Salutations!

doomspark

I joined this site a couple of days ago, and I figured I should post an intro.

About me: I'm male, 50 years old, 5'1" tall and pushing 200 lbs (198 this past Monday). I've had no luck with diets in the past and just seem to put on MORE weight. The only time I was able to consistently lose weight was using a diet supplement that I got online - but it sent my blood pressure soaring so I quit using it. Even after quitting the supplement, my BP has stayed high. I'm now on medication to manage that, and my doctor says I really need to drop fifty pounds.

I like to cook, and I like to eat. I hate exercising. I have a sedentary job - I drive a desk.

My short-term goal is to get my weight down to 185. Long-term goal is to get down to 130ish - I haven't been that light since I got out of the military in 1992. To this end, I've acquired a treadmill, and am trying to walk for 15-25 minutes every night. I'm also working on eating smaller portions. I've quit drinking sodas and switched to unsweetened tea for the most part.

I'm hoping that posting here will give me some positive reinforcement and get me to stick with my plans.

robpett2001

Welcome! You are in a great place to be making changes that will work, and that will LAST. MFP will help you track your food and your exercise, the only two variables that really are effective in getting yourself back into shape ("diets" just don't work, as you know) -- and MFP can also surround you with friends who will motivate you, and understand your challenges.

I've sent ya a friend request! You and I have a lot in common -- cooking, weight goals, "driving" a desk!

Best wishes!

doomspark

Thanks! It's easier with friends!

mmreed

Hello! Welcome to MFP!

MFP is a really great resource to keep you focused and connect you with a wealth of fitness resources and like minded folks.


1. Log your foods every day - don't skip days, or parts of your day. log everything!
2. Analyze each day - see where it went good and where it went bad - too much fat? maybe too many carbs? over the calorie limit? Identify and plan how to correct it for tomorrow.
3. Reach out to the community with questions or advice needs.
4. Build a network of friends here!
5. Lastly, do not believe everything you read here. There is a lot of great advice, but also some misleading and hype type advice. Part of getting fit is educating yourself in aspects of health and fitness. Make sure any questionable advice is looked at with a scientific eye and look for facts, evidence, and most importantly real world proof.
6. You are more than a number. Sometimes the scale may not say what you hoped - thats fine. weight loss is not a straight line declination. Its a bumpy line that drops over time. Don't let single day numbers get your focus away from term based results.
7. Vary your exercises. Your body forms memories and can slow down how it burns fat and builds muscles. Keep it confused! Hit it hard with cardio styles. Build lean muscle to burn even more fat.
8. and above all - take your photo now! You will want to look back and have a starting BEFORE picture to proudly display along with your series of PRESENT or CURRENT photos during your transformation and continued lifestyle of fitness.

I welcome you, and anyone else out there to add me as a friend. I have made fitness and health my passion and love the idea of folks joining me in my new lifestyle of being fit, healthy, and most importantly - HAPPY!.

I'm here to support and motivate!!! I find my own success comes easier when I help and fuel other folks success.

and remember - most folks care more about the quality of fuel they put in their lawn mowers than the fuel they put in their bodies. Don't be one of those people. Whole foods. Natural foods. Intelligent choices.



Fit for life,
Mark M. Reed
aka Marc Mayhem - Fitness Blogger, and Motivator!


Add me as a friend and take part in my daily fitness discussions, tips, and commentary on MyFitnessPal!