Hey. I figured this would be a good place for an introduction and to show my before pic.
I'm a 33yr old stay at home dad (for now).
I was always in great shape and very fit and active until I was about 25ish.
That is when my daughter was born(I am not using it as an excuse...just sayin, that is when I got careless about my body). Also, I have had a couple injuries that REALLY set me back ALOT.
When I was in shape, my goal was to hit the 180lb mark and be lean and muscle. I couldn't gain weight if I tried. I was at about the 180lb mark (not so muscly...but it was obtainable alot easier than it will be now). Then I broke my leg badly playing soccer with my nephew. I had a rod put it from my knee to my ankle, and 3 screws. During recovery(never did really recover...still have alot of pain YRS later) I was depressed because I couldn't work and provide for my family, and I ate and ate and ate. A typical dinner was 2 20oz steaks, a separate plate FULL of greasy fries, and a salad bowl of ranch to dip my fries in....and a couple pieces of bread. Pizza was also a bad one. The pizza-hut bigfoot didn't stand a chance. I honestly would eat a bigfoot by myself.
I eventually got back to work, lost 35 lbs, then injured my elbow, and have had 2 surgeries(both unsuccessful)....guess what, gained it all back, and then a bit more.
Anyway, I am now at 240 lbs....close to 28% bodyfat. I have fluctuated 240-250 for about 2 years now. And I am determined to get this in control. I know it wont be easy...but 3 weeks has gone by since I have been eating better. 600-1200 calories a day, lowered my carb intake AOT, and am being very careful about my fat intake....I have not lost a lb yet...so I am a little disappointed.

Now....my ultimate goal is to be about 180-200, 8-12% Bodyfat, and start bodybuilding.

I have considered lipotropic or lipoden injections to help with the diet and exercise...but not sure yet....I have heard that the type of fat that I have is one of the hardest for a man to get rid of....anyway, I hope to get some good input and support here during this battle. Because I am SO ready.


and, no...I was not the one giving birth...I am not pregnant, lol

run.. run.. and run.. it looks like the majority of your fat is in ur gut, you can loose that in 4 months

just get ur heart pumpin!

increase your food a tad, try and be near 1800-2000 cals, especially if ur living a very active lifestyle exercising daily

Thanks for the reply. I wasn't sure I was getting enough cals...I don't wanna burn much muscle away, and I have felt REAL tired lately.

Running is out of the question because of the leg injury(maybe without so much weight on it,lol)...but biking on the other hand.....I am still trying to work my way up to target heart rate...not quite there yet, but not giving up, either.

Spend some time reading the stickied theads arond the forum - you'll get some valuable advice about a workout plan... as well as an idea of how many calories you should be consuming...

600-1200 calories a day for your size, criminey for ANY size is really too low... there's few different formulas that you can use to determine an approximate number of calories but every body is different and responds differently to what it's been thru to get to this point.

I'd probably start in the range of 12 calories per pound and start with that as your daily calorie range.. and drop it a little if you aren't seeing any changes... but not a lot -you didn't gain the weight overnight, it's not going to be lost overnight.

I'd also get an account at FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal or one of he other many free food journal sites and keep track of your calories - recording everything you put in your mouth - those little mindless snacks and drinks do add up...

Awesome thanks for the great info, and the link to fitday. That is just what I need.

I'll tell ya one thing....I miss my pizza.

Honestly - there's NO reason why you can't still have pizza... Planning your day out allows you to have all your favorites... Moderation is the key...

I've lost 185lbs in the past 19 months and I have not once felt like i've given up any of my favorite foods -ok i never liked fast food - but I still have pizza, I still have the occassional beer, and french fries - but I plan out my day and make it fit...

185lbs in 19 mo??? Congratulations!! and its good to know.
Maybe I'll treat myself to a slice tonight. maybe.....

a slice of pizza w/ salad (watch the dressing) on the side is a perfectly fine dinner...