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

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Replies

  • oldandhealthier
    oldandhealthier Posts: 449 Member
    what he said
    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?
  • Dogwalkingirl
    Dogwalkingirl Posts: 320 Member
    I think you have a great plan to start everything off with. Since you are an ex power lifter and strongman I am sure you know a lot about what to do later when you are fit and ready enough to be lifting again. I wish you all the best!! Cheering ya on...I am also in Ontario by the way...I sent you an add.
  • 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.

    Can I ask what is too much about 30 minute walk???

    I was going to quote someone else on the same subject, but i saw your post that would address the question better. I think he said he will walk 2x a day for 30mins.

    When i was at his weight I couldn't even walk 10mins. I would have to walk 8mins take a break then walk another 2. People would talk crap about me only walking "10mins" saying, "you will never lose weight like that." They didn't see the big picture, i did.

    My goal wasn't to lose weight, my goal was to build the habit of doing something 5x a week. Once the habit of doing something for 10mins was engrained aka very easy i then increased the time and continued till i built up to 1hr and 30mins.

    My concern it might be too much for him, right now.

    Ahh, I understand ya. Well, there is no way to find out what his soft limits are until he gets out to do it. I started out at 340lbs and I was able to walk for an hour each night with no real trouble. I assume since he is a Heating and Air guy and the fairly physical nature of his job, he should be fine.
  • escloflowneCHANGED
    escloflowneCHANGED Posts: 3,038 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!!

    Don't do this lol

    The worst thing you can do is eliminate things from your diet, you will crave it and over eat it when you get the chance, it isn't a diet...It's a lifestyle change. I lost 91lbs in 1 year and I didn't eliminate any foods from my diet, most of my friends on here are the same.

    Another thing is to add like minded people as friends because it will keep you coming back to say hello and banter, if you're logging in everyday to say hi...you might as well log!
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 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!!

    Don't do this lol

    The worst thing you can do is eliminate things from your diet, you will crave it and over eat it when you get the chance, it isn't a diet...It's a lifestyle change. I lost 91lbs in 1 year and I didn't eliminate any foods from my diet, most of my friends on here are the same.

    Another thing is to add like minded people as friends because it will keep you coming back to say hello and banter, if you're logging in everyday to say hi...you might as well log!

    Don't listen to the original post of this. There is some broscience going on.

    Focus in getting to your calorie goals first. Don't adopt an all or nothing attitude and go for those walks. If you can do 30min, high five! WTG! If not, then set it as a mini-goal and just keep at it!
  • whitecapwendy
    whitecapwendy Posts: 287 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

    my thoughts exactly. Just make sure you are eating enough. You should net at least 1200 calories--making wise food choices of course.
  • Warchortle
    Warchortle Posts: 2,197 Member
    Nice to meet you sir :) I make a conscious effort to walk because not only is it great physical health, but also mental. I don't know how to sum it up, but when you exchange smiles with other people and see owners walking their pets just enjoying the weather, absorbing the vitamin-D from the sun, and actually spending time to "smell the roses" it's an exercise I won't soon give up.
  • ladyark
    ladyark Posts: 1,101 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?


    Exactly this^^^ Also, two rules
    1. Dont ever quit
    2. Dont forget rule # 1

    Good luck to you Mark!! Look forward to following your journey!
  • tackbb
    tackbb Posts: 4 Member
    Welcome and good luck!
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    Great! Stick with it and you'll be able to do it. Good luck!
  • bregalad5
    bregalad5 Posts: 3,965 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?


    Don't listen to this^^^ Also, three rules
    1. Dont ever quit
    2. Dont forget rule # 1
    3. Don't cut out foods you love because you'll wind up craving them more and possibly set yourself up for binging

    Good luck to you Mark!! Look forward to following your journey!

    fixed
  • kdeaux1959
    kdeaux1959 Posts: 2,675 Member
    I started at 344 and am now 217. It can be done. I started out for the first month just watching what I ate. Then I added in exercise... Cardio and lifting; at first my emphasis was cardio but now it is more lifting. Several years ago, I had gotten down to 170 lbs and wore a medium shirt and size 34 pants... Now at 217, I wear a large shirt (because of my chest/shoulders) and wear a loose fit size 32 pants.. It is about finding balance. Yes, balance is definitely key and slow but sure is the route to go... You have already made a good start dropping 15 lbs... This rate will not continue BUT you will find that, if you stick with it, you will drop relatively fast to start out... Then it will slow down. This is normal. Just keep at it and do it for YOU.. but you are right... there is a little guy coming along that needs a daddy there to play ball with ... and just be there for him. You are on the right track; welcome aboard.
  • ameslee
    ameslee Posts: 1
    Best of luck!!!!! I am trying to lose 70 myself.
  • gottogetinshape
    gottogetinshape Posts: 124 Member
    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.

    You've come to the right place! MFP is amazing, with so many lovely, supportive people. I'll send you a friend request and if you want to be MFP friends that'd be great. I've been here about a month and I love this site and my amazing MFP friends. All the best! :)
  • congats & welcome, anyone is welcome to add me as a friend. great attitude & great inspiration.
    you'll notice we're kind of an interactive bunch. give a shout out on the bad days & a bigger shout out on the victories
    best wishes to you & all newbies.
  • mmddwechanged
    mmddwechanged Posts: 1,687 Member
    Mark, what an encouraging thread you started! Sounds like you know what you're doing and you've got this! Congratulations on the new member of your family:)
  • Michelle2W
    Michelle2W Posts: 163 Member
    Congrats!!! You can do it!!!!
  • bigbear167
    bigbear167 Posts: 39 Member
    mark,sounds like you got the plan.just stick to it and you'll get there.
  • cathybabe70
    cathybabe70 Posts: 117 Member
    Welcome Mark! I truly admire you for the goals you have set for yourself. You sound very determined and positive...honestly, I have no doubt in my mind that you'll lose this weight and we'll all be reading your success story one day. I wish you all the best and would love to support you on this journey so I will friend you. Congrats on the baby, by the way! :drinker:
  • bearcrusher
    bearcrusher Posts: 90
    Wow... just wow, talk about a supportive bunch. Thank you all so much for the kind words. I was on my walk and saw the 50 or responses on my phone and couldn't believe it. I've never been welcomed into a community like that before and man I'm pumped to get in shape with all of you.

    Thanks you guys made my day.
  • pspetralia
    pspetralia Posts: 963 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!!

    Don't do this lol

    The worst thing you can do is eliminate things from your diet, you will crave it and over eat it when you get the chance, it isn't a diet...It's a lifestyle change. I lost 91lbs in 1 year and I didn't eliminate any foods from my diet, most of my friends on here are the same.

    Another thing is to add like minded people as friends because it will keep you coming back to say hello and banter, if you're logging in everyday to say hi...you might as well log!

    ^^this...don't eliminate any foods. If there are foods you enjoy then make them fit into your calories and or macros. It will help you stay committed and happy! Good luck! You seem to have a great perspective and plan!!
  • happydaze71
    happydaze71 Posts: 339 Member
    I love it, and what better reason to lose weight and get fit that the desire to be around for your baby! Here to support you any way I can!
  • nebslp
    nebslp Posts: 1,666 Member
    I'm looking forward to following your progress. I'm inspired already by your passion and determination to get healthy. Having a new baby is great motivation to get healthy so you can run and play and have fun. I'll send a friend request. I have 80 lbs. to go so I'll be in this for awhile, too.
  • salladeve
    salladeve Posts: 1,053 Member
    Wow, good for you for taking this step to get healthy for yourself and you new baby!

    Keep and it and you will see results, don't give up, and good luck!
  • cathybabe70
    cathybabe70 Posts: 117 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!!

    Don't do this lol

    The worst thing you can do is eliminate things from your diet, you will crave it and over eat it when you get the chance, it isn't a diet...It's a lifestyle change. I lost 91lbs in 1 year and I didn't eliminate any foods from my diet, most of my friends on here are the same.

    Another thing is to add like minded people as friends because it will keep you coming back to say hello and banter, if you're logging in everyday to say hi...you might as well log!

    ^^this...don't eliminate any foods. If there are foods you enjoy then make them fit into your calories and or macros. It will help you stay committed and happy! Good luck! You seem to have a great perspective and plan!!


    Don't eliminate the things you like neccessarily...but DO try to replace some things with healthier lower calorie alternatives whenever possible.