Unemployed and Healthier

SaraTonin

It's funny to me, the small changes that happened in my life because of unemployment. I've been unemployed or part-time employed for the past, oh, year and a half.

Luckily for me I had a nice savings built up, as well as a really great family that keeps me from starving, but I still had to cut back on nearly everything.

The amazing thing? Having zero money gives you the will power to STICK to the diet you know you're supposed to follow.

- Cut out all empty drink calories. No coffee, no soda, not even juice. I drink milk and water.
- Cut out all empty snack calories. No chips, no pretzels, no crackers.
- Cut out all empty dessert calories. No chocolate, no ice cream, no pudding.
- Cut out all fast food.
- Cut out all restaurants.
- Cut out most meat except for dinner time, relying on mostly peanut butter, milk, and eggs for protein.
- Cut out expensive fruits and veggies, sticking to the cheap options - bananas, apples, carrots, potatoes, onions.
- Cut out deli meats, freezing whole turkey or ham to thaw for sandwiches.

Funny thing? These are all great, healthy choices for anyone to make. And they say being poor makes you unhealthy?? BULL. If you're eating McDonald's because you're poor then you're not making the economical choice. My rice and chicken will last me three more meals than dollar McDonald's will last.

Hopefully some of you can pick up a few of these habits in these hard economic times.

nienie21

I completely agree. I'm trying to spend less and just stick to the basics, because really that's all you need
Nice job!

SageGoddess320

I must say, your attitude is very refreshing! When life hands you lemons....make lemonaid :drinker:

SaraTonin

Thank you! I have been. Someone gave me lemons so I made some. LOL!

But really, I've been very lucky. I have friends who treat me every once in a while to keep me sane.

johnwhitent

My wife's job is going away in about three weeks and she is so excited to have time to exercise. All she can talk about is swimming, walking, and cycling. Funny, I don't hear any talk of looking for another job!