New to the MFP world

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jasonmh630
jasonmh630 Posts: 2,850 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Hello! I'm Jason. I've been here for about 5 days and wanted to introduce myself. I feel bad it's taken me this long, though.

As you can tell from my pic, I'm a decently heavyset guy... currently at 312 lbs. I've had this weight for most of my life and finally came to the conclusion and accept that I need a lifestyle change! I want to live a healthy life and watch as my future (whenever I have them) children, grandchildren, and possibly great-grandchildren grow up. So, I've started a Ketogenic diet (other diet styles haven't helped in the past) and am drinking about 150 oz of water per day. My brother has been on this diet for about 9 months with a weight loss of 110+ pounds. I know everyone's body handles diets differently, but I'm hoping to see similar results since we're blood related. ;)

Anyway, sound off and shoot me a friend request, as well as a message! I need some more friends on here. :)

Replies

  • LassoOfTruth
    LassoOfTruth Posts: 735 Member
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    Hi Jason!

    Welcome, 5 days ago... :)
  • brandi712
    brandi712 Posts: 407 Member
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    Welcome Jason. Be proud of yourself that you have taken the first steps to a healthier you. This website is great for support. I have a few friends on here doing the Keto diet and it seems to work for them as well. Best wishes on your healthy and fit journey. I'm sending you a friend request now.
  • ajalcazar84
    ajalcazar84 Posts: 72 Member
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    Hey Jason. Name is Tony. I am a 29 yr old father of 4 and in the same boat weight wise. Welcome to MFP!
  • AmyP619
    AmyP619 Posts: 1,137 Member
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    Welcome, Jason! I'm glad you've friended me. I look forward to seeing your progression and successes, as well as cheering you on! :)
  • jasonmh630
    jasonmh630 Posts: 2,850 Member
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    Thank you, Ladies and Gentleman. I appreciate it alot! Amy, I've already had the pleasure of talking to you today! :)
  • TheEffort
    TheEffort Posts: 1,028 Member
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    Welcome aboard! :smile:
  • kwantlen2051
    kwantlen2051 Posts: 455 Member
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    Hello! I'm Jason. I've been here for about 5 days and wanted to introduce myself. I feel bad it's taken me this long, though.

    As you can tell from my pic, I'm a decently heavyset guy... currently at 312 lbs. I've had this weight for most of my life and finally came to the conclusion and accept that I need a lifestyle change! I want to live a healthy life and watch as my future (whenever I have them) children, grandchildren, and possibly great-grandchildren grow up. So, I've started a Ketogenic diet (other diet styles haven't helped in the past) and am drinking about 150 oz of water per day. My brother has been on this diet for about 9 months with a weight loss of 110+ pounds. I know everyone's body handles diets differently, but I'm hoping to see similar results since we're blood related. ;)

    Anyway, sound off and shoot me a friend request, as well as a message! I need some more friends on here. :)

    Welcome! And Good luck on your journey. You will surely find support and helpful tips here!
  • dragonfliamany
    dragonfliamany Posts: 6 Member
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    Hello All,

    I been using this app for about a month now. I really like it and now I want to have friends for encouragement and healthy tips.. Add me.
  • running_tall
    running_tall Posts: 213 Member
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    You can do it, Jason! Congratulations on your first 5 days!

    I'm a fellow Alabamian! Feel free to add me:)
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
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    Since you're new... and we started pretty damn close to one another, at least number-wise:

    here:

    1. don't trust the initial setup that MFP provides. If you put in the wrong/inaccurate information, it'll tell you to eat an amount that may not be applicable.
    2. Make sure you eat enough.
    3. Figure out what works for you and is sustainable/healthy/long term.
    4. avoid fads. don't buy in to any "Hey, try the twinkie and vodka diet"
    5. Don't cut out anything now that you don't plan on literally giving up forever.
    6. GET A FOOD SCALE. Weigh everything. No, seriously.
    7. Get an HRM with a chest strap. You'll at least have a better idea of what you're burning. It'll be more accurate than the generic info in the exercise database.. and even more than the cardio machines. This is great for steady state cardio (run/walk/etc)
    8. Don't go balls out. You'll burn out. I see 300 lb people show up here, instantly start working out and cutting their intake SEVERELY... trying to cut out all of their carbs at once.. whatever. Take it slow. Figure out how much you need to eat FIRST in order to lose.. then incorporate exercise.
    9. Don't cardio yourself to death.
    10. Take the information on the forums with a grain of salt. A lot of people that have been here for a while.. and have been successful, may seem jaded. They give out GREAT advice day after day, only to be met with people that refuse to listen.
    11. Eat real food. Not diet food. Not "low fat, sugar free, now without X." It's easier to get/find/count.
    12. don't set time restrictions.
    13. measure yourself weekly. Don't just weigh. Measure and take pictures.
    14 BE PATIENT.
    15. Avoid forum topics that have "1200" in the title. It's just full of butthurt. Lots of it.
    16. If you ask a question on the forum, give as much information as you can ("yes, I have a food scale and weigh my food" is worlds better than "I eat a palm full of miscellaneous boiled chicken parts..sometimes.")
    17. Be honest with yourself and honest with us.
    18. This isn't a game, it's about changing your lifestyle. Do that.

    pretty much that.

    ...and don't fall into the "1200 calorie" vertigo of suck because of:

    the typical MFP users does this:
    1. I wanna lose weight, let's try MFP.
    2. OH! Wow, it tells me I can lose 2 lbs a WEEK? AWESOME!
    3. I just sit at a desk when I'm not working out, I guess I'm sedentary.
    4. MFP tells them 1200 calories, and they don't even eat that.. then they work out on top of it.. creating an even bigger deficit.
    5. Lose a lot, fast, brag about 1200 calorie success.
    6. Come back in a few months trying to figure out why they're dizzy, tired, not losing weight.
    7. Get on the forums, ask why they aren't losing.
    8. Get two responses (I eat 1200 and lose) (I eat 2200 and lose)
    9. Argument ensues about who is right.

    Now. That being said. These threads happen hundreds of times per day. Most times, and I mean really.. seriously.. 95% of the time.. people get the 1200 number because they don't put the right information in when they set up the account. There are a great number of people that are trying to help. I'm one of 'em.

    I'm a hardcore advocate of actually finding out what works for the individual.. by means of other calculators, averages, time, practice, and patience.

    Blanket prescriptions of 1200 calories "because it worked for me" is more harmful to the generic new user than the "figure out what you need to eat." Unfortunately, one is a LOT easier to type.

    Find out what you need: http://scoobysworkshop.com/accurate-calorie-calculator/

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

    this could help.

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