How to Diet with no Money

First, admit the situation sucks. Second, get ready to stretch your dollar and improve your cooking skills. There have been some good tips on here about getting bulk, food pantry and sale items; these are all good ideas. But what you'll want to do is get all the cheap stuff prepared into meals that are both healthy and enjoyable. It is possible, but it will take some practice. It is glib to say that this is an opportunity, but it is. Not only can you make good food and lose weight, the feeling of accomplishment will help you get through the days of unemployment. Trust me, I've been there too. Best of luck.

First of all, I feel for you. My husband and i went through a very tough financial time. Being jobless affords you a good amount of exercise time! Don't feel guilty--use the time! The energy that exercise will return to you will feed your stamina to search out a good job! The open highway is the largest, cheapest gym in the world--go run--go walk!

With regard to food--a few tips... Avoid anything branded or packaged. Find a good local farmers market for fruit/veges--they will be fresher and cheaper. Buy bulk eggs--if you can't afford a costco or sams membership, you can buy one of their giftcards at the store for any amount and then shop there without a membership. If you live somewhere where there is growing this time of year, meet up with local farmers etc and offer to volunteer a few hours a week in exchange for some really healthy produce. I have a sort of "roll up your sleeves" approach to getting what you need.

$20 is a real challenge for a month of groceries! Avoid the low fiber carbs--they simply make you hungrier as you gain weight eating unproductive/empty calories!

Here's my favorite cheap/healthy foods:
eggs (focus on the whites)
sweet potatoes
tomatoes (1 tomato greased with olive oil, doused with salt/pepper and baked in oven is a delicious meal!)--on the surface, not cheap but super beneficial and can serve as a whole meal.
Nothing wrong with buying thighs--just trim the fat. You cook those long enough and they really lean out.

Good luck and the $ will come. Focus on your good health--that no one can afford to lose!

I am currently unemployed. I want to use this time to get healthier and lose weight because I finally have time to cook meals and exercise. When I go to the store to buy mostly fresh produce and proteins my grocery bill triples! Because I have 0 income I feel pressured to buy things that will last longer and cost less such as Ramen Noodles, Beans, Rice, Pasta, etc. I know that these things should not be the bulk of what I am eating but my cabinets are empty and I don't know what else to do. I am truly always HUNGRY. Even though I have been more active, I have actually gained weight because of my carb intake. I have $20 to buy my food for the next month. There has to be an affordable solution to this problem. Please Help.

You don't gain weight cause of high carbs. You don't lose weight by eating protein.

You want to lose weight, burn more calories than you consume, that's it. Don't make it complicated. That means you can eat, ramen noodles, beans, rice, pasta etc... just stay under your calories.

Right, now is not the time to focus on anything other than working with what is real and possible.
Forget macro's, diets and anything outside your budget.
When funds permit, sprinkle your grocery list with lean meats, fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, low fat dairy, whole grains and some supplements if you like.

One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.
Albert Schweitzer

You don't gain weight cause of high carbs. You don't lose weight by eating protein.

You want to lose weight, burn more calories than you consume, that's it. Don't make it complicated. That means you can eat, ramen noodles, beans, rice, pasta etc... just stay under your calories.

Some people do gain because of carbs... I can eat 1600 calories of 200 carbs a day and I WILL gain weight. If I eat 1600 cals of 50 carbs and high fat I lose weight... So just staying under calories doesnt ALWAYS work.

legumes are actually pretty good for you and filling, as well as a good source of protein...add some meat in small quantities to make it a complete protein. Buy dried legumes (various beans, split peas, lentils, etc) and prepare them at home (they go a long way and are dirt cheap). Serve them with brown rice or other whole grains like quinoa, couscous, etc

If you have or have friends who have memberships to Coscto or Sam's Club, stock up on meats and freeze them...also things like canned tuna and canned salmon which can be purchased in bulk at these types of stores and you can save a lot of $$. I personally recommend frozen fruits and veg to fresh if you're on a budget...they seem to be cheaper and go a bit further...they also usually have more nutrients than fresh.

If you haven't done so, you should look into assistance such as food stamps...no shame in it.

Well first I'd suggest either seeking unemployment or benefits from the government, that is why it is there afterall, secondly, check out your local food pantry if you are in need of more options(many times they have some selections of fresh veg). I'd recommend things like turkey chili(ground turkey is bulk is cheap and you can use rice and beans to make large portions and freeze/refridge it). I'd recommend a site called Budget Bites, which focues on cheap recipes.

Thanks for the site recommendation, they have some very tasty loooking recipes on there and it's awesome how they break down the cost of the ingredients. I'm adding this to my favorties!

I'm sorry you're going through this. I know I've been there. I've actually saved a lot of money by dieting believe it or not. I don't buy too much fresh produce because I don't eat a lot (I gained from eating bad foods, not a lot of it). I buy a lot of canned veggies which is filling and actually really affordable. For lunches I buy campbells vegetable soup! 100 calories for 1/2 a can and its usually about $1. It's not ideal but it is what it is. The diet foods like the healthy choice meals sometimes are good too! The new healthy choice baked taste is only $2.50 for a meal of 180 calories. That helped me when I usually spend about $7 at taco bell or burger king. I hope that helps.

I am currently unemployed. I want to use this time to get healthier and lose weight because I finally have time to cook meals and exercise. When I go to the store to buy mostly fresh produce and proteins my grocery bill triples! Because I have 0 income I feel pressured to buy things that will last longer and cost less such as Ramen Noodles, Beans, Rice, Pasta, etc. I know that these things should not be the bulk of what I am eating but my cabinets are empty and I don't know what else to do. I am truly always HUNGRY. Even though I have been more active, I have actually gained weight because of my carb intake. I have $20 to buy my food for the next month. There has to be an affordable solution to this problem. Please Help.

You don't gain weight cause of high carbs. You don't lose weight by eating protein.

You want to lose weight, burn more calories than you consume, that's it. Don't make it complicated. That means you can eat, ramen noodles, beans, rice, pasta etc... just stay under your calories.

Right, now is not the time to focus on anything other than working with what is real and possible.
Forget macro's, diets and anything outside your budget.
When the time comes when funds permit, sprinkle your grocery list with lean meats, fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, low fat dairy, whole grains and some supplements if you like.
Good Luck!

This was my excuse when i was younger, when i was like 14-18. "I can't lose weight cause I don't have money." I realized it was a big lie.

Right, at day's end, it's calories in vs calories out.
I too was full of excuses.
And yes, poverty sucks...but we are still in control.
Being aware of our excuses is the mark of a successful person on his or her way to potential realized.

I am currently unemployed. I want to use this time to get healthier and lose weight because I finally have time to cook meals and exercise. When I go to the store to buy mostly fresh produce and proteins my grocery bill triples! Because I have 0 income I feel pressured to buy things that will last longer and cost less such as Ramen Noodles, Beans, Rice, Pasta, etc. I know that these things should not be the bulk of what I am eating but my cabinets are empty and I don't know what else to do. I am truly always HUNGRY. Even though I have been more active, I have actually gained weight because of my carb intake. I have $20 to buy my food for the next month. There has to be an affordable solution to this problem. Please Help.

Buy frozen veggies. They are cheaper and last longer. look for sales. Tuna is cheap. Eggs are cheap. You can usually find chicken on sale for pretty low prices. Cut out all liquids that cost money. a $2 soda can buy a pound of chicken breasts on sale.
You can still have Ramen noodles, but add frozen veggies and protein to them. Sliced boiled eggs, chicken breasts, pork roast, etc.
Buy meat in bulk and when on sale. Separate it into individual servings in baggies and freeze it for later meals.
Cook all your own food. Convenience foods are much higher priced.

It can be done, just takes planning and good choices.

do you have an aldis in your area? they have inexpensive frozen vegetables.. buy peanut butter, eggs , tuna and oatmeal.. but really you should go to the local social services and apply for food stamps . you can also go to a food pantry to get things. dont be ashamed to do it either. i was dirt poor at one time in my life and i got help . today im doing well in my life and ive made sure i always help out people in need . good luck with all that!!