So I guess I shouldve figured that this wouldve happened...

Behxo
Behxo Posts: 1,190 Member
I was doing great with weight loss for so long until the day I moved out with my boyfriend, suddenly all of that progress flew out the window. Went from eating right to eating wrong in a matter of days and didn't exercise anymore and made every excuse as to why I couldn't... Today was the dreaded day it really hit me that I let myself go again, looking at myself in the ever so inviting fitting room to try clothes on. Yeah I could tell myself that the lighting was unflattering but I can't keep lying and saying that my weight is okay... 5'3" at almost 170 lbs will never be okay. Need to stop telling myself that I can't exercise today because of some bs excuse and stop saying I can't shop healthy anymore while on a budget... This needs to change and stay that way, I just need to figure out how...the blame isn't on anyone but myself.

Replies

  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    Get past the idea you need to shop for "healthy" foods. You can totally lose weight eating crap as long as you watch your calories. Sure, eating more fruits and veggies is going to help but you can buy frozen veggies very cheaply and they are actually as or more nutritious than fresh depending on how fresh the fresh are. You probably spend more buying crap food than you would buying good stuff anyway.
  • Behxo
    Behxo Posts: 1,190 Member
    Get past the idea you need to shop for "healthy" foods. You can totally lose weight eating crap as long as you watch your calories. Sure, eating more fruits and veggies is going to help but you can buy frozen veggies very cheaply and they are actually as or more nutritious than fresh depending on how fresh the fresh are. You probably spend more buying crap food than you would buying good stuff anyway.

    yea.. that's true, thanks.
  • I completely agree with the poster who mentioned frozen vegetables. They are quite cheap and don't go bad. I actually prefer them to fresh...very convenient. typically no added sodium. i love the green giant steamed veggies...just plain (but you can get types that add a sauce). eggs are very cheap. lowfat milk or almond milk is very reasonable. low sodium or no sodium soups are a good way to fill up with limited calories.

    don't get yourself down. just get back on track.
  • Behxo
    Behxo Posts: 1,190 Member
    I completely agree with the poster who mentioned frozen vegetables. They are quite cheap and don't go bad. I actually prefer them to fresh...very convenient. typically no added sodium. i love the green giant steamed veggies...just plain (but you can get types that add a sauce). eggs are very cheap. lowfat milk or almond milk is very reasonable. low sodium or no sodium soups are a good way to fill up with limited calories.

    don't get yourself down. just get back on track.

    Thank you. :]
  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    You know what to. Now go out there and do it. Remember all you need to exercise is a pair of sneakers and if you can sit in front of a TV you can also exercise there too.
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    You can do it. There are a lot of ways to make your dollar stretch on healthy food. It just takes a little planning and preparation.

    Here are some web sites you might check out:

    http://www.choosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-on-budget.html

    http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/cheap-healthy-15-nutritious-foods-about-2-dollars

    http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy-eating-on-a-budget/package/index.html

    http://www.bhg.com/recipes/healthy/dinner/cheap-heart-healthy-dinner-ideas/

    You can sometimes buy the family size packages of meat when they are on sale and then when you get home separate them into packages the size you use and freeze them. You can also cook up bigger batches and then freeze it to use later in the week.
  • devinbear
    devinbear Posts: 38 Member
    I also gained weight when I started dating/ moved in with my boyfriend. What really helped was both of us being in it together, realizing that our choices affected both our health, (eating out all the time, making large portions). Having a supportive partner really helped with getting on track. Also, the mindset is important too! You are not a failure because you have gained weight. You are getting used to a new lifestyle. Try to find how to stay healthy through the adjustments and don't beat yourself up about gains! You are always learning!
  • Behxo
    Behxo Posts: 1,190 Member
    You can do it. There are a lot of ways to make your dollar stretch on healthy food. It just takes a little planning and preparation.

    Here are some web sites you might check out:

    http://www.choosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-on-budget.html

    http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/cheap-healthy-15-nutritious-foods-about-2-dollars

    http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy-eating-on-a-budget/package/index.html

    http://www.bhg.com/recipes/healthy/dinner/cheap-heart-healthy-dinner-ideas/

    You can sometimes buy the family size packages of meat when they are on sale and then when you get home separate them into packages the size you use and freeze them. You can also cook up bigger batches and then freeze it to use later in the week.

    thank you for this :flowerforyou:
  • Ideabaker
    Ideabaker Posts: 519 Member
    You can do it. There are a lot of ways to make your dollar stretch on healthy food. It just takes a little planning and preparation.

    Here are some web sites you might check out:

    http://www.choosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-on-budget.html

    http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/cheap-healthy-15-nutritious-foods-about-2-dollars

    http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy-eating-on-a-budget/package/index.html

    http://www.bhg.com/recipes/healthy/dinner/cheap-heart-healthy-dinner-ideas/

    You can sometimes buy the family size packages of meat when they are on sale and then when you get home separate them into packages the size you use and freeze them. You can also cook up bigger batches and then freeze it to use later in the week.

    Terrific links here; thanks for sharing them!
  • Behxo
    Behxo Posts: 1,190 Member
    I also gained weight when I started dating/ moved in with my boyfriend. What really helped was both of us being in it together, realizing that our choices affected both our health, (eating out all the time, making large portions). Having a supportive partner really helped with getting on track. Also, the mindset is important too! You are not a failure because you have gained weight. You are getting used to a new lifestyle. Try to find how to stay healthy through the adjustments and don't beat yourself up about gains! You are always learning!

    thanks for the words of encouragement, it just sucks cause he's the guy that eats like crap and never gains lol
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    I also gained weight when I started dating/ moved in with my boyfriend. What really helped was both of us being in it together, realizing that our choices affected both our health, (eating out all the time, making large portions). Having a supportive partner really helped with getting on track. Also, the mindset is important too! You are not a failure because you have gained weight. You are getting used to a new lifestyle. Try to find how to stay healthy through the adjustments and don't beat yourself up about gains! You are always learning!

    thanks for the words of encouragement, it just sucks cause he's the guy that eats like crap and never gains lol

    I was at my all time heaviest 1 year after I got married...and yes my husband can eat crap and never gains either...

    Just get back on the wagon, don't worry about eating "clean"...check my diary and I consistently lose.

    As well it's great to exercise with the men...it's a great hobby to have together...my husband started with me so I wouldn't be benching more then him...:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    I have to echo the sentiment that you don't have to completely change your diet. Portion control is the key. However, I will say that I feel better and more satisfied by the healthier foods, calorie for calorie. For instance, 600 calories of pizza (3 medium slices of Domino's with green pepper and mushroom) can't compare to 600 calories of steak, veg and a little mashed potato. Just something to think about as you get back on track.

    Living with men can be tough because most of them have that wonderful natural ability to eat more calories and stay slim. I was already heavy when I met Hubs but thinking I had to eat like he did sure didn't help things! For the most part, I still cook the way I always have, I just make some slight adjustments (leaner meats, more veg, less pasta/rice, etc) and keep my portions in check.

    Good luck!
  • Stage14
    Stage14 Posts: 1,046 Member
    Tips for shopping "healthy" on a budget.
    - Buy protein/meat in bulk. When you get home, take 30 minutes to trim fat, tenderize (if desired) and measure out meal sized portions into freezer bags and then freeze it. We only buy meat once a month. If you have a costco or sam's club where you are, definitely check them out. You might find it's well worth the yearly membership if you can get decent meat and produce there (note, this will vary by store!).

    - Frozen veggies are your friend. They keep much longer and take less prep. I've even been known to use canned veggies a time or two.

    - Keep some healthier options for "emergency food" on hand. Lean pockets, frozen Smart Ones meals, Gorton's simply bake fish fillets, whatever. That way, when life kicks you in the teeth and you don't have time to cook dinner or pack up a healthy lunch, you don't have to hit the drive through or order pizza.

    - Compare nutrition value AND price, not just one or the other. My store brand peanut butter is 10 more calories per serving with 1 less gram of protein than Jiff. However, it's a full dollar cheaper, so to me, it's worth the small trade off to get to spend that dollar upgrading some other product where the price increase buys me a bigger health difference.
  • Behxo
    Behxo Posts: 1,190 Member
    you guys are wonderful, thank you for the great advice!