Introduce Yourself

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rfl0970
rfl0970 Posts: 1 Member
in Introduce Yourself
Hello, my name is Robert. I started using this app about 4 days ago (although I might have used it or a similar one some years ago) I'm 52. I'm not sure how much detail I should or even want to get into here about myself at this point. I will say I'm 52. I'm 6'3 and I weigh about 425 pounds. My goal weight is somewhere between 190 and 200. I'm not following any particular diet method although I am researching a few. For right now I am just calorie reducing (about 2000 a day right now) and trying to be more active (going for walks and doing some light exercise in home). My tendency is to over obsess and set unrealistic goals which always (in the past) has led to failure followed by guilt. Why I am introducing myself to this community is hopefully to meet other folk on this same journey and find some emotional support. While I am open to any "pro-tips" to consider please don't come at me with criticism or a know-it-all attitude. Also please don't try to sell me on any diet plans (i.e., the latest magic pill/supplement, jenny, WW, etc. etc. ad nauseum. I've tried them all). Other than that, can we be friends?

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  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,399 Member
    Welcome. Sounds like you're starting out well. Just keep going no matter what. Use a digital food scale to weigh and measure all food and drink and you should be good to go. As you go along you may need to change things up and do some experimenting--that's all normal. You're right that you don't need a specific diet or special foods, as long as you're in a deficit. Best of luck to you.
  • mtaratoot
    mtaratoot Posts: 14,855 Member
    Welcome!

    It's wise to recognize that unrealistic goals lead to non-compliance. Set realistic goals and then STICK TO IT.

    There's lots of good tools here to help you succeed. It's not that the app works so much; you just have to set goals and stick to them. At over six feet tall and 435 pounds, it's possible that 2000 calories per day is an unrealistic goal. Have you gone through the guided set-up to see what MFP suggests to lose two pounds a week? That would be 0.5% of your current weight per week, which is not a bad place to start.

    As for tips; I have written this before, and it's pretty valid. The best few tips I can think of for starting out are:
    • Plan to go slow. If you are trying to lose weight, remember you didn't gain it in a month or a year; take the slow route to help assure success. Then it will be easier to maintain when you reach goal.
    • Don't plan any strategies you aren't willing to continue indefinitely. Only do things that are sustainable in the long run.
    • Plan on having a reasonable calorie deficit, on average, each week. Best if you can manage a small deficit each day, but if you miss a day, don't fret. Just keep going forward. Stick to it.
    • Yeah, that's it's own point: STICK TO IT!
    • Set reasonable but challenging goals. Set long-term and short term goals. What are some specific goals you have set for yourself?
    • Check in often. Don't stress if the scale is up for the day. Look over the long term trend; weight loss is not linear. You'll have up and down days. Over time, if you maintain a deficit, you'll trend down.
    • Exercise is very healthy for fitness. It can contribute to a calorie deficit and aid in weight management. You still must manage your food intake to assure a calorie deficit. Logging your food and your activity in MFP will help you get an idea how to slowly adjust your target for success.

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