Newbie, determined to win the war.

So hey there!
I'm obviously new to MFP and I hope to meet amazing people and to encourage each other to become the best we can be. As of today, February 3rd, 2015, I weigh at 321 lbs. The most I have ever weighed in my life and im just 18 years old. My goal is to drop to 220 lbs at 6'1". I am trying to slim down and not bulk up. If any of you wish to give me tips and advice such as workouts you've done that have worked for you , diets that don't sacrifice taste or anything else then I am more than happy to listen and learn from experienced people. I am currently a full time college student so trying to eat properly is difficult and finding the proper time to workout is difficult as well but I am going to try my best to achieve my goal and I hope I can count on you to encourage me and push me on through, as I will also be doing the same. Thank you if you have stayed and read my entire post. Thank you for taking time out of your life to aid someone who is just like you, someone who dreams of bettering themselves and has the determination and drive to do it. So once again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Replies

  • genericuser138
    genericuser138 Posts: 15 Member
    Just do carrion start with walking a couple miles a few times a week then add hills. When you get used to that go back to flat ground and add speed. When you get used to that run up hills. Just watch your intake, and stay away from the things you know you shouldn't have.
  • genericuser138
    genericuser138 Posts: 15 Member
    That should say cardio not carrion.
  • iandrew124
    iandrew124 Posts: 170 Member
    That should say cardio not carrion.

    I figured you meant cardio. xD
    Thank you for taking the time to give me a starting point. I just got out of the gym an hour ago. Pretty much did 1 hour of cardio and some wights for 20-30 min. May I ask how many miles you suggest?
  • nzfishas
    nzfishas Posts: 8 Member
    Cardio is great advice! I use nike+ app which helps me track how many miles I've done. Encourage you to check it out as it has many features. Also, do as many miles as you can per work out. Some days I have a distance goal other days a calorie burn goal. I'm no expert, just learning as I go. Hope this helps
  • genericuser138
    genericuser138 Posts: 15 Member
    Do whatever you can do. A year ago a walking a mile was a lot for me. Then a month ago I was running 5 miles at least once a week. Get an app like runkeeper to track your exercise. It will sync with this and is free. It gps tracks activity outdoors and you can log activities at the gym or use the stop watch mode.
  • iandrew124
    iandrew124 Posts: 170 Member
    nzfishas wrote: »
    Cardio is great advice! I use nike+ app which helps me track how many miles I've done. Encourage you to check it out as it has many features. Also, do as many miles as you can per work out. Some days I have a distance goal other days a calorie burn goal. I'm no expert, just learning as I go. Hope this helps

    Oh wow, alright. o:
    I'm going to have to check that app out. Thank you for the advice. c:
  • iandrew124
    iandrew124 Posts: 170 Member
    Do whatever you can do. A year ago a walking a mile was a lot for me. Then a month ago I was running 5 miles at least once a week. Get an app like runkeeper to track your exercise. It will sync with this and is free. It gps tracks activity outdoors and you can log activities at the gym or use the stop watch mode.

    Well for now I can do a fair amount of running. So that should help, but I'm going to also check that app out since it syncs with this one for free. I've also thought about buying a fitbit band but I am still currently doing research to see which one would be useful. Thank you again for the advice, I appreciate it. c:
  • Best thing is Don't Give Up.. Make small reachable goals. And realize sometimes the best results don't come from the scales, they come from nsv or non scale victories such as looser fitting clothes or being able to walk further etc.. you can add me if u want as well. and welcome to MFP
  • genericuser138
    genericuser138 Posts: 15 Member
    I use a pebble smart watch. It has that misfit activity tracker app available and works with many fitness apps. I like it because it does what the fit boy does and then some. I researched fitness watches a lot. I found they are either pedometers or smart phone app displays. If they don't fit those categories they tend to be very expensive. But the pebble is actually really cool even if you don't use it for fitness.
  • iandrew124
    iandrew124 Posts: 170 Member
    Best thing is Don't Give Up.. Make small reachable goals. And realize sometimes the best results don't come from the scales, they come from nsv or non scale victories such as looser fitting clothes or being able to walk further etc.. you can add me if u want as well. and welcome to MFP

    You are absolutely correct on that. c:
    I try to make my goals reachable and still reach beyond them because I know I can.
  • iandrew124
    iandrew124 Posts: 170 Member
    I use a pebble smart watch. It has that misfit activity tracker app available and works with many fitness apps. I like it because it does what the fit boy does and then some. I researched fitness watches a lot. I found they are either pedometers or smart phone app displays. If they don't fit those categories they tend to be very expensive. But the pebble is actually really cool even if you don't use it for fitness.

    I've heard of it, I guess its time to do some research and choose one. o:
  • FindingCindy721
    FindingCindy721 Posts: 834 Member
    Welcome. I am fairly new here too...1 month. I have chosen to not eliminate anything from my diet...I am just staying completely within my allotted calories and maintaining the recommended balance...ie protein to carb to fat.
    So far the 2 things that have me the most are the support found here from people on a similar journey and my Vivofit! Do you have a tracker of any sort? They have a strange way of helping you stay motivated and giving you that little reminder if you have been sedentary too long. It doesn't take hard core work outs every day to help get you into a healthier life style.
    Feel free to friend request me if you'd like. Best of luck on your journey and KUDOS for you for taking the 1st step!!! :)
  • iandrew124
    iandrew124 Posts: 170 Member
    Welcome. I am fairly new here too...1 month. I have chosen to not eliminate anything from my diet...I am just staying completely within my allotted calories and maintaining the recommended balance...ie protein to carb to fat.
    So far the 2 things that have me the most are the support found here from people on a similar journey and my Vivofit! Do you have a tracker of any sort? They have a strange way of helping you stay motivated and giving you that little reminder if you have been sedentary too long. It doesn't take hard core work outs every day to help get you into a healthier life style.
    Feel free to friend request me if you'd like. Best of luck on your journey and KUDOS for you for taking the 1st step!!! :)

    Thank you for taking the time to read my post. c: But you are correct, you don't have to do hardcore workouts to lose weight. I myself prefer to push my body because it feels good knowing I physically am doing something to better myself.
  • nylo143
    nylo143 Posts: 56 Member
    Hello :) welcome, and I wish you the best on your new journey. It's the best decision you can make !
    As a recent college grad I can tell you the biggest mistake I made was wasting who knows how much money on food, and eating unhealthy. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to take out time to cook for yourself. I know it's hard I know you don't have time, but make time ! Even once a week meal prep or half meal prep ( I cut up all my veggies and chicken etc and cook later if I don't have time to cook for the whole week). That way you can grab and go and not worry about finding healthy options on campus which I always struggled with. I wish I would give myself this same advice 4-5 years ago!
    Simple recipes are the best, instant brown rice and some chicken plus veggie, kale and spinach salads, open face sandwiches etc.
  • embee2301
    embee2301 Posts: 17 Member
    Welcome and goodluck!
  • iandrew124
    iandrew124 Posts: 170 Member
    nylo143 wrote: »
    Hello :) welcome, and I wish you the best on your new journey. It's the best decision you can make !
    As a recent college grad I can tell you the biggest mistake I made was wasting who knows how much money on food, and eating unhealthy. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to take out time to cook for yourself. I know it's hard I know you don't have time, but make time ! Even once a week meal prep or half meal prep ( I cut up all my veggies and chicken etc and cook later if I don't have time to cook for the whole week). That way you can grab and go and not worry about finding healthy options on campus which I always struggled with. I wish I would give myself this same advice 4-5 years ago!
    Simple recipes are the best, instant brown rice and some chicken plus veggie, kale and spinach salads, open face sandwiches etc.

    Good evening and yes!
    I want to cook more healthy food for myself and I know I can make time but all I need left are recipes and meals to make to eat. Especially something fast early in the morning since I need to wake up at 4:30.
    But yeah, I agree simple recipes are the best.
    Thank you for taking time out of your day to help me take steps to achieve my goal. c:
  • iandrew124
    iandrew124 Posts: 170 Member
    embee2301 wrote: »
    Welcome and goodluck!

    Thank you! :3
  • iandrew124
    iandrew124 Posts: 170 Member
    Let's get pumped! B)
  • meraki78
    meraki78 Posts: 43 Member
    One of the posts noted that she uses the Garmin Vivofit to help track activity, I also use a Vivofit and absolutely love it. I did many reviews on others such as Fitbit etc. but Vivofit was the one for me. It's not to big and bulky to wear, water proof so I literally wear it 24/7, has a small screen so I can see everything at a glance and use it for a watch. Great price also, <$100 if you get on without the heart rate band. And it syncs with MFP! Love it!! Good luck with your journey, I'm only 2 weeks in so I know exactly where your at and what your thinking. Keep your chin up and keep moving forward. I have already seen some progress in the short time I have started, you will also :)
  • Btbeam
    Btbeam Posts: 252 Member
    Welcome I have lost 110 lbs with 140 to go. I will be here for the long haul feel free to add me.
  • bardiatalabi
    bardiatalabi Posts: 7 Member
    Welcome to MFP! I'm in similar shoes as yours. When I first started, I weighed around 287 lbs. Today, I weigh 262. The work is far from over!

    I feel that the key to starting your journey is the gym. You need to find a way to dedicate one hour out of your 24 to get to the gym. Once there, you gotta take it slow. Brisk walks on a treadmill is a great start and when you become comfortable that's when it's time to change it up. Add in the inclines, add in some jogging.

    All of us here believe in you and everyone else!

    Cheers to health, wealth, success, and happiness.
  • iandrew124
    iandrew124 Posts: 170 Member
    mandiRN1 wrote: »
    One of the posts noted that she uses the Garmin Vivofit to help track activity, I also use a Vivofit and absolutely love it. I did many reviews on others such as Fitbit etc. but Vivofit was the one for me. It's not to big and bulky to wear, water proof so I literally wear it 24/7, has a small screen so I can see everything at a glance and use it for a watch. Great price also, <$100 if you get on without the heart rate band. And it syncs with MFP! Love it!! Good luck with your journey, I'm only 2 weeks in so I know exactly where your at and what your thinking. Keep your chin up and keep moving forward. I have already seen some progress in the short time I have started, you will also :)

    I'll look into the vivofit o: I've only been researching bands that many people have been saying amazing reviews,maybe the vivofit is an underdog band and I may just enjoy it better than others. xD
    But you are correct in keepigmy chinup xD I've noticed a lot more what I've eaten and how much calories I was taking in daily and so now I always look at the nutrition list on the back of everything before I eat it or buy it,its also keeping me from buying fast food. xD
  • iandrew124
    iandrew124 Posts: 170 Member
    Btbeam wrote: »
    Welcome I have lost 110 lbs with 140 to go. I will be here for the long haul feel free to add me.

    Oh wow! That's amazing! :DD Congratulations! I will happily add you. :3 My goal is to lose 100 so hopefully I can reach it. X)
  • iandrew124
    iandrew124 Posts: 170 Member
    Welcome to MFP! I'm in similar shoes as yours. When I first started, I weighed around 287 lbs. Today, I weigh 262. The work is far from over!

    I feel that the key to starting your journey is the gym. You need to find a way to dedicate one hour out of your 24 to get to the gym. Once there, you gotta take it slow. Brisk walks on a treadmill is a great start and when you become comfortable that's when it's time to change it up. Add in the inclines, add in some jogging.

    All of us here believe in you and everyone else!

    Cheers to health, wealth, success, and happiness.

    Thank you! And yes, the road is just beginning so there is a ton of work to put in but yeah, I have been hitting the gym for about 1-2 hours depending on how much time I can decicare that day, I am actually running about a mile and then jogging 2-4 miles with some wieght training in the end and some basketball to cool down. Hopefully I'm using my time wisely. xD

    Thank you again! :3
  • rlamons1
    rlamons1 Posts: 10 Member
    Hey Andrew!
    Firstly, YOU CAN DO THIS.
    I too know the struggle trying to learn healthy habits throughout a busy schedule. (This has been my struggle)
    Try meal prepping!
    It may seem like an ordeal but I was able to prep 3 days worth of food for two people (shopping included) within 3hrs. This will really pay off with keeping you on track....
  • Susieq_1994
    Susieq_1994 Posts: 5,361 Member
    My best advice: Meal prep and pre-logging. You can have really easy and quick meals that are still on the healthier side if you've prepped your meals.

    As an example, I buy extra lean ground beef and separate it into 100 gram portions (4 oz) into little freezer bags, then freeze. Making a homemade burger has never been quicker or easier!

    I bake veggie burger patties in the oven, then freeze in tupperware with wax paper in between each patty. Heat and eat!

    I slice tomatoes and strip spinach stalks and store them in the fridge, then I can just grab them and top my sandwiches with plenty of veggies without having to chop, slice, and dice.

    I keep plenty of turkey deli meat and boiled eggs (you can boil an entire carton at a time and they'll keep perfectly in the fridge!) for really quick meals; I can whip up a turkey, egg, and cheese sandwich with tomatoes and spinach in 5 minutes flat.

    As for pre-logging, I check what I have in my fridge at night and decide what I'm going to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner the next day, factoring in how much time I'll have on my hands, how quick the meal needs to be, and whether I have leftovers available that need polishing off.

    All the best!
  • iandrew124
    iandrew124 Posts: 170 Member
    rlamons1 wrote: »
    Hey Andrew!
    Firstly, YOU CAN DO THIS.
    I too know the struggle trying to learn healthy habits throughout a busy schedule. (This has been my struggle)
    Try meal prepping!
    It may seem like an ordeal but I was able to prep 3 days worth of food for two people (shopping included) within 3hrs. This will really pay off with keeping you on track....

    Hey there! O:
    Haha yeah, the struggle to eat healthy. ;- ; But yes, that's exactly what's been on my mind today. I've been thinking about doing a weeks worth of food and snacks this weekend.
    - but yes, you are right, it will pay off. I just have to find good recipes so I can cook. :3
  • iandrew124
    iandrew124 Posts: 170 Member
    My best advice: Meal prep and pre-logging. You can have really easy and quick meals that are still on the healthier side if you've prepped your meals.

    As an example, I buy extra lean ground beef and separate it into 100 gram portions (4 oz) into little freezer bags, then freeze. Making a homemade burger has never been quicker or easier!

    I bake veggie burger patties in the oven, then freeze in tupperware with wax paper in between each patty. Heat and eat!

    I slice tomatoes and strip spinach stalks and store them in the fridge, then I can just grab them and top my sandwiches with plenty of veggies without having to chop, slice, and dice.

    I keep plenty of turkey deli meat and boiled eggs (you can boil an entire carton at a time and they'll keep perfectly in the fridge!) for really quick meals; I can whip up a turkey, egg, and cheese sandwich with tomatoes and spinach in 5 minutes flat.

    As for pre-logging, I check what I have in my fridge at night and decide what I'm going to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner the next day, factoring in how much time I'll have on my hands, how quick the meal needs to be, and whether I have leftovers available that need polishing off.

    All the best!

    Oh wow, thank you xD Yes, I was thinking of this all day today and how I would go about doing it since I also live with other family members. But thank you for the advice and examples. :3