Adopt a Noob - Official MFP thread

Sarauk2sf

I'm willing to volunteer also as a mentor.

I've used MFP to lose 60 lbs and to help me stay healthy through my pregnancy. I gave birth in February 2013, and I'm 18 lbs lighter than my pre-baby weight now with about another 18 lbs to go to get to my final goal, at least for now.

Previously, I did a lot of lifting and did well with it, but due to family circumstances, I've cut back on my gym time significantly lately and mostly do yoga, pilates, and walking as my main forms of exercise now.

I'm generally a friendly positive person, and I'd be happy to provide support to a new person who is struggling to find his/her way. Please be sure to include how you found me in your friend request or message to me so I know how you found me.

ETA: I'm also a science geek, so I like to post about science stuff routinely.

What happened to your previous MFP account? (This question is for everyone offering their services who has rebooted.)

I decided to take a break from MFP for a while to handle some personal issues. I'm back now though and doing quite well.

FWIW, I think that you would be a fantastic mentor (as would many of the people who have volunteered).

smaihlee

I'll take one or two, if a good fit.

I'm 42, married, a mom of a teen boy, and work full-time. Overweight my whole life and *was* obese for 15 years. Dieted and exercised on and off since I was 12 but never really gave anything my undivided or long-term attention.

Something clicked in the fall of 2012 for me--specifically it was my knees, when I got up and down. Seriously, though, after a lifetime of living with my head up my *kitten* I decided I wasn't doing myself or the world any favors by staying fat. Registered on MFP November 2012 and started logging every day the following month. I have lost 45 pounds in that time. Still want to lose another 30 or so but am very pleased with my slow and steady progress.

Started a "boot camp" class a year ago and slowly learned to love exercise for the first time in my life. Went from being a couch potato to exercising 5-6 days a week. Couldn't run 1/16th a mile when I started boot camp; ran my first 5K in November.

Food-wise, I believe in eating in a way that is sustainable for life. I don't believe in "bandwagon" diets (paleo, all juice, etc.) but I do try to avoid fast food and a lot of processed food and don't drink soda. That being said, I would probably give you grief if I saw McDonald's and Diet Coke in your log every day. I prepare most of my breakfasts and dinners and love to cook. Chocolate is my reason for living so I have had to learn to enjoy it in moderation, but I do typically eat something chocolate every day. I do drink alcohol a few times a month.

The main thing I ask is that you be serious and motivated enough to give this an honest go. I don't claim to know everything but I will always do my best to be honest and helpful, even if it's not always what you want to hear. I can be crass and tend to use humor especially when it's not appropriate. If you are overly sensitive or tend to be a prima donna (this applies to guys and girls), you might want to keep reading through the threads :bigsmile:

sloth3toes

Hi Everyone! I'm sort of new…again, lol…and I would like some help. My goal is to lose 70 lbs by the end of the year (at 2 lbs each week) and get off my high blood pressure meds. I want to live my best life! Is it too late to get a mentor?

Try PM'ing a few.... see if they are still available.

TR0berts

A little late to this party, but I'm in.


I'm a 41yo male. I lost a bit of weight a few years ago. Unfortunately, I did it "the wrong way," because I bought into a lot of the nonsense that you always hear about weight loss. I've learned a bit since then, and have more-or-less gotten back to where I should/need to be. I truly wish I knew then what I know now. Of course, I don't know everything. There's actually a bit I don't know - the basics, yes, but some of the finer details not as much as I'd like. But, the thing is: I know that I don't know it, but I'm pretty sure I can help you get the right info.

For exercise, I pick things up and put them down. For cardio-type exercise, I like to pick things up and put them down quickly. Currently, I'm basically maintaining. I've more or less gotten to a point psychologically where I don't care if I lose, gain, or maintain weight. It just so happens that I've stayed in the groove from 179-183 lbs consistently for a number of months now. That's kinda what happens when you get into particular dietary habits - you find what works for you, do it, and reap the benefits.

I'm here on MFP most days at some point - some days more than others - and like to help others, when and where I can. The only thing I'd really ask is that, if you ask me something, at least consider and try what I suggest. If you don't like it, or it doesn't work for you, we'll try something else.

TheMrsCole

I am looking for a mentor to help me along the way.

A little about me:
I am 25, married, with a one year old daughter.
I work full time 11 hour days which includes my travel to and from work.
I am 5'7 and weigh 184 lbs. I am down by over 45 lbs since I started back in 2011, took about a year off when I found out I was pregnant then got back to it last year.
I am not looking to get skinny, I am just looking to find the point where I am truly happy with my body.
I have started running (slowly) and I enjoy going to the gym and doing kickboxing classes.
However within the next few months I do want to begin lifting.

Anyone who is willing to help in my effort to lose the last 40 lbs I have left please feel free to message me.

Thank you for your time.

Otterluv

Hi there, I am full up on noobs right now. I'll update here if that changes.

Thank you!

psuLemon

I am looking for a mentor to help me along the way.

A little about me:
I am 25, married, with a one year old daughter.
I work full time 11 hour days which includes my travel to and from work.
I am 5'7 and weigh 184 lbs. I am down by over 45 lbs since I started back in 2011, took about a year off when I found out I was pregnant then got back to it last year.
I am not looking to get skinny, I am just looking to find the point where I am truly happy with my body.
I have started running (slowly) and I enjoy going to the gym and doing kickboxing classes.
However within the next few months I do want to begin lifting.

Anyone who is willing to help in my effort to lose the last 40 lbs I have left please feel free to message me.

Thank you for your time.

I would suggest looking at everyone's profile and messaging a specific person. This way you might find someone similar to you or that you can follow.

Fullsterkur_woman

I'm afraid I've also caught my limit, but if you have specific questions about my areas of experience I'm happy to answer.

Dino_bacon2112

I feel like I could possibly be a good mentor.

About me:
I've been on MFP for a while now and have lost 35 lbs. I have a hard time sticking to my own advice and sometimes a week off becomes a month or a year off.
I have helped two other people (in person) reach their goal weights through calorie reduction and exercise
I lift, I run, and I did Insanity until I got bored
***I am a full time college student and work full time! If you are in a similar situation and would like advice from experience, I'm your gal!
******I'm not for everybody. I'm not the most supportive, but I am trying to be more supportive. I curse a lot, I flirt a lot, and I sometimes yell at fish. If you don't think you would like these qualities, please do not apply.
I do IIFYM and I will explain that to noobs as many times as possible
I am an expert at posting cat gifs
I like anime and totally nerdy stuff

If you want to be my noob, please PM before you friend request me so we can be sure you can handle my specialness.

ETA: I'm willing to take 2-3 noobs on. I'll only take 3 if you're really cool.

Quoting my post because I'm still willing to take on 1 or 2 more noobs. First one is great, btw!

KathrynBacchus

Good day,

I'm new here. Started today actually and I guess it's because it's a new year and I don't want to turn 30 and still be overweight. I'm not looking to be "skinny". Just healthy. I want to be able to walk comfortably without getting out of breath. I want to fit into my clothing better, and generally I want to get my life back on track.

My biggest problem is lack of motivation and for the most part, there is no one to be accountable to. I dislike exercising but I'm going to make a huge effort this time around to become more consistent.

My diet has changed since last year and I hardly eat fast foods or drink soda. I love vegetables and fruits, but I also have a weakness for carb-sweets.

So if anyone is willing to adopt this noob *me* then please PM me because I could really use the support.

Kat

No_Finish_Line

I'd like to be a Mentor.

My name is Jeff. I'm not a personal trainner or dietician.

i've lived a pretty active life though. Played a lot of sports in highschool and i've been lifting weights on and off since i was thirteen.

I'd say the majority of my knowledge resides in resistance training. Though i must admit i've met quite a few on this site that eclipse my knowledge and have challenged a misconception or two i had had for quite awhile.

I do a lot of weight training AND a lot of cardio. I say that i get my 'real workout' at home with beachbody DVDs, and i'm typcally only going to the gym to do some basic lifting as most of the time i'm trying to lose fat. I've done Insanity, P90X, Asylum vol 1 &2. I highly recomend any beachbody program, and if you are going through one, I can give you support/advice.
I have a big interest in any kind of body weight resistance exercises, and i'm hoping to develop a more gymnastics based strength routine but thats a ways off.

If you enjoy jumping rope or want to incoperate that into your workouts, please add me as i love jumping rope and i'm always trying to learn new tricks.

My approach to nutrition is probably my biggest strenght as a mentor, because my approch is incredibly simply. I've done pretty much every kind of trick diet, or diet trick you can think of. Most of them are based on something in reality thats just taken too far. Some do have redeeming qualities. in the end, the best approach is the one that is most sustainable... and to me thats basically get an adaquet protein intake, don't exceed your calorie limit, and other then that you can basically eat what you want to.

EvgeniZyntx

Please feel free to add me to the list of mentors.

I'm going to go try for a slightly different approach. Feel free to reach out to me if you

- think you need to cut drastically to lose
- hate exercise
- can't figure out nutrition
- think eating "clean" is necessary
- hate weight loss
- consider cleanses an option
- upset or generally unhappy of where you are right now

(It's likely our conversation will challenge some of the above ideas, but not always)

Or none of the above but are intrigued by my profile or posts. I'll take on 3-4 people in a mentoring relationship for a little while. My expectation is that we both graduate to "friend list buddies" in a few weeks or months.

What do you get?

- A conversation. Mentoring is something I practiced in real life and for me it involved primarily a sounding board to work out personal ideas, goals and motivations. It is not a coach or a teacher or a guide down the path of enlightenment although it can deliver learnings and (self-)enlightenment.

- A perspective. My history, background and experience is likely different than yours and hopefully it helps you think about your own perspective, attitudes and motivation.

- Info. I can walk you through any aspect of TDEE, BMR, metabolic function, macro nutrition at either light levels or all the way down the rabbit hole to the biochemical pathways.

You likely won't get specific motivation (that's something internal, but we can talk about it and inspiration), negative input or false affirmation of poor choices - I'll tell you what I honestly think. You won't get "wtg" on your daily feeds (well, occasionally) or diary shaming.
You won't get a recommendation to try a specific diet type of paleo, Atkins, 4:2, vegetarian or whatever. I have a "reasonably" respectful attitude to these but don't practice any one of them.

A laugh, maybe. I have an irreverent view of the world, the forums and myself.

Background
- male, 47 and a father of 4 girls becoming awesome, strong, independent women.
- crazy cyclist background - I love all things bicycle and have used them extensively.
- hiker, runner, climber.
- a scientific background - I read journal articles for fun (and mostly not in area of nutrition. That's just a plus.) I have a biology and medical education, work in the healthcare field (from research, to prosthetic design, to marketing and organizational strategy in Pharma)
I live in Europe - my food diary is usually a little odd collection of German and French. I also love the study of languages.

Feel free to also read a few of the links in my profile - they should help anyone.

There is a lot more, but you have to discover that...

lwoodroff

Me too if anyone needs a mentor/friend

Hey, I see a funky bandwagon that is certainly worth getting on board with.

Who am I? I'm Lydia, I live in the UK and I lost 50lbs a couple of years ago, and although about ten of them have snuck back in the last 6 months, I've been successful beating the rest off with a stick.

What do I believe in? Good food, good friends, good exercise and nothing faddy! I love my food so need to modify my lifestyle (portions, exercise..) to fit.

I'm not a fan of cardio although I know I need to do a bit more, and I've been lifting weights since March (and loving it!).

I'm pretty level leaded, I don't really celebrate days logged on or hitting calorie targets, but I think I'm quite good for the 'real' stuff of life.
Having said that I've logged on every day for longer than I care to think about, so I am around when needed!

So, if you need a buddy to help get your journey started, drop me a line!

_firecracker_

In for being a mentor .

I'm Jess, a single, working mom of 2 darling, crazy children. I know time constraints and have managed to put my fitness in my top priorities list. Former collegiate swimmer turned runner and now into lifting heavy!!! I've been on mfp for a year. I think fitness should be what you make it....fun, sexy, challenging. On the same note, I'm far from perfect. My diet isn't always the best and there are times when I just don't wanna! I've learned to rely on my mfp friends to keep me going strong and enjoy supporting others.

What I think working out should be:
Fun
A way to better yourself
Me time
A healthy way to put myself first
A way to learn to appreciate your body and what it can do
A positive challenge

What it shouldn't be:
Complicated
Confusing
Crappy

I drink beer, I eat candy. (Well I'm working on cutting out that last one :P). I dapple in everything from lifting, to running, to yoga, to Zumba. I believe in fueling your body, not with perfect nutrition, but with real food at an acceptable calorie level. (Ain't nobody got time to be hungry and cranky!) for me it's not about vanity, but rather challenging myself and setting achievable goals to accomplish. I can help so figuring out your macros if you so choose to rooting you on. And I'm here pretty consistently every day if you need that extra push.

I originally came here just to lose the baby weight from my last pregnancy but ended up gaining so much more in knowledge and insight.

Spambo16

I'm up for serving as a mentor for one or two.

About me - I've been on MFP for about 19 months, and in that time I've lost about 30 lbs. in the very slow and steady old-fashioned way of improved diet and more exercise. Not an expert on anything other than helping people find the root causes behind the excuses they make to themselves. In my mid-40s, married mother of two, science/technology inclined but not a nerd in the sci-fi/fantasy/gaming sense.

I might be a good fit for a noob who:
- is trying to lose weight while traveling for work. I'm on a plane every week.
- is not looking for extremes in diet or exercise. I'm not a clean eater. I don't fret about my macros other than calories. I don't work out every day; I don't always manage to track every day.
- is grappling with borderline or low-level diabetes and trying to stay off meds.
- wants a gradual lifestyle change rather than instant results, and is ready to be kind to themselves on the journey, not beating themselves up for every perceived transgression. (But is truly ready to make the change!)

Send me a PM - if I think we may have a good fit, we'll give it a try.

EmeraldTaurus1

Someone help me pleeeease.

BrainyBurro

Someone help me pleeeease.

read this:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/952996-level-obstacles-lose-weight-target-fat-easy

and then read this:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

sloth3toes

Someone help me pleeeease.

If you're looking to get adopted by an experienced MFP.... go through the thread, and find some mentors who look like they might suit your needs, and PM them.

alpacino9

I'm open to making and helping new friends. My life is dictated to my little girl and little boy, then it's dedicated to taking care of my health.

Things I can offer....

- Motivation (and putting things into perspective)
- Nutritional Help
-- Eating Natural
-- Non-GMO
-- Shopping for healthy foods
-- Macronutrient Options (Protein / Carbs / Fats)
- I'm big on supplementation and the different types
- Accountability (if wanted)
- Workout Programs

-Dino

Mcgrawhaha

i think this is great for new people. these people are promising to help you and stay in contact with you... answer your questions, and give you some insight. alot of people dont have time to do these things with individual people, so, if you need the help, you should take it. im not offering anything, i actually am not a good friend, and rarely message people back... but i just wanted to encourage new people to take advantage of these offers if you feel it could push you to reach your goals!

TheSlorax

Hi everyone, thank you all very much for your interest, messages, and friend requests. I just wanted to post and say that I am full up on both mentees and friends right now as I would like to be able to focus on those I already have. If you need someone you think you can click with, let me know and I will try and find someone for you. Thank you all again and I'm sorry I don't have the time to take you all!

jonnythan

Hi everyone, thank you all very much for your interest, messages, and friend requests. I just wanted to post and say that I am full up on both mentees and friends right now as I would like to be able to focus on those I already have. If you need someone you think you can click with, let me know and I will try and find someone for you. Thank you all again and I'm sorry I don't have the time to take you all!

I thought you said you were full up on manatees.

Fullsterkur_woman

Hi everyone, thank you all very much for your interest, messages, and friend requests. I just wanted to post and say that I am full up on both mentees and friends right now as I would like to be able to focus on those I already have. If you need someone you think you can click with, let me know and I will try and find someone for you. Thank you all again and I'm sorry I don't have the time to take you all!

I thought you said you were full up on manatees.

Allow me to put us all out of our misery then. The word that is the counterpart to "mentor' that we're all grasping for is "protegé". :laugh:

delicious_cocktail

Allow me to put us all out of our misery then. The word that is the counterpart to "mentor' that we're all grasping for is "protegé". :laugh:

What am I going to do with an old beater?

jofjltncb6

Hi everyone, thank you all very much for your interest, messages, and friend requests. I just wanted to post and say that I am full up on both mentees and friends right now as I would like to be able to focus on those I already have. If you need someone you think you can click with, let me know and I will try and find someone for you. Thank you all again and I'm sorry I don't have the time to take you all!

I thought you said you were full up on manatees.

Fullsterkur_woman

Allow me to put us all out of our misery then. The word that is the counterpart to "mentor' that we're all grasping for is "protegé". :laugh:

What am I going to do with an old beater?

Is that some kind of an inside joke? Because I find that abhorrent.

fastsally25

hay im new here.............. can anyone help me apply my ticker? I made one up but it said "copy and paste" but to where ? and how ?
thanks Deb m

delicious_cocktail

hay im new here.............. can anyone help me apply my ticker? I made one up but it said "copy and paste" but to where ? and how ?
thanks Deb m

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/settings

Just check the block!

TheSlorax

just in case anyone was wondering, I am also full up on manatees and I should add horrendous vocabulary to my description next to the disclaimer about the poor grammar.

(I love you guys)

amandakev88

somebody adopt me! im bloody clueless! macros? wut