Diet and socioeconomic status/changes

Amy3935

Hey all - Was wondering what you guys thought of the effect different socioeconomic statuses has on dieting. Not just income (though it's a big part) but the ability to ask for help, etc.
I got to my highest weight a couple months ago when I was basically "homeless," bouncing between friends' couches. I was eating pretty much every meal out of the house, and it's very difficult to make good choices then (not that I tried that hard). About 6 weeks ago I moved back in with my parents and a month ago really committed to losing weight. It's been very helpful to have not only access to a well-stocked kitchen, access to a car to shop for ingredients, but also access to an elliptical machine in the basement. In another 6 weeks I'm moving out again, and I'm worried it will be hard to keep up the progress. I'm not sure I can afford a gym membership - and I'm really not much of a runner (I don't really want to be seen outside).
Any personal experiences with this? Do you find it harder to diet when cash flow is low?

Edited to add: My parents are totally supportive, and they're not kicking me out, I just feel like I really need to stand on my own two feet at this point in my life.

Branstin

You don't need a gym membership in order to lose weight. A calorie deficiency is the basis of weight loss. Exercise and water aid in the process. This link is all you need to get started and it's free. The MFP app is also free. Don't worry about being seen outside. Do whatever you need to in order to achieve your goal. You could buy workout videos to use at home as well.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

Ninkyou

Adapt.

Use a local park to walk. Use water jugs for heavy lifting. Use Youtube videos for workout routines. Losing weight/getting fit doesn't have to be a money-sink. There are plenty of things you can do within your means to lose weight and/or getting fit.

apparations

Personally I've found it easier to eat well during times when I've been strapped for cash. It forced me not to go out and buy things when I had food in the house I could eat. On that note it's really important to have a well stocked pantry so you have that option. Fresh fruits and veggies cost less in the long run-- especially when it comes to your health.

Okapi42

Find a bicycle - you can get a cheap second-hand one - and use that for your transport. Saves money *and* gets you exercise. Worked for me as a student.

soxobsessed

youtube is full of free work out videos

lindsey1979

I think there is a lot of truth to this. The foods with the worst ingredients tend to be very cheap (hello fast food!). My FIL bought some cookies at Safeway the other day -- there were well over 50 cookies -- for $5. Full of the worst ingredients -- HFCS, transfat, etc. -- but tasty. I could never have made that many cookies from scratch for the same price.

High quality meats, fats and fruits and veggies are expensive. So, I definitely think there is a major correlation between cheap food, poverty and obesity. Especially when you throw in the cost of health care on top of everything.

Amy3935

Thanks, this is a big part of what I was trying to get it. I'm not saying I'm going to give up my weight loss plan as soon as I move out, I just worry that it is much harder and more expensive to eat healthy. I did not say: oh I can't afford a gym membership I'm going to stop working out. I just mentioned that as part of the larger problem.

I think there is a lot of truth to this. The foods with the worst ingredients tend to be very cheap (hello fast food!). My FIL bought some cookies at Safeway the other day -- there were well over 50 cookies -- for $5. Full of the worst ingredients -- HFCS, transfat, etc. -- but tasty. I could never have made that many cookies from scratch for the same price.

High quality meats, fats and fruits and veggies are expensive. So, I definitely think there is a major correlation between cheap food, poverty and obesity. Especially when you throw in the cost of health care on top of everything.

Branstin

Thanks, this is a big part of what I was trying to get it. I'm not saying I'm going to give up my weight loss plan as soon as I move out, I just worry that it is much harder and more expensive to eat healthy. I did not say: oh I can't afford a gym membership I'm going to stop working out. I just mentioned that as part of the larger problem.

I wasn't suggesting that you can't afford a gym membership. It takes time and money to re-establish yourself but there are free and cheaper means to lose weight in the meantime.

Junebuggyzy

It's tough. I always feel bad that poorer neighborhoods don't have access to the very fresh fruits and vegetables available in my area. I live in Chicago. I feel bad that there is so much starchy junky stuff so freely available and not the healthy stuff.