Hi, everyone!

I'm a longtime lurker on this website. I've always peeked and read, but never posted. I let my male insecurity stop me from creating an account. However, being that I don't have many people going through this journey with me, I decided to create an account. My name is Lee, and I'm a 32 year old Middle School teacher from New York City. I'm happily married with a spitfire little girl, Zoey, who is 2 years old. I have another one on the way.

I put on my weight when I was around 20 years old. I was not heavy in High School. When I went away to college, most kids put on the freshman 15... I put on the freshman 50. Going from 190 to 240 in a year can send a guy into depression, and next year, I gained another 50 pounds, leaving me at 290. I still had my sense of humor and my charms about me, because, even while heavy, I married a gorgeous girl. She knew me when I was much skinnier. She's still, to this day, the best thing to ever happen to me.

I've been a yo-yo dieter for a long time, bouncing between 270 and 320 for a very long time. When I found out my family was expanding by another little one, I decided it was time to actually educate myself on weight loss... and that's where I am now. The last 3 and a half months have been pretty amazing. I have gone from the couch to riding a grand total of 600 total miles, including a few 30 mile-long trips. I have learned that weight loss isn't about some tricks or anything like that. It's all about calories in vs. calories out. I didn't join a club or anything. Instead, I keep a food diary religiously on DailyBurn (and keep between 1800-2500 calories a day), and I walk / bike ride everywhere I can. I am never hungry. I eat what I want this time around. If I want Pizza, well.. I eat the pizza! I have just learned the art of portion control. Actually understanding what a serving is made all the difference for me. I have lost 50 pounds in 3 1/2 months. My goal was to lose 100 pounds in a calendar year, and then 20 pounds over the next calendar year. I'm stoked and happy... I have some major problems about fitting into clothing. I feel like my identity as a big man, one that I've clung to for years, is now going to the wayside. It's such a psychological change... not just a physical one.

Thanks for reading. I'd love to make a new few friends here and see if, well.. someone wants to journey along with me.

All the best,
Lee

Welcome to the site, Lee.

Welcome, Lee!
Loved the title to your post! It made me laugh. Thanks!

You are more than welcome here. We are all here for the same reason...to loose weight & be healthier. Just cause we are male & female makes very little difference. Maybe it makes a difference in how we reward ourselves, but not much more. I don't see you rewarding yourself with a cute pair of pumps or a new lipstick! lol
I think you are probably seeing that it's not so easy to keep up with Zoey & there's another on the way...how are you going to keep up with TWO? Loosing weight & getting healthy will help tons.
Good idea not to deprive yourself. If you deprive yourself, you are more apt to fall off the wagon all together. Also what you going to do when faced with "the real world"...going out to eat, going to a party, going on vacation. Portion control is what is going to help you in those situations.
Hope you do find the help & support you are seeking here. I know I've only been here a few weeks, but I know that support is KEY to weight loss. 3 keys to loosing weight: healthy eating, exercise & support.
Good luck! Keep us posted! We'll do what we can to help you reach your goals!!! :-)

Hiya! I hope you enjoy hangin' here! It might be a little weird when girls start talking about, well, girl stuff, but it'll be okay! There's other guys that get on here too, so you're not alone!
Hang tough and remember to not give up!

Welcome and good luck ! Congratulations on a great start. You are welcome to post anyplace you feel like, we do have a Men's Corner , too and some very succsessful men dieters.

Hi Lee, and You are most welcome; there are several guys here. Congratulations on your great start. Sounds like you have a fantastic plan that is working!

Welcome, Lee, It's always great to have another male on 3FC.

You'll find a bunch of us guys distributed around and about. From time to time, we drop by the Men's Corner, but you can find groups by age, amount of weight to lose, or special interest.

See you around.

Welcome! You will find this site very helpful and motivating!

I'm new to the site as well but wanted to say congratulations on your success so far. When your feeling weak or low just look at your daughter for inspiration. I used to substitute teach and it take a special person to teach those middle schoolers

Welcome to the site! Sounds like you are doing great! Congrats on your weight loss so far It is really amazing how easy it is to lose weight once you get it right.
I don't know about you but I was so happy to actually be able to run after my kids. Something that I no way could have done before I started my new lifestyle. Totally worth it! I agree with the above poster.. if you ever feel down or anything look at your kids.. they are a great inspiration!

Welcome!

Welcome Lee,

Congratulations on the success you have had so far! There is no better motivator to keep going on your path than great results!

Geraldine
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