Eating 1x day to stay under calories
Replies
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devilwhiterose wrote: »Ya that's a bad idea.
Rather than one large meal, eat several small meals. Snack every few hours. It'll keep you full.
Also...no diet pills.
This^
What happens (under the 1 meal a day - diet pill plan) when you get to goal? How do you manage less food forever?
Eat reasonably. Maybe 1400 isn't enough (especially if you are exercising). Figuring out what keeps you full longer is very helpful for long term. Look for protein, fat and fiber. Those are filling components.0 -
KurumiSophia wrote: »Ladiebug710 wrote: »It is much easier to stay on budget if you cook.
I usually will just make something for my kid as my husband works nights so it doesn't make sense to cook this whole meal affair when it's just me and her. She doesn't eat much and it's easier to throw a pb and j or some such in her general direction then to try to do an entire meal with sides and everything that my husband won't even be there for. Only time I cook a real meal is if he is off work and home to actually eat it.
IDK if it's relevant but I am also battling untreated depression which, depending on the day, makes me want to eat everything in sight or not a darn thing at all.
I'm curious why you and your daughter alone aren't worth cooking for? Just because your husband is gone, you guys don't deserve a meal? I'm not trying to be mean, but it seems you're not placing enough value on you and your daughter's needs.
And I know you said she is a picky 8 year old, but you are her mother and you control what she eats. I'm not suggesting putting her on your diet or taking all of her favorite foods away, but you'd do well by her to expose her to healthy food options now so she doesn't end up where you are later.0 -
Please don't turn to appetite suppressants. I totally understand your frustration at grocery costs and what appears to be a very unsupportive family in this matter but you need to look after yourself and show your daughter a healthy outlook on food and her diet....skipping meals is no way to do this. God forbid also that you took pills which made you ill, how would you look after her? I'm sorry if this seems harsh but you're selflessly thinking of everyone elses requirements when it's ok to be a bit selfish at times and do what's right for you. Can you search for low cost meals online? It may be something you can involve your daughter in which may also give her the tools to budget and eat well when she's much older?
I really hope you can find a solution, I wish you the very best of luck!0 -
KurumiSophia wrote: »devilwhiterose wrote: »Oh! Packets of tuna are usually around $1. Make a sandwich with that, light mayo, a little pickle relish, and pepper. Accompany that with some baked chips or veggies.
I work in a small office. Tuna would NOT be a good idea.
I cook broccoli in my office and my boss eats tuna all the time. This is not a huge imposition.0 -
With a tight finances meal planning and a budget is pretty essential.
You can do a limited rotating menu of just a few meals/foods. Look for recipes with fewer ingredients.
I find pre-logging my food for the whole day helps me stick to my calorie goal.
Protein, fats and fiber help to feel full.
Drinking mostly water saves some money.
Cooking can be cheaper than pre-made meals.
Oatmeal, dry beans, lentils, rice, pasta, frozen vegetables, potatoes, onions, peanut butter, eggs, tuna, popcorn are generally cheaper foods. Chicken thighs or a whole chicken can be cheaper than boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sometimes buying a larger container and portioning it out is a bit cheaper. Buy foods whole and cut, shred, skin them yourself. Buy store brands. Soup is a good dollar stretcher and you can freeze and reheat it.
Apply for assistance or visit a food bank.
http://www.budgetbytes.com
http://dontwastethecrumbs.com/2015/06/one-week-50-meal-plan-for-a-family-of-four/0 -
I just noticed that's $50/month and not $50/week. Um...what? Time for a second (or third) job. 1400 calories is 1400 calories...whether you eat it all at once or spread out, it's the same amount of food and therefore will cost the same amount of money. Looks like you'll be eating $12.50 of Ramen a week, because any variety on that budget is near impossible.
If I were you, I'd be watching Extreme Couponing for tips.0 -
megomerrett wrote: »Sorry - totally didn't address the ACL thing. My husband had his reconstructed a year or so ago (many thanks NHS) and I was amazed at how soon he was on his bike (missed a whole season of rugby though) - I thought it would be awful for his knee but he said it's perfect as it's the natural movement for the joint so good for strengthening. Not ideal in your situation I'm guessing though. Could your doctor give you any advice? Or you could post a new thread on the exercise board - I'm sure someone there could help or has been in the same situation. A physiotherapist or someone. (I know nothing!)
I need to find a doctor with after hours appointments. Boss lady is not cool with me going to appointments during work hours. (I'm trying to find a more accommodating job but I haven't gotten any bites yet.) I'm waiting on the state to let me know what the status on my Medicaid is so I can even start to doctor hunt.0 -
SingingSingleTracker wrote: »KurumiSophia wrote: »SingingSingleTracker wrote: »Cheap?
On $50 a week...
Box of Cereal = $3-4
7 Plain Chobani Yogurts 5.3 oz = $7 ---- or get the 32 oz for $5
Get some bananas, apples, berries for the week = $5
Smart Balance Chunky Peanut Butter = $3.25 (14 servings of 2 tablespoons)
Loaf of Arnold Whole Grain Oat Nut Bread = $5.20 (enough in the package for 8 sandwiches)
Are you with me so far? Your cost for breakfast and lunch per day is $3.49 for the above.
Dinner/Supper
Box of Noodles = $1.50 - $2
Package of Spinach or Spring Mix Greens = $2.50 - $3
Two cans of Starkist Low Sodium tuna packed in water = $5.16 ($2.58 x 2 cans)
Two chicken boneless/skinless breasts = $3.50
One can of salmon = $2.50 - $3.50 for a 14.5 oz can!!!
One small 6 oz sirloin steak (can cut in half to use it for two evening meals) = $3.75
Chunk of Feta Cheese = $5.25
Total Cost $47.11 plus tax
Bowl of cereal and some yoghurt for breakfast (a little fruit as well). 350-400 calories
Peanut better sandwich for lunch. 350 calories
Veggies and noodles or spinach salad for dinner (noodles about 200-250 calories per serving, spinach leaves raw or Spring MIx calories are about 7 calories per cup) with some protein - (can of Starkist Low Sodium tuna packed in water - 120 calories, chicken breast - 280 calories, sirloin steak - 440 calories, salmon - 130 calories, or chunk of Feta cheese - 200 calories)
Days Total = 1300-1400 calories
How do I stretch that for 4 people though?
You didn't say that in your original post which I was responding....Worst idea ever? I started tracking yesterday and thought I was doing OK only to see I was 300 calories over goal for the day. I am not even sure how to stay full on 1400 calories a day with a limited grocery budget. ($50/week) I am debating just not eating save for dinner and and getting some diet pills to crush my appetite.
4 people on $50 a week? Lots of websites pop up that meet that goal - in terms of budget and food. You'll have to do the calorie calculations to see if they would meet your 1400 calorie per day goal, but I'm sure that would be the easiest part of the equation.
http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/05/how-i-feed-our-family-of-5-for-50-per-week.html
http://www.yourbeavercounty.com/allies-weekly-meal-plan-feeding-a-family-of-four-on-50-per-week/
http://www.grocerybudget101.com/cheapeats/50-weekly-menus-8/
http://dontwastethecrumbs.com/2015/06/one-week-50-meal-plan-for-a-family-of-four/
Skip the diet pills to crush your appetite. Some nice tea with caffeine in the morning and mid-afternoon should take care of that. And drink lots of water.
Sorry. I'm stupid. I am not always great at clarity. I'm trying the best I can.0 -
I have a torn acl and lcl. There are workouts on YouTube that can be done sitting down (jessica Smith, i think) and low-impact workouts that i did while mine was still healing (as much as they will ever heal, anyway)0
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missblondi2u wrote: »KurumiSophia wrote: »Ladiebug710 wrote: »It is much easier to stay on budget if you cook.
I usually will just make something for my kid as my husband works nights so it doesn't make sense to cook this whole meal affair when it's just me and her. She doesn't eat much and it's easier to throw a pb and j or some such in her general direction then to try to do an entire meal with sides and everything that my husband won't even be there for. Only time I cook a real meal is if he is off work and home to actually eat it.
IDK if it's relevant but I am also battling untreated depression which, depending on the day, makes me want to eat everything in sight or not a darn thing at all.
I'm curious why you and your daughter alone aren't worth cooking for? Just because your husband is gone, you guys don't deserve a meal? I'm not trying to be mean, but it seems you're not placing enough value on you and your daughter's needs.
And I know you said she is a picky 8 year old, but you are her mother and you control what she eats. I'm not suggesting putting her on your diet or taking all of her favorite foods away, but you'd do well by her to expose her to healthy food options now so she doesn't end up where you are later.
I value my kid a lot. She's just really petite and does not eat a lot so it does not make sense to me to put together big meals when it's just me and her eating. It's often easier to throw a kid friendly type food at her then it is to make something I can't guarantee she will eat.
I don't particularly value me but I know I need to lose to take pressure off my left knee and it's partially attached ACL.0 -
KurumiSophia wrote: »Worst idea ever? I started tracking yesterday and thought I was doing OK only to see I was 300 calories over goal for the day. I am not even sure how to stay full on 1400 calories a day with a limited grocery budget. ($50/week) I am debating just not eating save for dinner and and getting some diet pills to crush my appetite.
There is nothing at all wrong with eating only one meal a day if you are comfortable with that and still getting proper nutrition. But if you have to take diet pills in order to make it comfortable you might want to rethink whether it is the right option for you.
Maybe it is. Appetite suppressants can be helpful when losing weight. But you'll need to learn to manage without them at some point.
Also, you don't have to buy separate foods for you and your family just because you are trying to lose weight. Just cook healthy normal meals for all and manage your portions. Dried beans, whole grains and frozen vegetables are cheap nutrient dense foods that are very versatile.0 -
KurumiSophia wrote: »missblondi2u wrote: »KurumiSophia wrote: »Ladiebug710 wrote: »It is much easier to stay on budget if you cook.
I usually will just make something for my kid as my husband works nights so it doesn't make sense to cook this whole meal affair when it's just me and her. She doesn't eat much and it's easier to throw a pb and j or some such in her general direction then to try to do an entire meal with sides and everything that my husband won't even be there for. Only time I cook a real meal is if he is off work and home to actually eat it.
IDK if it's relevant but I am also battling untreated depression which, depending on the day, makes me want to eat everything in sight or not a darn thing at all.
I'm curious why you and your daughter alone aren't worth cooking for? Just because your husband is gone, you guys don't deserve a meal? I'm not trying to be mean, but it seems you're not placing enough value on you and your daughter's needs.
And I know you said she is a picky 8 year old, but you are her mother and you control what she eats. I'm not suggesting putting her on your diet or taking all of her favorite foods away, but you'd do well by her to expose her to healthy food options now so she doesn't end up where you are later.
I value my kid a lot. She's just really petite and does not eat a lot so it does not make sense to me to put together big meals when it's just me and her eating. It's often easier to throw a kid friendly type food at her then it is to make something I can't guarantee she will eat.
I don't particularly value me but I know I need to lose to take pressure off my left knee and it's partially attached ACL.
I apologize if my post implied in any way that you don't value your daughter. That was not my intention. My point was just that the two of you alone are worth cooking for, even if your husband is gone.
And you don't have to make a large meal if you don't eat much. Cook off a chicken leg or two with some rice and a little veggie. Easy. Or better yet, cook large portions on the weekends, and you can reheat as much as you want throughout the week.0 -
You can cook bigger meals that make leftovers. My husband and I do it all the time. Helps me not have to full on cook every night and can make some really delicious stuff. I have read all your comments on all the suggestions and you make all the excuses and even put yourself down. I would put dealing with weight til you deal with your depression because this journey is hard enough for Ppl who don't have depression. Get that under control then decide the best way to proceed for your weight with a clear head.0
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Blueseraphchaos wrote: »I have a torn acl and lcl. There are workouts on YouTube that can be done sitting down (jessica Smith, i think) and low-impact workouts that i did while mine was still healing (as much as they will ever heal, anyway)
I need to have mine screwed back into place but can't afford it.
So I am trying to find stuff that's as friendly as possible to my leg. 0 -
Some folks are giving you really great resources to research how to eat on your budget and in return. I live on a very tight budget but I cook every single meal I eat and figured out a way to eat at my goal. It definitely wasn't easy but I'm doing it.
It might be a good idea re-evaluate how badly you want weight loss and what are willing to do to get it. It's not easy, but you can't let excuses stand in your way. Push them aside and get what you want.0 -
I live with 2 guys who eat what they want, when they want. I do cook for them but I don't cater to anyone's food choices, I make food for everyone and if they eat it great, if not even better for me because left overs! You can also eat whatever you want, just in smaller portions so if everyone likes spaghetti and meat sauce, make it, and eat it and if you have left overs take them for lunch.
Buy frozen fruits & veggies - they last longer. Get yourself a crockpot/slowcooker if you don't have one and make freezer meals for yourself. Cheap, easy, less sodium than a frozen dinner you buy. Google or go to pinterest and look there are TONS of ideas to do on a budget.
I think you are too "in diet mode", stop looking for reasons to NOT cook and just do it. Majority of the "I am so hungry" is in your head because you are restricting yourself too much. Also get up and move, I bet if you had exercised yesterday you wouldn't have been over those 300 calories.
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devilwhiterose wrote: »Ya that's a bad idea.
Rather than one large meal, eat several small meals. Snack every few hours. It'll keep you full.
Also...no diet pills.
This^
What happens (under the 1 meal a day - diet pill plan) when you get to goal? How do you manage less food forever?
Eat reasonably. Maybe 1400 isn't enough (especially if you are exercising). Figuring out what keeps you full longer is very helpful for long term. Look for protein, fat and fiber. Those are filling components.
Currently goal is 135lbs but I am heavily considering moving it to 115 or less since that's when everyone else says I looked my best.0 -
You've gotten a lot of good ideas, and so far you've shot down every single one. It would be worth preparing a real meal for yourself and your daughter because you both would be getting proper nutrition and you can take the leftovers to work for lunch. No microwave? Eat it cold/room temp, it won't kill you. Torn ACL? Do seated exercises in the privacy of your room while hubby is at work. Budget problems? Go to a food bank and shop the sales. If you really just can't get your act together to follow any advice, then don't ask for it.0
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KurumiSophia wrote: »missblondi2u wrote: »KurumiSophia wrote: »Ladiebug710 wrote: »It is much easier to stay on budget if you cook.
I usually will just make something for my kid as my husband works nights so it doesn't make sense to cook this whole meal affair when it's just me and her. She doesn't eat much and it's easier to throw a pb and j or some such in her general direction then to try to do an entire meal with sides and everything that my husband won't even be there for. Only time I cook a real meal is if he is off work and home to actually eat it.
IDK if it's relevant but I am also battling untreated depression which, depending on the day, makes me want to eat everything in sight or not a darn thing at all.
I'm curious why you and your daughter alone aren't worth cooking for? Just because your husband is gone, you guys don't deserve a meal? I'm not trying to be mean, but it seems you're not placing enough value on you and your daughter's needs.
And I know you said she is a picky 8 year old, but you are her mother and you control what she eats. I'm not suggesting putting her on your diet or taking all of her favorite foods away, but you'd do well by her to expose her to healthy food options now so she doesn't end up where you are later.
I value my kid a lot. She's just really petite and does not eat a lot so it does not make sense to me to put together big meals when it's just me and her eating. It's often easier to throw a kid friendly type food at her then it is to make something I can't guarantee she will eat.
I don't particularly value me but I know I need to lose to take pressure off my left knee and it's partially attached ACL.
You don't have to make huge meals - you could also try cooking up big batches of meals and then freezing them, so you've always got healthy home cooked meals ready to heat up.
Your daughter might be young and picky now but her attitude to food is going to develop based on what she's taught at home.0 -
This may have already been recommended, but just in case. When I was living on a really tight budget, we ate a lot of the following:
Eggs
Dried Beans cooked in the slow cooker or stove
Brown rice
Whole wheat pasta with ragu
Turkey slices rolled with american cheese
Apples
Carrots (cut them myself to save money)
Frozen vegetables in the big bags (cheaper per ounce than steamable bags)
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What are your stats (ht wt age)? How many times a week do you workout and what do you do for those workouts?0
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You have a budget of $50 a week for just yourself?0
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ValerieMartini2Olives wrote: »You have a budget of $50 a week for just yourself?
4 people0 -
KurumiSophia wrote: »
115 is pretty low for 5'5" but it's not into the unhealthy BMI range. You probably can't have much muscle and weigh that.
You should speak with the physician that treated your injury about what exercises would be safe.0 -
I really like having instant oatmeal + a banana. It works for breakfast or a snack at work if you have a hot water tap. The banana is about 100 cal, and the oatmeal is either 100 cal for unflavored or 160 if you get a flavored packet.
I can usually get 6 bananas for $1 and 10 packets of oatmeal for $2 at my grocery store. If you buy a large container of instant oatmeal that goes down (but I don't do that because I end up eating more per serving)
Sometimes if I forget my lunch at work, I will have a double serving of oatmeal rather than going to the cafeteria. It's good "survival" food for me.0 -
I've had to stretch an extremely tight budget for groceries for a family before. First of all, find which store in your area has the best sales every week. I shop at winn dixie, publix, and walmart. I go where I can get more for my money that week.
Spaghetti: pasta ($1), pasta sauce ($1), 1/2 lb a meat (check sales, and it can be meatless)
Whole chicken ($5 when on sale), veggies on sale (will challenge you and family to try new foods)
Chicken and Rice Take left over whole chicken, pick off bones boil with rice (buy actual rice, its cheaper than the instant stuff), pair with veggies or salad
Quesadillas: Tortillas ($3), Cheese ($3), can of black beans ($2 ish) and I let kids just have cheese if they want
Baked penne: Pasta ($2), pasta sauce (1-2), shredded cheese on top boil pasta first put in dish with sauce and cheese on top, bake until cheese starts to bubble/brown
Breakfast: buy healthier lower calorie cereals and measure. It took a while but the kids adapted to not having sugary cereals. I try to get these on buy 1 get 1 sales. So I usually only spend at most $2 a box.
Eggs can be scrambled for a cheap easy high protein meal. Good over medium on top of a salad with yolk being the dressing.
Get on pinterest and look up crockpot meals on budget. Avoid anything that calls for cream of somethings and all. My husbands always at work and I cook for just me and my girls who dont eat much. This is how we get buy a lot of nights. Tonight is 3 chicken breasts with a small jar of salsa, eating it on tortillas we already had.
You can get a big thing of chicken at walmart for $10 at walmart, I stretch it for 4 meals each. $2.50 a meal for meat that's lean.
Do left over nights.
Measure everything and weigh it all. You don't need special foods and in the end the other family members will adapt and be healthier too.0 -
KurumiSophia wrote: »ValerieMartini2Olives wrote: »You have a budget of $50 a week for just yourself?
4 people
Maybe you or your mother-in-law qualifies for SNAP? http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap0 -
KurumiSophia wrote: »ValerieMartini2Olives wrote: »You have a budget of $50 a week for just yourself?
4 people
Get on food stamps and/or fix your budget problems. That isn't what you originally stated in the OP. The USDA thrifty plan is $130-150/week for a family of 4 (as you described it). You are trying to live on less than half of that, and it isn't going to be a realistic budget.0 -
Honestly, I think I'd spend my energy focusing on making good decisions for myself and my family. Time management, proper budgeting, quality foods, etc. Once I had that down, THEN I'd worry about losing weight or whatever other goals you may have.
It sounds like you've got a lot you're trying to manage right now. Make sure your priorities are where they should be.0
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