Hello!

gfjay

Howdy!

I'm Jay! I live in Kentucky but am originally from Minnesota. I'm 35 and male.

I'm getting started on my 3rd weight loss journey. Twice before (ages 25 and 30) I lost about 75 pounds via diet (Atkins both times) and exercise (primarily cardio stuff) and twice before I gained it back plus some.

I currently weigh ~470 pounds. I was at ~490 a few months ago, but at the end of January I hired a personal trainer. I work out with him 3 days per week. We mainly do lifting/crossfit type stuff. I've discovered I really like doing it, and am actually pretty good at it. I started off eating well, but pretty quickly resorted to my old ways. In general I'd eat around 3k a day, often eating out at least once (and usually twice) a day. I lost that initial 25 pounds in the first 3 weeks, but haven't lost much since then until this last week when I've lost 5 (mostly thanks to my making a serious effort to not eat out at lunch and make my meals instead).

I saw the doctor last week for a full check-up. I got all of my blood tests back and my some total miracle I am completely healthy. Cholesterol is low, I am not diabetic (or pre-diabetic) at all. Thyroid tests look good. Everything is great. Blood pressure was elevated to a pretty high level, but the doctor wasn't concerned and said it was likely caused by walking 3 flights of stairs, as well as being nervous, just a few minutes before the test. He's having me measure my own blood pressure in advance of our next appointment next week, and the results are much better.

Anyway, I feel like the luckiest guy in the world and have a new lease on life. I'm now in a good workout routine, I know my physical health is good, and now I just need to make a better effort at eating well. I'm going to stick with 2,000 calories a day for now, trying to get as much protein as possible. I'm eager to use this community to learn, support others, get support myself and track my progress.

livinatthegym

good luck! I have been on here for about 20 days. It's a good place to be and you dont have to look far to find some really good people. I was 330 a month and 2 days ago and have lost 37 lbs so far through diet, heavy cardio, weight lifting, swimming, and TRX training. This site has been a huge help!

_HeartsOnFire_

High five!

These posts may help you. There's lots of info on picking the right calorie goal for you (which usually should be between your BMR and TDEE.

Read these:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here?hl=so+you're+new+here

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

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/975025-in-place-of-a-road-map-short-n-sweet

If you have 75+ lbs to lose 2 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 40-75 lbs to lose 1.5 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 25-40 lbs to lose 1 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 15 -25 lbs to lose 0.5 to 1.0 lbs/week is ideal
If you have less than 15 lbs to lose 0.5 lbs/week is ideal

1princesswarrior

High five!

These posts may help you. There's lots of info on picking the right calorie goal for you (which usually should be between your BMR and TDEE.

Read these:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here?hl=so+you're+new+here

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

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/975025-in-place-of-a-road-map-short-n-sweet

If you have 75+ lbs to lose 2 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 40-75 lbs to lose 1.5 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 25-40 lbs to lose 1 lbs/week is ideal
If you have 15 -25 lbs to lose 0.5 to 1.0 lbs/week is ideal
If you have less than 15 lbs to lose 0.5 lbs/week is ideal

+10000000000000

And good luck!