[Nate0201]

Hi,

I just wanted to take a minute and finally post. I spend a good amount of time just looking around the forum here and seeing how people do it and how they stick to it. I read the goal section when I am feeling that lack of motivation.

I started this at 360 I'm currently down to 302 my goal is 200 mayb 185 we will see so I still have a long way to go. I have changed what I eat although I do slip up sometimes. I am usually int he gym five days a week 3 days of circuit training and 2 days of cardio.

My name is Nate I'm from Michigan, but I live in VA now. I'm 24 years old and my weight has been a problem most of my life. I never knew what or how to eat I just sort of ate what I wanted. Well here I am 24 and closer to 400 then 300 well was when I started this. I have two kids and a wife and I would like to be around for them as long as I can be. I quit smoking in July of 2008 and am still smoke free so that helped alot there. I then decided after going to the doctor and she told me my cholesterol is off the chart (at least everything else was normal) that I should be doing something about my weight. So here I am and trying to do it the best I know how.

If anyone has any tips on eating that is the thing I find the hardest what hsould I eat and what not. Like is bread ok is it not those kind of things. From what I have seen everyone seems to be awesome here. I have rambled on long enough just thought I would finally say hello.

[beerab]

Hi Nate! So far it sounds like you are doing amazing! Congratulations on 58 lbs!

As for eating- I use sparkpeople.com to track my eating, I try to eat as much fruit and veggies as I can in a day, drink lots of water, eat lean protein and complex carbs- bread isn't a bad thing- but you can't go crazy with it either!

[stargzr]

Welcome Nate!!!
It's so great to hear of your progress thus far! You have done AMAZING!
I think that for you, you might want to start checking cholesterol levels in foods that you eat to try and get that to a more healthy level. As for eating in general, just remember that you can have anything you want... it's when we eat it in excess that causes the weight gain. However, of course you wouldn't want your whole day to revolve around ice cream (though wouldn't that be nice). Aim for most of your food to be fruits and veggies, raw are best so that you get all the nutrients they have. Then after those, you'll want to add in your protein. Just google how many grams of protein a day for your height/gender/etc. That'll give you a good idea of what to aim for. Breads are not your enemy, but like I said you want to base around fruits, veggies, and protein (chicken breasts are very good). So have a slice here and there, but just keep it within reason (like 2 slices a day, which would allow either toast in the morning or a sandwich for lunch, etc). Again, this is all just something to "aim" for, not to live by of course.
Given your motivation I would say you are well on your way to being at a healthy cholesterol level and a healthy weight. Best of luck and stick around here, there are many, many people who have helped me out!

[Onederchic]

Hi Nate and welcome to 3FC!

I too use sparkpeople for recording food, drink and exercise.

Good luck with your goals

Hugs
Michelle

[Nate0201]

Thank you! I try not to eat bread right now, but ti is very hard of course I love bread who doesn't. I drink a good amount of water it was hard to give up the soda and I do slip up sometimes and drink a can but I am pretty good about it these says. I have a boneless skinless chicken breast usually once a day usually for dinner grilled or braised, and with it I usually have fresh steamed broccli or another veggie and like mashed potatos.

I am going to check out sparkpeople and see how it goes thank you for the reccomendation. It has been hard to change how I eat and I am still trying to refine so thanks again for the info!

[beerab]

You are welcome- trust me I LOVE LOVE LOVE bread- I could eat it all day! It's my addiction- when I do have some bread I enjoy it SO MUCH.

[Windchime]

Welcome, Nate! Good for you for giving up the smokes and most of the soda pop. I have a can now and then myself, so I can't fault you for that!

You've got a couple of things in your favor--your age and the fact that you're male. That means you can probably eat a few more calories than us chicks. And unless you really feel you MUST cut out the bread, it might not be a bad thing to allow yourself a slice or two of good, whole-grain bread once in awhile, just so you don't feel deprived.

I don't know what kinds of foods are bad for cholesterol; I seem to remember that saturated fats are bad, though, which would include things like whole-fat milk and butter. Others here can probably tell you what other foods should be restricted or avoided.

I'm a calorie counter so that's what works for me. Sparkspeople or the Daily Plate at www.livestrong.com are places where you can not only count calories online, but also learn what calorie range you should aim for to lose a sensible amount of weight.

Good luck to you. It's nice to have another guy around the place!

[SunshineCA]

Hi Nate!

Welcome to the site!

[TracyB73]

Welcome to the board, as everyone says more fruit more veggies and water water water.

[Nate0201]

I only eat whole grain.wheat bread so that part is easy. I could live off bread myself loll. I did have to switch from whole milk to non fat milk it took some getting used to.