I need a mentor...

louiseshaw88

I am wondering if there is someone on this forum who can help me achieve my goals - I have tried time after time to this on my own but I fail because I dont know what to eat - I have come to realise it is not about low calorie alone being the answer to the problem ! I am at present training for my 1st marathon in October and have in my mind if I train I can eat what I like it will counter act each other which I know I need to change
I need someone who can take this on with me and give me an idea of what foods to eat & when (I am on a very low food budget so please bear this in mind) I need to stop thinking pasta is bad & so are potatoes or all breads ect
I carry ALOT of my weight on my stomach and it's fair to say I despise my body, I dont enjoy nights out with friends because of this and It's time to sort it out

If there is anyone who thinks they could take me on as a project or student ect then I would love to you - I know this is a big ask but I thought it would be worth a try !

ms_leanne

I certainly don't have experience in nutrition but if it helps, feel free to add me. I consume a diet with a lot of fruit and veg and love using herbs and spices for my food. I tend to stick to wholegrans such as brown rice, brown pasta, new potatoes (LowGI) and wholemeal bread. Have a look at fibre contents too and try to hit your daily fibre content to keep your stomach happy.

Sometimes its about experimenting with flavours (it doesn't always work but people/online recipes can help).

louiseshaw88

Thank you so much I know I could do it if I had enough money to buy fresh meat and veg ect but I dont - I like quorn so I am going to try and stick to that instead of processed meat ect but I will look into wholegrains - sick of seeing bag of frozen crap on offer at the supermarket and when I have £10 a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks aswell as things like toilet roll ect it's so hard not to have to buy them if that makes sense x

concordancia

You can't afford fresh veggies, but you are willing to spend your money on quorn products?!

Try beans if you are vegetarian. But even lean ground turkey and chicken breasts going to be a lot cheaper than quorn! Heck, you might even find sirloin for less.

As you read these boards, stop and look at the diaries of people who make sense to you. That will give you some ideas. Some people are more on target than others. I make most of my own meals, but have been having Reuben sandwiches, since I bought too much corned beef and they won't let you buy two slices of rye bread.

ms_leanne

Lentils are a great meat substitute, I buy the canned varieties as they cook so much quicker. Frozen veggies also feature in my freezer which you can pick up for a little as £1 a large bag in some supermarkets.

I do buy frozen chicken in bags (but then I'm not sure if you are veggie or just buying Quorn for the healthy eating). I buy 3 large red onions for £1 something, a bag of 3 red peppers, a box of mushrooms and I keep them in the fridge. I will delve into them most days for my evening meal. It's also worth buying a 420g bag of carrot batons and perhaps eating those as part of a healthy snack. They don't last the week lol.

jivitasa

I would be happy to help you. I'm finishing up my bachelor's in Nutrition Science, and am a group fitness instructor. I work at an all women's bootcamp gym, and head up the nutrition program there. I won't say I'm an expert, but I am highly knowledgeable. I don't go around these forums as a know-it-all by any means!

Coincidentally I also love to cook and am obsessed with food, so I certainly have plenty of ideas there. Feel free to add me and send me a PM with any questions, and how I can help.

Caletagirl

Find yourself a fruit and veg stall! They all vary in price so it will take a bit of looking around but once you have found one, your never go back to buy your fruit and veg in a supermarket again! They are cheaper and fresher. I can get 2 weeks of fruit and veg for about £10 or less. I buy a 25kg bag of potatoes which is about £8-£10 and share it between friends and split the cost.
If you can't afford meat, eat beans and pulses and your veg.
For example, I have a massive pan I cook my chilli/spag bol in. I add beans and pulses, some mince (if wanted) and veg with a tin of smart price tomatoes and passata and get myself loads of containers and split them into meals for 1 or 2 and then freeze them. Then its ready to go when i am in a rush.
Plus with all the veg you get, you can freeze it. Blanch it for a few mins on the hob, allow to cool then freeze. So you can always have stuff in the freezer. I find that my veg stall i go to has a bargain bucket and I pick up all the 'going off' veg and go home to cook it and freeze.
It does take a lot of time initially but once you get into a routine, you won't go back
Add me if you would like any advice. I'm no guru but when it comes to money saving, I am pretty good

louiseshaw88

You can't afford fresh veggies, but you are willing to spend your money on quorn products?!

Try beans if you are vegetarian. But even lean ground turkey and chicken breasts going to be a lot cheaper than quorn! Heck, you might even find sirloin for less.

As you read these boards, stop and look at the diaries of people who make sense to you. That will give you some ideas. Some people are more on target than others. I make most of my own meals, but have been having Reuben sandwiches, since I bought too much corned beef and they won't let you buy two slices of rye bread.

Quorn pieces are £1.50 in my local shop for a bag that does me 4 meals much cheaper than any meat i've found - thanks for the advice about the boards ect