Starving vs. Eating Junk

hush7hush

Growing up, I was never very educated on how to eat properly.
I can't cook. At all.
I know, I'm a woman that lives alone, I should be able to cook, right?
Yeah, something like that.
On top of that, I work full time, and go to school part time.
I don't have a whole lot of time to prepare healthy meals, or plan my food ahead.
What caused me to gain the most weight over the last year, was those convenient little vending machines all over campus.

Since I don't have time to make a real meal, fast food and snacks always seemed like the go-to choice.
Which is why I'm fat.
AWESOME.

Now that I'm trying to get on the right track, the hardest part is figuring out what I'm supposed to eat.
Okay, salad. Yay.
But you can't live just off that.
And I don't eat much meat.
Just can't do it.
Fish and turkey is all I can handle.

I've realized lately that it's easier for me to just NOT EAT, rather than battle with what's healthy enough TO eat.

Trying to improve on that, I picked up eating slim-fast for breakfast and dinner.
I'm trying to eat carrots as a snack between.
But then, lunch is left.
Today I was in a battle with myself on whether or not subway was healthy.
Bought it.
Then threw it away.
Does anyone else feel like it'd be easier to just NOT eat, instead of trying to figure out if it's good enough or not?

deboyd5004

I have started taking a 100 cal sandwich thin, half slice of 2% cheese, Boca original vegan (mainly bc it's less cals but you could try others). Pop it in the microwave and it's good to go. I always microwave the Boca burger first then throw in the sandwich thin. Takes maybe 2 minutes.Then take along a piece of fruit/veggie and maybe a light yogurt. I keep it all in my lunch box and don't worry about putting it in the fridge (anyway, the one at work is nasty ).

rwarren2

I perfectly understand your dilemma. Have you ever tried healthy choice, steamers, they are low in sodium and most of them are 300 calories and under. I usually eat one for lunch and it is quite filling. I hope this helps. Anything in moderation is fine.

Moonbeamlissie

I eat at Subway. Just watch what you eat. You certainly do not want to get one of those meatball subs with pepperoni on it lol.

Achoooo

You can look up nutrition info on subway, and most restaurants and plan your calories in advance.
No way could I not eat.... I think my problem is, I stay in my calories and I do great, but some of those calories aren't that great I know. I think you could start looking up product nutrtion info too, and logging your calories will help you say on track.
It could be work, yes, but it's worth it!

hush7hush

I just worry that because I sit at a desk all day, I'm going to just GAIN weight, and never lose any if I actually eat.
Yeah, I go to the gym as soon as I leave work.
And I do calisthetics as much as I can during lunch and breaks.
But it just does NOT seem like enough to get rid of the calories I would take in if I ate a whole meal.

hush7hush

I worry that because I try to burn more calories than I eat (it'll make you lose a pound a day, right?) that I might be getting into some sort of anorexic mentality.

I don't want to starve myself.
I just want to see results quicker.
And since you have to burn twice as many calories as you eat to lose a pound, wouldn't it be quicker if I just didn't take in any calories?
I mean, I can't spend four hours on a treadmill. I have things to do.

Achoooo

that is why I like the Jillian Michaels DVDs. 20 minute workouts, using all muscles, it helps get results.
No way could i spend 4 hours in a gym!
Your body needs calories anyway, you have to be careful about "starvation" mode. your body will hang on to the fat and won't budge if you aren't eating enough.

skinnyjeans13

It's really hard... but you have the internet at your fingertips. Google, google, google! There are endless recipes/ideas out there.

For lunch, when I'm at work, I usually have some kind of meat (turkey meatballs, pork tenderloin, chicken, etc) in a salad or over vegetables or in a wrap... I always just try and put together some kind of vegetable, protein and complex carb. Sometimes my foods don't "go together" but it doesn't matter. I had to read and learn A LOT to get on the right track.

hush7hush

I'm happy with my workout routine.
I'm tearing that up!

It's just the food I'm not good about.
It was easy to cut out candy, chips, soda.
But now making the smart choices on what I actually SHOULD eat is hard.

Crissy_jo

I work full time, go to school part time, run 20+ miles a week (that is 200 minutes of running plus travel time), participate in boot camp (another 2 hours a week + travel time), volunteer in two organizations, and have a family. I still manage not to eat out of a vending machine. You have time to cook. You just need to plan ahead so you don't sabotage your efforts. Now for my ideas...

A recipe book I recommend is by Bill Phillips, Eating for Life. His recipes generally are for just 1 to 2 servings, but can be up to 4 servings. The left overs will be your lunch the next day. So cook once, and you have at least two meals. His meals are very simple and tasty - as a new cook you should not have any problems. Try the book out from your library, then if you like it, buy a used one from Amazon or half.com. ISBN: 0972018417. I think I got mine for $8 from Amazon a year or two ago.

Invest in an ice pack and a lunch box. Take your snacks and lunch with you for the day. For snacks (and he also mentions these in his book), try an apple with string cheese, or sugar free yogurt and strawberries, or an orange and handful of almonds. Essentially you want some protein, some fat, and some carbs.

Crissy_jo

I worry that because I try to burn more calories than I eat (it'll make you lose a pound a day, right?) that I might be getting into some sort of anorexic mentality.

I don't want to starve myself.
I just want to see results quicker.
And since you have to burn twice as many calories as you eat to lose a pound, wouldn't it be quicker if I just didn't take in any calories?
I mean, I can't spend four hours on a treadmill. I have things to do.

If you lose a pound a day, you are going to have a miserable time, give up, and gain it right back. Shoot for no more than 2 pounds a week. Stick with the calories you get for the day, don't starve yourself. I see so many people do this and they end up bigger than before. You need to develop habits you can live with for the rest of your life. This is the time to develope and hone those habits. Make sure they are the right habits.

addman72

It quite easy to put your body into starvation mode , therefore you wont lose weight.

It may seem hard but I think you should try and pre pack some lunches/snacks , take a little bit of time before going to bed and make something. even if you have a day where you have some extra spare time then make some meals for the coming week.

I also wouldnt worry trying to reach your goals so quick , I did that some years ago (and you mentioned on your profile you have too ) , if you dont do it right your more likely to fail at it.

Take your time , eat well and the results will happen. You can do it.

tekroncke

I was faced with this dilemna as well for a long time. Salad is the big booster meal at the end of the day. You sholud follow the idea of social classes in your meals. Eat like a queen at breakfast 3/5 of your daily cals. Like a working person at lunch 1/3.then a puper at dinner. This is easy considering a giant salad is like 25o cals dry and you can add tofu for about 200 more. Just remember to plan plan plan. A little forethought keeps the weight off!

hush7hush

Well Crissy, I think your post kind of made me feel like ****.

I'm glad you can bring yourself to do all those things, but I would still like to enjoy my youth a little bit.

modernmom70

Your weight loss goals are unrealistic if you want to maintain the loss. The only way to maintain is to lose it slowly, like 1-2 pounds a week, if you weight over 200 then at the beginning it might come off faster. You just have to be patient, it didn't take you a month to gain it.

If you keep on the way you are going you will end up gaining it all back and then some.

You have to make time for yourself and that incluldes putting aside time to have healthy meals. It just takes a bit of organization.

I have 2 kids, work full time, my kids are in sports and I find time to ensure we all eat not only healthy and 99% whole foods. I also find time to excercise every day, because If I don't look after myself I can't look after my family!

Sorry for the "tough love" approach but sometimes the truth is what we need to shake it up!

labgirl3

If you have 15 minutes, you have more than enough time to put some chicken tenderloins in a non-stick pan (add a bit of olive oil so they don't stick), dash on a little seasoning, cook for 5 minutes, and flip over to cook the other side. While that's going, make a salad or carrots or cut up some fruit or saute some spinach with a little bit of onion or some mushrooms.

If chicken's not your thing - try some sort of fish.

If that's too much to handle - go to the grocery store and buy pre-cooked chicken breasts (or whatever protein you like) and get some frozen veggies that you can steam in the microwave.

Scramble up some eggs for dinner every once in a while. Make an fritatta by sauteeing up some veggies (onions, mushrooms, whatever), bacon if you want, then add 3 eggs (scramble in bowl first) - stick in 350 degree oven until eggs are set and not runny. Eat. Make hard boiled eggs for a quick snack or lunch.

Make your own healthy version of subway - the grocery store has all the ingredients ready, just assemble and bring in a cooler. Try Greek yogurt for a high-protein snack or meal (I like to get plain and sweeten with a little honey and vanilla).

Open up a can of beans and eat with your protein, or wrap in a whole wheat tortilla and make a burrito.

Get Mark Bittman's book - How to Cook Everything. Super simple, very straightforward, and he assumes you know nothing. It is my Bible in the kitchen.

You CAN do this. It's just a matter of wanting it enough! You'll enjoy your youth a lot more if you're happy with your weight, no?

chantel14

subway is always a good choice when you don't have time to eat in. You need to get wheat bread and a lean meat like ham or turkey, no cheese and all the veggies you want. Also, the honey mustard is really good and its fat free. You get all that for only 290 calories! and its filling

hush7hush

As I said earlier, I do work out every day and I am TRYING, hence eats slim fast twice a day instead of nothing like I was doing before.

I am TRYING. That should count for SOMETHING, right?

So far I have noticed many people replying saying I need to do it the "healthy" way, or I'm going to gain it all back.

The only thing I'm doing wrong is skipping lunch.

It's not like I'm starving myself AND sitting on my *kitten* all day.

hush7hush

Thank you to the people who are actually being nice, and giving productive input.


Also, money is a concern.
As I said, I live alone, work, and go to school.
I don't have too much money to buy coolers, ice packs, baking pans, foods, seasonings, etc.

My energy bill seems slightly more important.

addman72

Your not doing bad hushhush , and not eating junk food is a great start.

My concern is your not eating enough calories therefore your drop will into starvation mode. That doesnt mean you are starving yourself so to speak but your body doesnt burn what it should but stores the fats.

If you exercise then you have to eat more to prevent going into starvation mode.

Eating 5 to 6 small meals is the way to go , it trains your body and your metabbolism increases ,therefore you burn more. Skipping meals only damages you and thats speaking from experience.

Stay positive hushhush , glance through the threads there is a wealth of imformation on MFP.

No body is perfect , I fall into bad practices all the time but Im not going to give up.

pooma

Wow! I thought there were some great suggestion! I know I learned a few things. You CAN eat reasonably priced without breakung the bank. And coolers are dirt cheap at any Thrift store. Can also wrap your foor in news paper and carry in a paper bag. Will still keep things hot/cold for quite a while. I think the biggest point expressed was simply to help you eat healthy versus living on Slimfast which is actually pricey for the nutrition you are getting. Good luck to you!

callipygianchronicle

Well, here’s the truth. Yes, if you maintain a calorie deficit, you can lose weight by eating out a vending machine. You do not *have* to eat healthy to lose weight. You have to eat healthy if you want to look good naked. You have to eat healthy if you want to avoid being a normal weight person who has an obese person’s risk for diabetes and heart disease. So, balance it out. If eating healthy and making healthy choices seems impossible, or is something you don’t want to invest time in, then eat as you always have. Log it. Are you going to have optimal energy? No. Are you going to get six-pack abs? No. But you can still lose weight, if that’s your priority. but if you want to feel and look as good as possible, you’re going to have to step outside of your comfort zone, start to learn about food, and learn how to cook some of the food you eat.

ngory07

I honestly dont think people are trying to be mean. I saw a lot of good responses. No one is expecting you to become Martha Stewart but you asked for advice. I understand being busy. I am a single mom, work 2 jobs (nurse), and I am going to school. Being busy and settling for easy is what got me to 300 lbs. You said that money is an issue but do you know its cheaper to cook at home than to buy slimfast??
Coolers can be bought at Good Will or other second hand shops. Seasoning and the proper cookware can also save money. Try not to look at it as an extra expense but rather an investment in your health. Having a cooler means eating out less. Good luck and I hope some of these ideas on here help!!!

hush7hush

Well, here’s the truth. Yes, if you maintain a calorie deficit, you can lose weight by eating out a vending machine. You do not *have* to eat healthy to lose weight. You have to eat healthy if you want to look good naked. You have to eat healthy if you want to avoid being a normal weight person who has an obese person’s risk for diabetes and heart disease. So, balance it out. If eating healthy and making healthy choices seems impossible, or is something you don’t want to invest time in, then eat as you always have. Log it. Are you going to have optimal energy? No. Are you going to get six-pack abs? No. But you can still lose weight, if that’s your priority. but if you want to feel and look as good as possible, you’re going to have to step outside of your comfort zone, start to learn about food, and learn how to cook some of the food you eat.

Don't you realize I'm saying I WANT to learn how to make healthy choices?
If I just wanted to sit around and eat vending machine food I wouldn't be making changes, AND asking for advice, right?

hush7hush

Also, Slimfast is four dollars for a pack of six.
That's breakfast and dinner for three days for only four dollars.
It's actually a VERY cheap option.

lklein

I've been there. But I learned that taking my own lunch was just a much easier route to go. I usually didn't have access to a microwave so I ate lots of sandwiches but mixed it up so I wouldn't get bored. I also mixted up the fruits and veggies I would take with my to eat with my lunch and for snacks. I would make my own 100 calories snack packs in a zip lock bag that were easy to grab and go. You just have to learn what is easiest for you and go with it; you will learn as you go along.

hush7hush

I've been there. But I learned that taking my own lunch was just a much easier route to go. I usually didn't have access to a microwave so I ate lots of sandwiches but mixed it up so I wouldn't get bored. I also mixted up the fruits and veggies I would take with my to eat with my lunch and for snacks. I would make my own 100 calories snack packs in a zip lock bag that were easy to grab and go. You just have to learn what is easiest for you and go with it; you will learn as you go along.

That's what I've been trying to do too.
I'm just worried the bread adds more calories/carbs than I need.
I've been thinking about making my own wraps.
Sounds easy enough, right?
I can get the turkey already sliced from the deli. Lettuce in packs. And a non-fat dressing.
Ta-da! Yummy lunch choice.

ngory07

Also, Slimfast is four dollars for a pack of six.
That's breakfast and dinner for three days for only four dollars.
It's actually a VERY cheap option.

Where I live it is almost 10 for a six pack. And nutritionally you could b

ngory07

Also, Slimfast is four dollars for a pack of six.
That's breakfast and dinner for three days for only four dollars.
It's actually a VERY cheap option.

Where I live it is almost 10 for a six pack. And nutritionally you could b

ngory07

Also, Slimfast is four dollars for a pack of six.
That's breakfast and dinner for three days for only four dollars.
It's actually a VERY cheap option.

Where I live it is almost 10 for a six pack. And nutritionally you could b

be making a much more filling meal at home. Im kind of confused to why you asked for advice? Are you finding any of these replies as something that might help?