Need Tips, Need Advice, Hell, just need a mentor

sdmartn86
sdmartn86 Posts: 11 Member
in Getting Started
Weighed in at 402 pounds this morning and was repulsed. Hated every bit of that feeling, but am using that feeling to fuel my desire. The motivation and desire is building ad ready to burn, the only issue is, I have not a clue in what I am doing. I want to find a solid lifting regimen in time, but want to focus on eating right and getting the will to not quit 3 weeks in before I take on weights and such. I am not ashamed to ask what are good foods as opposed to foods to avoid. Aside from walking, what would anyone recommend for a 400 pound lad to do to start shedding pounds. I welcome any advice, tips, or just friendship from anyone. Will be a long journey, but am excited.

Replies

  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    I encourage you to read all the sticky posts at the top of each MFP forum. They contain tons of info that will help answer your questions. Aldo browse the form topics for questions similar to yours. I started at 301 with walking, strength training with a personal trainer, and logging here on MFP. Ive added more fitness classes as I'm able.
  • GCLauren
    GCLauren Posts: 3 Member
    Just keep it simple :) Baby steps. Try adding more lean protein, veggies and complex carbs (sweet potatoes and brown rice tend to do it for me) into your diet. You'll end up finding yourself more satisfied after a meal and less bloated than if you're eating pastas with heavy cream sauces and stuff. I mean you're on here so you can easily see which meals are actually giving back to your body vs. which ones are just empty calories!
    If you're able to get on Pinterest...it might be a good idea to check out a couple 30 day challenges :) You can find a whole bunch for beginners where it starts small and slowly starts working up. If you can get through a few of those then start getting yourself to the gym. I know I'm really self conscious about going to the gym when I'm not feeling top of my game so I like prepping myself at home for a bit first.
    Best of luck!!
  • midge_m
    midge_m Posts: 1,085 Member
    edited November 2015
    I second starting slow and not trying to change everything at the get-go. Just pick something and chuck it or change it ! :) Your profile says to love to walk your dogs, maybe make that a scheduled routine to start (if you haven't already. They'll certainly keep you to it!) and pick out a processed food you eat a lot (a fast food place? white bread?) and cut that out. It will take some time for you to figure out what works for you, both for weight loss and for a lifestyle change you can live with over the long haul. (ie, the rest of your life) I'm still figuring it out too so friend request sent!
  • PaulBonham
    PaulBonham Posts: 42 Member
    Good for you, seize the day and all that!

    I would say:
    1. Set yourself sensible targets, something that you know you can work towards.
    2. Get used to eating better, it's not so bad and actually gives you more energy.
    3. Get moving, you don't need to join a gym, just go for a good paced walk a couple of times a day.
    4. Use other UA apps like Map My Walk, Record to keep a log of your activities, it's nice to look back on with a sense of achievement :)
    5. Log your eating, there is always a temptation to cheat, but you're only cheating yourself.
    6. Be proud of yourself.
  • oocdc2
    oocdc2 Posts: 1,361 Member
    If I could offer anything, it's this: don't feel like you have to exercise to do this. Exercise will help you feel better, but it's the CICO that will make this for you. Log your calories daily, maintain your protein and fiber, and don't skimp. Eat what you're supposed to, and just that. Good luck!
  • MikeLeTwigg
    MikeLeTwigg Posts: 162 Member
    The dirty little secret of losing weight is that there is no secret. You simply need to put less calories in your mouth than your body uses.

    Just be consistent and be honest with your diary

    Ps feel free to add me, always happy to help cheer others along
  • FrankWhite27330
    FrankWhite27330 Posts: 316 Member
    Start Today, Join a gym hit the weights, Buy a bike and Ride Dont put off anything YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!

    Dont wait to hit the weights and you dont need a routine JUST GO we GOT YOUR BACK!!!
  • rankinsect
    rankinsect Posts: 2,238 Member
    Here's what I did - I started morbidly obese as well, at around 320 (my heaviest I think was 350).

    1. I kept it simple. I didn't eliminate any foods that I liked. Calories matter more than anything else period.

    2. I didn't go nuts on trying to lose fast. At 400 lb, you can probably manage 3 lb/week loss on average, but that's about as high as you'd ever want to go and not risk liver problems. With your mass, that's still a lot of calories to enjoy every day.

    3. I worked in exercise as I could manage it. Strength training and cardio both. In fact I noticed the cardio first - more energy, better heart rate, etc.

    4. I prelog all my meals the day before, so I plan everything when I'm not hungry. I use a kitchen scale to measure out the foods I already logged. Logging takes me less than three minutes per day.

    5. I took note of which foods were very satisfying for me (kept me full a long time) and which weren't. I don't eliminate entirely the non-filling foods, but I balance them with foods that are filling. For example, if I want a brownie (tasty but not filling), maybe I'll have it after a meal of grilled chicken, or another protein-heavy entree (very filling).

Categories