Hi. Completely new to MFP. Also, ideal weight question

DaFibble

Hi! I'm Oli.

Psyched to try MFP! I've never tried calorie counting or any kind of measured approach to fitness before. I hadn't weighed myself in years before today! Always just went on appearance and how I felt while relying solely on cardio to keep in shape without any changes to what I ate. Keeping track of calories and exercise seems so much better. My lifestyle isn't any way near as physically active as it used to be. I need to fight back and keeping a record of what I do is bound to help.

Right now...
SW: 213.8lb
GW: 170lb
In short, I'm looking to lose 44lb within a year with the aim of 1lb per week. That might be a little too much. More about that in a minute.

I'm male, 37 years old and 6'1" tall. I take no prescription meds and have no notable health issues beyond a tendency for anxiety/panic attacks and short bouts of depression these last few years. I'm infuriated by the anxiety and depression. Getting so bored with it. So, I'm looking to improve my overall well-being, not just lose weight.

These are the changes I'm making:-

Calorie restricted diet - Obvious really, or I wouldn't be here.
Nutrition - Will be paying a lot more attention to the nutritiousness of my food.
Exercise - Some cardio, some strength and daily hatha yoga (or similar). Baseline 1 hr per day at least.
Meditation - I love this. Been out of the habit for years. Looking to get back into it.

I should put an emphasis on the meditation part. I want to start and finish my days with meditation. In fact, if I can habituate myself to it, I want to lead a more meditative lifestyle in general. I know from previous experience that this makes a huge difference to me.

I have a question, if anyone reads this far!

I used this website http://www.calculator.net/ideal-weight-calculator.html to look at my ideal weight, given my height, age, etc. It came out as 155-165lbs. However, when I told my wife she wondered whether this was appropriate. She's around 160lbs and is shorter than me but well built naturally. I'm also well built naturally. She says I should factor that into my expectations. So, I selected for 170lbs as my goal weight. Is that sensible?

I guess, ultimately, if I reach a point where I really feel skinny for my build I'll know.

Derp_Diggler

Hi. First of all, welcome to MFP. This is a great tool for calorie tracking. Lots of good information in here too. Also, lots of bad info. Choose what you follow wisely.

It sounds like you have a decent starting plan. However, what I would suggest is, rather than a goal weight, have a goal body composition in mind. Because 170lbs with muscle looks quite a bit different than 170 lbs without. I definitely think that 155 lbs for your frame would be quite low. For reference sake I weigh 155 and I'm 5'7", and while I'm not skinny, I'm by no means jacked, probably in the vicinty of 12 to 15% bf. However, everyone carries their weight a little differently, so ymmv. I would suggest, reassess as you get close to goal weight, and trying going by bf, how you feel, and the eyeball test instead of weight.

Good luck!

DaFibble

Thanks!

From past experience I've found there is no point I look slim because my frame is so large. Even if I've been lacking a healthy amount of calories and there is little to cover my muscles and bones I still look big.

Most likely my goal weight will turn into a goal body composition, like you say.