Hi, I'm Mark and I plan to lose 200 lbs

bearcrusher
bearcrusher Posts: 90
in Introduce Yourself
Hi, like the subject title says my name is Mark. I'm 31 years old and own a furnace and air conditioning business. Anyways I started my "fitness journey" to get in better shape. I'm having my first child (a baby boy) in August so I want to get in as good of shape as possible so I can keep up with the little guy and be around to see him grow up.

I'm 388 lbs. as of this morning down from 403 from 2 weeks ago. My goal is to basically drop 200 lbs. It's going to take a good long while but I'll get there slowly and steadily.

My basic plan is to stay under 2000 calories a day, eating clean foods (no soda, candy, etc..)

My exercise plan hasn't been made yet and I only plan to start by walking for 30 minutes twice a day. Once I've dropped more weight I'll increase the workouts and once my new shop is finished being built (around 2 weeks) I'll have a gym with a power rack, bench, and all the goodies to start lifting weights again (I used to be a power lifter and competed in strongman competitions)

My progress blog will be updated every Sunday morning. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/markklow
My food diary will be kept up to date as well. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/diary/markklow

So yah hi from me, I hope to become a weight loss / fitness buddy to a bunch of you and I'm sure I'll be motivated by everyone's progress.
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Replies

  • harry_170
    harry_170 Posts: 18 Member
    Hi Mark!!!!

    Congrats to you on starting the journey. My humble advice:

    1. Don't expect too much too soon
    2. Log in every day
    3. Don't stop!!!
    4. Keep a reasonable margin of negative calories
    5. Expect set-backs
    6. Don't ever stop!!!!!!!!!!!!
    7. Provide support to others and you'll see it in return
    8. Did I mention Don't Stop?
  • rosiereally2
    rosiereally2 Posts: 539 Member
    Added, and good luck!
  • Meat54
    Meat54 Posts: 2
    Hi Mark,
    Go for it but take it steady, you will have such a great time playing with your son as he grows up, in 12 months when he is on his feet you will feel great to run with him, play soccer and do everything that us dads do with their kids !
    There is your target, now is the time to start out to reach it.
    Best of luck
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    Good luck bud!
  • TheNewLorrain
    TheNewLorrain Posts: 138 Member
    Hi Mark! first of all congrats on the baby very exciting. And also congrats on the great start in weight loss. please feel free to add me I have 100 lbs to lose and always looking for support and people on the same journey as I am look forward to hearing from you ...Lady
  • whitecapwendy
    whitecapwendy Posts: 287 Member
    I added you as well. My total goal is to lose 129 pounds. I started January 4 and as of last sunday, I am down 47 pounds.
  • iulia_maddie
    iulia_maddie Posts: 2,780 Member
    Good luck! And I am jealous of your shop gym. Wish I had my own power rack.:grumble:
  • TylerJ76
    TylerJ76 Posts: 4,375 Member
    Here are some facts:

    There will be bad meals
    There will be bad days
    There will be bad weeks
    There may even be bad months
    But I still encourage you to LOG EVERYTHING

    It's really is simple:
    Eat Less/Move more
  • Crankstr
    Crankstr Posts: 3,958 Member
    excellent.
  • wiezinthejuice
    wiezinthejuice Posts: 17 Member
    I need to lose 200+ pounds. I'd love to be friends and hopefully motivate each other.
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    Here are some facts:

    There will be bad meals
    There will be bad days
    There will be bad weeks
    There may even be bad months
    But I still encourage you to LOG EVERYTHING

    It's really is simple:
    Eat Less/Move more

    This. If you have 4 good days and 3 bad days, you still made 1 step forward.
  • FitFunFabulousNicole
    FitFunFabulousNicole Posts: 94 Member
    Love the Positive Attitude! It will get you far! Keep it up!
  • iulia_maddie
    iulia_maddie Posts: 2,780 Member
    hey mark, personally i think that's a bit too much exercises just starting out.

    keep in mind you're here to build habits, and habits are done with baby steps and time, so be patient.

    30 minutes of walking sounds pretty sensible to me.
  • TylerJ76
    TylerJ76 Posts: 4,375 Member
    hey mark, personally i think that's a bit too much exercises just starting out.

    keep in mind you're here to build habits, and habits are done with baby steps and time, so be patient.

    Can I ask what is too much about 30 minute walk???
  • BeachIron
    BeachIron Posts: 6,490 Member
    Here are some facts:

    There will be bad meals
    There will be bad days
    There will be bad weeks
    There may even be bad months
    But I still encourage you to LOG EVERYTHING

    It's really is simple:
    Eat Less/Move more

    ^ This. Welcome!
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    hey mark, personally i think that's a bit too much exercises just starting out.

    keep in mind you're here to build habits, and habits are done with baby steps and time, so be patient.

    30 minutes of walking sounds pretty sensible to me.

    Yep. how else will you get Pu's legs.
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    hey mark, personally i think that's a bit too much exercises just starting out.

    keep in mind you're here to build habits, and habits are done with baby steps and time, so be patient.

    I disagree. 60 minutes of walking isn't that bad and he WILL be developing habits from it. Plus it is a great way to unwind, thus decreasing his stress levels.
  • BeachIron
    BeachIron Posts: 6,490 Member
    hey mark, personally i think that's a bit too much exercises just starting out.

    keep in mind you're here to build habits, and habits are done with baby steps and time, so be patient.

    30 minutes of walking sounds pretty sensible to me.

    Yep. how else will you get Pu's legs.

    Something tells me a former powerlifter can figure out what he can handle
  • bregalad5
    bregalad5 Posts: 3,965 Member
    My exercise plan hasn't been made yet and I only plan to start by walking for 30 minutes twice a day. Once I've dropped more weight I'll increase the workouts and once my new shop is finished being built (around 2 weeks) I'll have a gym with a power rack, bench, and all the goodies to start lifting weights again (I used to be a power lifter and competed in strongman competitions)

    Hey Mark! It's great that you already know a bit about what you're doing in the lifting department :) Just make sure your expectations aren't *too* high too soon :) It will probably take you a bit to get back to where you were, but it looks like you're well aware that this will be a long, hard road.

    Good luck to you, and feel free to add me if you'd like! I'm hoping to lose a total of around 120.
  • primal7
    primal7 Posts: 151 Member
    Welcome and congrats on the the new family addition and new shop coming soon!
    I have over 100#'s to lose and am always looking for new MFP's to help motivate and receive motivation from.
    I have sent you an invite.
  • Contrarian
    Contrarian Posts: 8,138 Member
    hey mark, personally i think that's a bit too much exercises just starting out.

    keep in mind you're here to build habits, and habits are done with baby steps and time, so be patient.

    I disagree. 60 minutes of walking isn't that bad and he WILL be developing habits from it. Plus it is a great way to unwind, thus decreasing his stress levels.

    I agree with this. Walking to and from work, for example, is a great habit to get into. OP, you've got this.
  • michellechawner
    michellechawner Posts: 892
    Welcome to the community!

    Yes, take everyone's advice - you will have bad times, but hopefully more good. Don't let one bad meal/day/week mess with your overall success. You can do this!

    I learned that when you're tired, keep pushing. Do the extra walk/rep/sit up whatever it may be. You'll feel better in the end.

    Every once in a while, indulge. NOW, I'm NOT saying eat 7,000 calories a day or anything crazy! But if you have a hunkering for a good juicy burger, and you've been doing well, have the burger. Just don't have the burger, the fries, the 60 oz soda, and the ice cream shake with it. Moderation is key! And even on those indulgences... LOG IT! I log EVERY bite, good or bad, some days I feel good, some days I see my mistakes but I learn from it, because it's all logged and I know everyone else can see my diary too.

    Keep your chin up. Trust me, you can do this. No one said it would be easy, no one said changes would happen over night. But, in the long run, you're got a great attitude to make it happen.

    Best of luck to you!
  • escloflowneCHANGED
    escloflowneCHANGED Posts: 3,038 Member
    Just remember that "bad" food won't ruin your day if you stay in your calories, I used to just say "screw it, I messed up and ate a cheeseburger, might as well eat 3 more!"

    It's also not linear, you will lose some quickly and then nothing for a few weeks, doesn't mean you're failing!!!!
  • rose_gian
    rose_gian Posts: 43
    Awesome goal and planning.
  • pamelasue1949
    pamelasue1949 Posts: 15 Member
    Suggestions only!

    Portion control.
    Chew every bite until it is mushy
    6 meals a day: divided your calories between your 6 meals
    100 calorie snacks
    Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
    Don't eat after 6pm.
    log in and try to stay close to the calories you have chosen to maintain.
    Don't eat and watch Tv, or read or visit with friends while eating.
    Concentrate on what you eat and how much you eat.
    Plan your meals ahead of time.
    Always have your snack food prepared in the refridgerator.
    Get rid of food items that you have that are wasted calories.
    No soda, juices, sugar, candy, flour, pastas or potatoes. Sweet potatoes fine.
    No fried foods. No processed foods.
    Whole grains only.
    Low Fat dairy products.
    Stay away from caffeine.
    Fruits, vegetables, salads with low fat dressing, 4 oz portions of lean beef.
    Chicken, fish, turkey, sea food, baked, broiled, grilled, poached.

    Pam-lost 38 # so far.
    Good luck!!
  • iulia_maddie
    iulia_maddie Posts: 2,780 Member
    hey mark, personally i think that's a bit too much exercises just starting out.

    keep in mind you're here to build habits, and habits are done with baby steps and time, so be patient.

    30 minutes of walking sounds pretty sensible to me.

    Yep. how else will you get Pu's legs.

    Don't hate cause i have a thigh gap.
    Damn man, you got me. Your legs look smoother than mine too.:cry:
  • danasings
    danasings Posts: 8,218 Member
    Good luck! And I am jealous of your shop gym. Wish I had my own power rack.:grumble:

    Me, too!!

    Best of luck, Mark!! I'm here cheering you on!! :smile:
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    hey mark, personally i think that's a bit too much exercises just starting out.

    keep in mind you're here to build habits, and habits are done with baby steps and time, so be patient.

    30 minutes of walking sounds pretty sensible to me.

    Yep. how else will you get Pu's legs.

    Don't hate cause i have a thigh gap.
    Damn man, you got me. Your legs look smoother than mine too.:cry:

    It isn't June 21st yet.
  • SoViLicious
    SoViLicious Posts: 2,633 Member
    Good luck and we are all here for you!
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    hey mark, personally i think that's a bit too much exercises just starting out.

    keep in mind you're here to build habits, and habits are done with baby steps and time, so be patient.

    30 minutes of walking sounds pretty sensible to me.

    Yep. how else will you get Pu's legs.

    Don't hate cause i have a thigh gap.

    Not hating. Those are very pretty legs. Shave or wax? I bet the bra helps give them an elongated view :). WTG on getting those legs

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