2017 Adopt a Noob Discussion

rickweinberg · January 2017

My name is Rick and I have been on a weight loss journey for a long time. At one point in my life I'd lost 60 lbs. Now I stay in pretty good shape. I ride my bike from 60-80 miles a week during the summer. Recently, Fall until now, I have slipped into holiday mode. I started make choices that caused weight gain in the past. I should know better. The holidays are difficult for me. Nesting at home, many tasty high calorie food choices and a lack of motivation to exercise has got me in a recent rut. Today is not a reflection of what I will or will not be doing, but I did XC ski 2 miles and tracked my calories on MFP. I would love to have someone to offer encouragement. I'm sure that achieving goals will be reciprocal and inspirational. Helping others always helps yourself. I'm 48 and my metabolism is not getting any faster. I having a loving and supporting family and I think with someone's help on the journey will make this endeavor life long.

Rick

2017Jupiter · January 2017

Hello everyone!
I would like to be adopted by whichever mentor wants me!

I'm currently trying to strenghten my core and lose 20kg/ 44lbs. I'm struggling to understand why there is so much sugar in my macros...because I stopped eating anything with added sugar. There's sugar even in greek yogurt, that's just sneaky.

I'm into clean eating and against anything low fat. No diet soda for me either. Real food.

My ideal lifestyle would be low-carb-ish (to help with PCOS) if I ever get rid of that sneaky sugar in them macros

Hugs!!

KillionSL · January 2017

I would LOOVE to be adopted

I am 48 years old and would love to have a mentor to help me stay on track for fitness. I can be pretty motivated to hit calorie counts, but the fitness part is where I truly need assist. I have purchased a FitBit Charger 2 and a scale that Bluetooth's to the device. I will connect the MFP app to it when I receive it on Tuesday.

I have purchased Cize and Zumba DVDs for help when we can't go hiking or we are stuck in colder climes.
We love Nature, Pets, Kindness, VR, Technology, Photography, and Writing.

I am a full-time internet digital marketer and author, so my life is this laptop. Getting up and remembering to stretch from this chair can be a challenge. We are full-time RVers so we travel all over the US and soon into Canada. Both my husband and I work online and out 10-year daughter attends an online K12 academy for school. Instead of waiting for retirement, we decided to travel now. We have 3 cats and a Great Pyrenees that travel with us.

I am not creating a NY resolution as this is a lifestyle change for me to meet several goals. I hope there is someone out there who will take me home and call me George! LOL (dating myself to the old Bugs Bunny cartoons days)

jaje01 · January 2017

Hi you wonderful people!

I'd love to be adopted! I'm 48, vegetarian and have spent the past 12 months being completely sedentary due to some (ongoing) joint problems (ankles and knees). My weight is now at 80 kg and I realistically would like to shift 15kg in time. I'm mindful that high impact exercise is out for me, for now, but I would love to crack this. I'm actually pretty ashamed of how out of shape I am so some advice/support/wisdom from someone whose travelled this road would be so very much appreciated.

Kirsty

mybun815 · January 2017

I am new but i would like to be adopted. I am 28 years old and 250lbs. im 6 ft. i need to get back down to 180. I want and need to be mentored desperately to get back to where i used to be 6 years ago. Please help!

edixon127 · January 2017

I'd like to be a mentor!

A bit about me, I'm a 21 (almost 22) year old college student, I've lost 55 lbs since March 2016 and I've been maintaining my loss for two months. My preferred form of exercise is running, but I also enjoy lifting weights. If you're interested in losing weight without cutting out all of the foods you love, and especially if you want to give running a try, feel free to PM me!

joemama68 · January 2017

I would love a mentor if anyone is up for a challenge!

I am 49yo male with a goal of losing about 25 pounds and get stronger. I used to be an avid lifter and gave that up due to a shoulder injury about 18 months ago. I can go more into that if need be. I work a desk job and don't eat the best at the moment, however it would be nice to find someone who can offer me motivation, encouragement and some pointers! I don't have access to a gym, however I do have a full squat rack with 400 pounds of weight and dumb bells at home to use.

Djproulx · January 2017

@Djproulx has already adopted two noobs and no longer has availability. Thanks Djprouix for being an MFP mentor!

I am willing to be a mentor to 1 or 2 noobs again this year.

I"m 59 yrs old and struggled for many years to balance a demanding job and an active family life. After several failed attempts, at 54 years old I succeeded in losing 45lbs with the help of a trainer. I have changed my lifestyle and become very active. Over the last 5 years, I've been very involved in running and triathlon as my fitness improved. I've competed in a significant number of races including several Half Iron distance (70.3) triathlons. I currently train 9-12 hours/week in the winter, more during racing season. My goal races this year include the Virgina Beach Marathon and Ironman 70.3 Lake Placid. I'm currently focused on dropping a bit more weight to help me get faster.

Several things about me as a mentor:

1) I'm a communicator. I won't write something or pat you on the back every 10 minutes, but I will try to provide insight, support, or a blunt directive, depending on what I think you need.

2) I am an active learner when it comes to things I enjoy, such as running, triathlon and food. I enjoy learning new ways to use food as fuel.

3) I will be invested if you are. I'm still learning myself, so I would enjoy a mentor/mentee relationship where someone is counting on my help and also questioning me from time to time. I love to learn from others, too.

So, if you are interested, feel free to pm me.

cabwj · January 2017

I am interested in mentoring one or two women in the 50+ age range.

I'm Cheryl. I'm 56. I have been on MFP for about a year and a half. I've lost 82 pounds to date through sensible eating and have increased my fitness through exercise. I'm not done yet, have about 35-40 more pounds to go. The most important part of my journey has been sustainability. I chose to make healthy changes slowly, and one at a time, in a way that has allowed me to stick with it. I'm not a fan of gimmicks, fads, or anything promising fast results. There is no end date to this journey, it's a way of life.

onunka620 · January 2017

I am newly active . I've have lost weight numerous of times. But my main hiccup is keeping it off . I would like a mentor that would be able to help me achieve this goal. I need my confidence back. I would like a mentor.

mille_rz · January 2017

I'd much appreciate it if somebody took time to help me achieve my goals! Thanks in advance, Milli

stephany2303 · January 2017

Hello. I would like to be adopted. I am 35 years old from Kentucky. I am looking to ultimately lose 200lbs but my short term goal is 25lbs by my birthday in March. I am looking for someone with a similar amount of weight to lose preferably in my area. I am starting the Lose it For Life program by Stephen Arterburn so anyone familiar with this, please message me! My goal is to develop an exercise routine and healthy low fat diet.

Fitgirllife72 · January 2017

I would love to adopt a noob if you still need people. I am a 44 year old mom of 2 within 3 lbs of my goal weight (the holidays got to me lol). I love fitness and run 3 days per week and do circuit training 6 days per week. I have lost 36 lbs and feel so good. Would love to help someone else reach their goals.

sky_r_g · January 2017

Hello, I'd love to be adopted! I am 29yo from Perth Western Australia and have been recently diagnosed with PCOS. Im just starting out on the Keto diet and loving the MFP for tracking my meals and keeping motivated. Looking to lose approx 40kg. Would love some friends to motivate, inspire and keep me accountable. Please feel free to add me. Just starting out and appreciate any help

clairew931 · January 2017

Hello, my name is Claire and I'd be happy to adopt a few noobs this year. I am a personal trainer based in the UK and a mum of 3. My love for health and fitness became a career for me a few years ago and it was the best decision I made for both me and my family.

I've seen the challenges that can occur whilst trying to achieve goals related to health and fitness and would love to help more people overcome the challenges and reach their goals.

Please feel free to look at my profile and if you would like me to be your mentor please drop me a message and we can go from there. Last year I had lots of replies and therefore if I don't reply straight away, I apologise!

Good luck and Happy New Year!

Rachelmilloy · January 2017

My name is Heather, and I'm willing to adopt one or two! I'm a 64 year old single lady who joined MFP the summer of 2012, not long after I retired. I well remember the struggle I had bending over from a seated position to tie my shoes, back in 2012. Now I skip off to the gym most every day to do an hour on the elliptical, and sometimes another 20 minutes on the resistance machines. And I take the time now to shop for and prepare much more nutritious meals. At my annual check-ups, my doctor just beams at me. Not that I haven't had my falls from grace over the years: in the last six weeks I have renewed my dedication and determination and have learned that what works for me is respecting my calorie limits each and every day, and ensuring daily exercise. Feel free to send me a PM about getting you out of the orphanage if we seem suited! And a Happy Healthy New Year to all!

sunflowerhippi · January 2017

I will adopt some noobs.

I started on MFP in 2012 and lost 62lbs in about 2 years. I had a daughter in 2015 and gained 50lbs back with the pregnancy, and now am down from 204 when she was born to 141, lowest was 134 (did a bulk) with a goal of loosing body fat, gaining strength and muscle and dropping a few pounds left.

I have been there and done that with most diet fads and options. I do cardio too and don't treat it like the devil even though my primary workouts are lifting things up and putting them down.

I am a fan of moderation in diets, finding whatever workout works for you and keeps you active, and doing what works for you as a person as we are not all clones.

renegadeohio · January 2017

My name is Corbett. Someone adopt me please. I want to be back to my high school weight and be able to stay that way. I am 25 and am getting married in February. I hate to say but I am 6'4 and 280 lbs, my health isn't the best. I want to be the guy my fiancee fail in love with back in high school.

apullum · January 2017

I'll adopt a newbie. I'm a 33 year old woman and I teach writing at a university in North Carolina. I have lost almost 90 pounds since January 2015, and I'm currently about 10 pounds from my goal weight. I'm just under 5 feet tall--about 4' 11.75", but when you're that short every fraction of an inch counts! Before losing weight, I was taking medication daily for high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and PCOS. Currently, I am managing all of those things without medication.

I started running with Couch to 5k in 2013, quit for a year after getting injured, and restarted it in 2015. I completed my first two half marathons in 2016, as well as many shorter races. Recently, I've started adding in light strength training. I'm also a longtime vegetarian (about 12 years) and a big nerd. In grad school, I played on a community quidditch team. I was a beater, meaning I got to hit people with dodgeballs while pretending to fly on a "broom" made from PVC pipe. We didn't win many games, but we had fun.

I think that weight loss is mostly about commitment, consistency, and patience. Once you've figured out what works for you, stick with it for the long haul and don't let yourself get discouraged or bored. I do not believe that any foods are "bad" or "unclean;" food is for nourishment and enjoyment, and is not a value judgment about you, though some foods are more nutritious or more calorie-dense than others. I budget my calories and eat what I want within my budget and macros.

My philosophy on mentoring is that I can tell folks what works for me, but I don't assume that my way works for everyone. I can try to help you figure out a healthy approach to meeting your own goals, and encourage you to keep it up. However, I'm not willing to support fad diets/products or extreme calorie restriction (under 1200 calories/day). I won't nag you, snoop through your food diary, shame you, or give unsolicited advice, but I will happily cheer you on and answer questions to the best of my ability. I tend to write long-winded replies, as you may have noticed; it goes along with the career choice (see second sentence). My job and formal education are not related to weight loss, so I can speak only from personal experience and what research I've done on my own.

I can probably be most helpful to other people who are in similar situations: short folks, vegetarians, newbie runners, people who are in it for the long haul with 100+ lbs. to lose. If that sounds like you, feel free to send me a message!

vollans · January 2017

I'm throwing my hat into the ring as a mentor again this year.

I've been on here for just under 2 years and using MyFitnessPal lost 40kg / 88 lbs / 6 stone during the first 8 months or so. Since then I've been working on maintaining that and gaining strength, and hopefully a little muscle.

I'm 44, work full time, I'm gay and have a fantastic husband whose also been on the journey with me.

I am a firm believer, through personal experience, that every calorie has to be paid for. If it goes in your mouth, you better have earned it and it better be worth eating. I don't believe in fad diets, cleanses, detoxes and highly restrictive programs that leave you feeling bad about yourself. I love home cooked food and great food and wine. I believe strongly in eating normally and sensibly in a way that is sustainable long term, but making sure portion control and exercise are the keys. I've learned that the hard way. I also believe that using tools like MyFitnessPal and heart-strap properly calorie counted exercise are vital, not just counting minutes. I've also used DEXA scans to measure my real progress and think it's an incredible tool. Data is good! If you are a data geek, I'm your man.

If you want someone that will encourage you and help you with making good decisions, and provide feedback and info based on my experience I'm the man for you. If you want someone that's already been through it and knows what it feels like to slog through losing that much weight, I'm someone to choose.

If you want someone to tell you that the fact you've eaten half the cheesecake in the fridge, 7 bags of crisps and a jumbo Mars bar is ok for the third day running and we all make mistakes, I'm probably not the person for you. I haven't allowed myself that sort of behaviour, and wouldn't be very sympathetic - you are in control of your life. Likewise, if you log once every couple of days, miss weeks at a time, or calorie restricting yourself to an unhealthy degree, I won't be much support, and probably will give you a few home truths.

If after reading that you think we'd be a good fit, feel free to friend request me.

garnettsky · January 2017

I would love to be adopted. Trying for the 3rd time to start and stay motivated enough to keep going. (I have a wedding dress that fits a little tight and I'm not forking out half the dress cost in alterations!)

irishanne · January 2017

I would like to be adopted! I am a 57 year old female with over 100 pounds to lose. I have tried many fad diets and have never been successful at losing weight. This time I am concentrating on calories in/ calories out. I would really like to have someone to encourage me on this journey. My husband tries to be supportive, but at 6'3" and 160 lbs. he has no real idea of my struggle.

Mhaissen · January 2017

I need help ...

Julia_Emm · January 2017

I'm up for adoption! In Scotland. Just signed up to do my first ever 10k to make my wee mum proud (she has dementia and I will be running for charity). I'm also doing it for myself because I have put on about 2 stone in the last 2-3 years because I was trying to cope with the sadness about my mum through eating and boozing. Not clever! Now I'm fat and sad, which is even worse! I need someone to help me find the right balance between fun and discipline

Vegatron70 · January 2017

Hey everyone, not new to the site but a restart, or fresh start if that sounds better. I lost about 75lbs. while I was dedicated to this site and my diet. while getting my career started, I had to work a few high demanding jobs which took my away from the gym in combination to the birth of my daughter.

For me, diet and exercise are one in the same. without the one, the other quickly starts to diminish (this caused me to gain much of my weight back). I now have the career position which I was after for more than a year which gives me plenty of time for gym and family. My daughter is now 8 months old.

I've been on this quest before with great success and looking forward to share/swap stories and keep each other motivated along the way. I made it to 317 last time, I have my eye set at 299 and never wanting to see the 300+ mark again.

Alex · January 2017

Happy New Year! More thanks for all of the mentors who are signing up!!! Your names have been added to the opening post. Keep em coming!

For people who are posting that want to be adopted, please review the list in the opening post and reach out to one of them to ask if they will mentor you.

walterskh · January 2017

I am in my 50's and would love a friend or to be adopted. I have a hard time staying on track!

kittyknight13 · January 2017

I'd like to be adopted.

I'm a 25 year old geeky gamer with AMC (Arthrogryposis) looking to get healthy. I have no use of my arms, and very minimum use of my legs, so this is going to be a challenge! I'm wheelchair bound, but can push my chair around the house with my legs.

My goal is to lose about 30 pounds, taking me from 155 to 125.

I could really use advice and motivation!

So far, I've done chair sit ups while clenching my tummy muscles for 25 minutes. I'd love more advice/

oocdc2 · January 2017

Much thanks to @oocdc2 who has adopted 3 folks and is no longer available for new noobs.

Howdy to All,

I could adopt a noob. Here're the important bits:

Started: January 2015 somewhere over 200 lbs.

Currently: Holding at 125 lbs. since June 2016

Gender: Female

Height: 5' 3"

Age: Early 40's

What I Did: I followed the recommended calorie count and macros for 1 lb./week loss with a sedentary lifestyle. Didn't start seriously exercising until April of 2016, when I completed Robert Ullrey's C25K podcasts (Dr. Google will give you the link

) and now run 3x/week and do bodyweight strength training 2x/week. I try and do a 5k race every 3 months for motivation; I'm looking to run a half marathon this fall.

What I Can Do: Write encouraging messages, like your posts, suggest helpful apps (e.g., trendweight, mapmyrun), give advice about cutting sugars (I was pre-diabetic; still eat that way), go on and on about Marvel vs. DC and RPGs, and look bewildered if you start talking about sports.

What I Can't Do: Give medical advice, listen at nauseum to your boyfriend/girlfriend/other personal issues (unless you just want me to blanket confirm that you're right and he/she's wrong; I can definitely do that), or discuss metaphysical poetry.

To all the noobs: best of luck!

Once you have your method, losing weight is actually pretty easy...

dcworkouts · January 2017

Hi, I'm an lifeboat crewmen on a mission to get back in shape, make some good life choices & get myself to a good place. Started eating well & dove into the Insanity 60 day workout program yesterday. Would really appreciated a mentor to occasionally check in, check my food diary etc. to help me stay on track. Currently 5'10" & 18st, hoping to get down the 13-14St.

2017 Adopt a Noob Discussion

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