers.

"A goal without a plan is just a dream".
Quote from some French guy whose name I don't remember... :happy:

tuckerrj · January 2014

In the spirit of Groucho Marx, "I would not adopt any noob who would have me as a mentor"...

FYI "I would not join any club that would have someone like me for a member." - Groucho Marx

knightreader · January 2014

I'll mentor someone too. Would love to pay it forward and help someone out.

a little about me...

38 year old guy who has been heavy since high school. don't consider myself heavy anymore after mfp has helped me lose about 75 pounds.
i have had 13 knee surgeries and am limited to what i can do physically. currently have steel plates in my knees, mixed in with some plastic. i will not be able to teach you how to be a runner. sorry.
i am at about 6 months in to lifting. love it and get cranky when i can't do it for a few days.
i currently love spin classes, and loved my year of hot yoga. just can't afford that anymore.
i am a typical guy who loves wings, beer and cheeseburgers. and jack daniels.
i haven't had fast food in almost 2 years.
i teach 2nd grade, coach my son's baseball, basketball and soccer teams. i am also the cubmaster of his boyscout pack. my schedule is usually pretty packed. and while i might not win a "busiest dad" contest, i won't get blown out either.
my consecutive log in streak is around 530 or so days. February marks my two year anniversary of mfp.

what i am hoping to mentor...
a guy. sorry ladies, there are just some things about you that confuse the hell out of me.
maybe someone with physical restrictions as well. if i can do it, you can too.
someone who is committed to at least logging on everyday.

what i am not looking to mentor...
someone that expects this to be easy.
someone full of excuses. i know life gets in the way, it does for me too, but you have to want this.
someone who is doing this for someone else. that doesn't work.
someone with eating issues. i wish you the best of luck, but i can't offer you anything more than that.

i have a great friendlist, and if we are friends, you will benefit from them too. i can almost guarantee it.

i plan on really offering some help and support to this person, so i can't imagine that anything more than two would be fair to anyone involved.

if you think i am a good match for you, request me as a friend. tell me a little about yourself, your goals and what you think you need from me.

-scott

tehboxingkitteh · January 2014

I feel like I'd be able to offer the right person some help and insight. Please know that I've taken a mini break until Monday, the 6th, because of work and Christmas break. I will be back to logging my food and at the gym then.

**I lost roughly 40 pounds by lifting, boxing, doing yoga, and running in 2013 while on mfp.

**I have arthritis (I'm in my 30s), and some days it hurts just to get out of bed, let alone go to the gym. But I don't let that stop me.

**My scale and I have an on-again-off-again relationship; I didn't lose any weight for 2 months, but I lost a pants size. I judge my results more on progress pictures, measurements, the way my clothes fit, etc instead of how much weight I lose.

**Almost 18 months sober. I've hit rock bottom and managed to pick myself back up. Recovering binge eater. Part of my struggles in life are not just about my physical appearance, but my mental health... and exercising has been my way to cope with a lot of pain/hate/anger in life. And I'm becoming a happier person because of this.

**I believe in IIFYM, eat over 2000 calories a day, and have pancakes and bacon almost daily. I also cook most of my meals from scratch, and am more than happy to share [the ingredients to] my recipes.

**My lifts aren't very impressive, but I'm still happy that I can see definition in my biceps when I flex.

I swear.
I flirt. Boobs. I like them.
I like tattoos.
Batman is my favorite.
I love to read.
I'm also here for the science and caf gifs...

Feel free to send me a message if you think we'd be a good match.

TheSlorax · January 2014

I love this because I’m shy and although I want a noob I do not want my own thread.

To any potential noobs:

My name is Hayley, and I am generally a huge provider of derp and off-color jokes to the MFP community, but a couple people suggested that I take on a noob of *my very own* so here I am. I have lost a little over 77lbs since March and have learned so much about fitness and nutrition in that time. When I first started, I was eating “clean” and under 1200 calories. Once I learned from some very knowledgeable people I saw the error of my ways and turned it around. Now I average probably about 1800 calories a day, I eat pretty much anything that sounds good, and I drink craft beer and bourbon frequently. I have gone through a lot, so there are probably many different struggles I can relate to, but in the interest of being relatively interesting I won’t name them all here. My latest struggle is dealing with the daily junk photos I receive now that I am mildly attractive and less fat than I used to be. Ok, you caught me, that’s not really a struggle at all.

This is what I have to offer:

• Dirty (read: bad) jokes.
• Motivation.
• I am great at being able to weigh and measure alcohol while drunk.
• I coined the term “slore”.
• No really, I actually did bring the above term to MFP.
• I am in my early 20’s and I still go out and have fun (sometimes, I’m usually a hermit) and make said shenanigans fit my calorie and macro goals. I have tips on this.
• I hike and run but I am NOT a serious lifter yet. If you have questions about lifting I am probably not your girl. I am a cardio bunny who happens to squat and hip thrust occasionally for dat…
• If you have been fat your whole life and are not sure how to handle becoming not fat anymore, I can fully relate to this and I can help talk you down from feeling so weird and not fat all the time.
• Lastly, for the most part I am lazy and my grammar is terrible, so I prefer people who won’t correct me and will just roll with run on sentences and random capitalization.

In all seriousness, MFP has helped me turn my life around so I would love to be able to pass that along.

*** If you are interested in being my noob please send me a PM. I will accept crazies because you are probably the only people who want me anyway. Oh and, of course, if you somehow couldn't tell from the above post, my friends list can be a very crude and offensive place so just know that going into this.

jonnythan · January 2014

OK, sure.

I'm Jon. I'm a big science nerd. Public health grad student; undergrad in biology. Trying to get into medical school. Believer in evidence-based practices for weight loss and health, as well as a believer in food freedom. Crusader against restrictive diets that result in 90% of people trying to lose weight failing long-term.

I personally used to be fat many years ago. Decided to do something about and began reading everything I could on the subject. I've gone from about 215 lbs, 45% body fat to (in the summer) 145 lbs 10% body fat. In that time, cholesterol levels went from borderline high to optimal. On a bulk cycle right now to build some lean mass. I play tennis and racquetball and spend time skiing, caving, kayaking, hiking, etc. I eat a lot of what people consider "junk food" but do so in a healthy way.

I don't deal in BS. I am intolerant of fad diets and ineffective training. I have zero patience for short-term plans, because they are short-sighted. I am blunt and straightforward but willing to bend over backwards for someone who is honestly trying and willing to learn. I've helped a number of people lose a lot of weight and increase their fitness levels significantly.

If that works for you, rad. Hello.

Cindyinpg · January 2014

All right, I will throw my hat in as well.

I'm Cindy. I've been on MFP for 450 days of straight logging and I've lost 126lbs. 96 of them in those 450 days and 30 in the few months prior to joining. I started at 300lbs, (morbidly obese BMI) and am now 176 (healthy). I host challenges sometimes and like to use them to motivate myself and others. I have an open diary, do IIFYM and eat ice cream everyday. I even belong to a group where I log my daily ice cream. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/16819-eat-pizza-lose-weight-easy

I have failed many times before, but believe that I am succeeding this time because it has become a lifestyle change and I do not deprive myself of any food I love. I do not demonize any food as good or bad, some choices are just more calorie dense than others and all can be part of a healthy lifestyle. My TDEE is about 2800, but I don't do a ton of cardio. I have kickboxing two or three times a week and a fairly physical job. I started weight training 16 weeks ago, but am still learning. The most important advice I have in that regard, is for people to start lifting as soon as they can.

I am also married, an avid reader (Deaver, Koontz, King, McCammon), a self published writer, and I love the Walking Dead, playing Grand Theft Auto and have two Bernese Mountain dogs. There, that's my resume'. :blushing:

Otterluv · January 2014

I am not at goal. This is a long process. However, I've learned some stuff along the way. Here is my dorky end of summer success story that pretty much sums it up: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1097581-the-summer-of-awesome-adventures-an-otter-s-tale

What I've accomplished thus far, in the past 19 months:

I have lost a lot of weight, in a sound and balanced way. I am consistent with my logging, on good days and bad. Well, I missed a few days during the holidays and last summer when I was backpacking. :laugh:

I’ve worked my way up from getting winded walking a few blocks to being able to handle a 10 mile trail run.

I have lifted for well over a year, using a few different beginner programs before settling on my current plan. These programs ranged from one designed by a trainer I hired when I started (mostly machines), to New Rules of Lifting for Women, to StrongLifts. So, I have experience in a range of programs.

I've accomplished these things while experiencing injuries/illnesses/etc. that before would have derailed me. It has been a struggle at times.

A huge number of MFP members are probably way more qualified than I am to do this, as I am fully aware. But I've been here for a long time now, by MFP standards. I've plateaued out (and figured out what the reasons were), I've had struggles staying on task, I've been frustrated with how long this process takes and had to remind myself of where I was and where I am now to see progress. My key to continued success has been the advice and guidance that I have gotten along the way from those more qualified members.

So, what I am offering is an ear and advice for you. If I don't know the answer to your questions, I know people who do and will hunt it out for you. I won't lie to you to make you feel better. But, I may be able to help you in some way to get where you want to go. That's it.

So, I am opening up my generally closed FL to noobs who feel that my experience could be of benefit to them. But, fair warning: I am blunt and don't do quick fixes, mostly because there are none.

Feel free to send me a PM.

jofjltncb6 · January 2014

There seems to be some confusion from an "adopt-a-noob" thread I made earlier.

I am *still* not interested in adopting anyone...noob or otherwise...

...SO STOP SENDING ME PMs ASKING ME TO BE YOUR DADDY!

...AND GET OFF MY LAWN!

LuLuChick78 · January 2014

There seems to be some confusion from an "adopt-a-noob" thread I made earlier.

I am *still* not interested in adopting anyone...noob or otherwise...

...SO STOP SENDING ME PMs ASKING ME TO BE YOUR DADDY!

...AND GET OFF MY LAWN!

He is such a joker...take it with a grain of salt and.send him a friend request.

I have a few noobs but am willing to add another if it's a good match.

Adopt a Noob - Official MFP thread

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