I can eat HOW MANY calories???

Welcome to MFP Michael I commend you on taking the first step. You will see that ppl here are very supporting and it helpful.
You may want to open your diary and let ppl know you want friends... mfp friends=support system

Way to Go Michael!

Hey Michael! Welcome to MFP!

So, I'd like to address a few things that have been on this thread. Yes, we frequently estimate we eat less than we actually do. It's not until we actually use the portions and can get a real feel for it that we can understand how much we have been eating. That could be one aspect for you.

Similarly, you don't have to overeat to be fat. Not feeding your body properly can cause plenty of weight issues, not just of the skinny kind. Sometimes you have to eat more than you think to lose weight. Restriction isn't really the answer. Moderation of certain foods, but generally not to severely undereat.

As for being obese, the odd thing is that we can tolerate a lower caloric intake. So, I'm half inclined to agree with your physician. Similarly, not all physicians necessarily understand proper and healthy weight loss. Much of the the info they have to give you is based on the government, which we all know isn't always correct. (My favorite anti-gov't thing is my disdain for the food pyramid, but that for a different day and topic.) I don't know who your physician is or his/her specialty, but if you want sound medical advice, make sure it is coming from a physician who truly understands the physiology of the obese. Same thing goes for nutritional advice, see side comment on the food pyramid.

Next, the sedentary life. I'll just have to be a hard *kitten* on this one. It's a lifestyle change. You gotta change your lifestyle. Nothing says you have to sit and spend time with the fams. This is a great opportunity for you to inspire your children as well. When you get home, something as simple as some sports games on the Wii would be a way to increase activity. Go for a walk around the neighborhood for dessert after dinner. Make tennis trips, basketball, swimming, et cetera your family time. As a culture we think family time is watching tv. Make it something active to support all of you healthfully. So..you can also add in bits of exercise. Take the long way to a teacher's classroom. Get up and go talk to the secretary. Take the stairs. Park in the farthest parking spot. Heck, you can even just get a set of bike pedals for under your desk. Being active will most likely help you with some of the sleep issues - unless they are related to things like sleep apnea.

And on the last note, I'm not saying this is you, but if you were eating the same as your friends maybe something else is going on. My anecdotal story is me. I have had the hardest time to lose weight in my life. Well it wasn't until last year when I figured out that I have a gluten sensitivity that I have been able to finally get my body to lose weight. (Ok, clarification, I did Atkins and rocked it, South Beach, rocked it. But it wasn't until I started adding "healthy" carbs like whole wheat bread that I would fail. Should have been a clue years ago.) So, there is that kind of possibility as well. Our bodies are funny funny things sometimes.

Anyway, I'll add you as a friend, I think we can find some similar things in our lives and hopefully I can help you see some of the things you can do to reach the goals you want.

I don't really have anything to add (seems like others have covered it pretty well), but I did want to say good luck! I hope you decide to stick it out

I would like to say welcome to the community and congrats on make the decision for a healthy lifestyle. I will say, you have to be careful eating less than your BMR. It isn't a healthy approach. I would suggest going ot a dietician because I can tell you, i know more than my doctor when it comes to fitness. Also, below is a link that has some good information on it that should tell you/revalidate how many calories you should eat. Also, if you want to spend time with your family, why don't you get them involved in your workouts. Ask yourself, do they need to improve their health? I have found, as well as many others, it is much easier to stay with it and continue weightloss if others are involved in the process as well. This is what I am trying to do. I am working to get my wife to workout with me and I encourage her.



http://www.fat2fitradio.com/tools/bmr/

Pleae don't take this the wrong way, but unless your family has a history of actual medical problems that cause weight gain (hypothyroidism, hormone imbalances, etc), you CANNOT put down your weight as being due to a slow metabolism.

If you maintain your current weight @ over 300 lbs eating only 2500 calories, then you should see a doctor.

I have. He said eat 1200 calories a day. I said that's hard. He said yes, it is.

Listen to him then, not MFP. 110% of the time, do what your doctor says over what a website says.

All in all though, best of luck on your journey though! No matter what, it won't be easy! Just stick to it!

I fired my doctor because he told me to consume 1200 calories a day. Then shided me for eating grapes because they have a lot of sugar, and said I should eat strawberries instead. Grapes do have a lot of sugar, but they have less sugar and calories than M & M's that I was eating before. I tried the 1200 calorie thing for two weeks and then said; "If that's what I have to do to be skinny then screw it!"

I started here at MFP at 336. 2100 Kcal actually seems kind of low. Even now I have my base goal set at 2300. You don't have to start with a drastic calorie deficit. Log everything. Even what you are drinking. When I started I realized I was consuming 700 calories a day in Mt Dew. Just cutting that out was worth a pound a week.

Nutrition is the number one priority. What kind of school do you teach at? Is there a track, pool, or weight room you can use?

Hi Michael!

When I joined i was concerned that the calories for me were to high as well. I will admit I aimed a little lower (about 200 below the recommended) and didn't eat back my exercise calories. I was surprised in the beginning though at how quickly calories coud rack up with my then, normal, menu. I also would have sworn blind that I wasn't eating 2000 calories prior to starting my journey (I was really wrong, or I'd have some days where I was but other days where I was super over!!!). As you lose, MFP will adjust you calories. It makes it easier to maintain if your quantity (not quality!!) of food decreases slowly and you have time to mentally, physically and emotionally get used to it.

Feel free to add me for support, I know what the journey is like - I'm still on it and have a long way to go! :flowerforyou:

I didn't have much to add, because others have given you a lot of great info, but I did want to say welcome and good luck.

Regarding talking to your wife and kids instead of working out, what if you all went for family walks after dinner? Even a half an hour a night would be so beneficial, and then you could spend time with them and all get in a little bit of exercise too. That is one thing that I am trying to be so conscious of with my own son, even though he is only 3. I want him to have always lived a more active lifestyle, so I am already taking him for walks (where he walks too, not just in a stroller) and take him around the block on his trike. I think it's a great idea to involve your family if you can. Even if they are very slim, walking is great for anyone who can do it.

Anyway, good luck. I would like to add you as a friend if you don't mind, because I would love to keep up with you and hear about your journey.

Off topic, but I see that you're a Pumpkins fan. Sweet! Welcome.

under 1500 calories

Leave that mentality to the other sex please.