How to not overeat in a world full of slobs
incomingtrouble
Posts: 3 Member
So, some background: I am a teenage girl who has always been interested in weight loss, especially seeing as I have always struggled with it. I exercise fairly actively, likely not enough (run to school every other morning, usually do some exercise before bed, go on regular long walks, etc) but despite this, I have always struggled to get fit and healthy.
Now, mind you, I am by no means overly obese: I'm 5'5 at around 135lbs, and I usually have energy and the ability to do things. I just really want to get healthy, not only just to be healthy, but I could really use the self esteem boost.
Problem is, I work at a McDonald's practically across the street where I live, and even the "healthier" options are packed full of sugars and carbs and calories that nobody needs. I don't make enough, either, to be buying my own groceries for myself and my family, which would be useless anyways, being as they hardly have any idea of healthy food. Most of the garbage to eat is all chips and brownies and cookies and bread, which REALLY sucks when you're trying to eat healthy.
So, I guess my question is, how do I manage to be healthier and not eat the garbage at our house while also not depriving myself of anything to eat?
Now, mind you, I am by no means overly obese: I'm 5'5 at around 135lbs, and I usually have energy and the ability to do things. I just really want to get healthy, not only just to be healthy, but I could really use the self esteem boost.
Problem is, I work at a McDonald's practically across the street where I live, and even the "healthier" options are packed full of sugars and carbs and calories that nobody needs. I don't make enough, either, to be buying my own groceries for myself and my family, which would be useless anyways, being as they hardly have any idea of healthy food. Most of the garbage to eat is all chips and brownies and cookies and bread, which REALLY sucks when you're trying to eat healthy.
So, I guess my question is, how do I manage to be healthier and not eat the garbage at our house while also not depriving myself of anything to eat?
4
Replies
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How old are you exactly?
You're not even remotely obese. You are at a healthy weight for your height.
It's entirely possible to be healthy and still eat McDonalds, carbs, sugar, brownies and chips. None of those things are garbage, and when consumed in moderation, can be part of a healthy diet.
It sounds like being healthy and fit is your goal but your comments about food and potentially your own perceived body image are very concerning...33 -
Chips and brownies and cookies and bread are fine in combination with other foods high in protein, vitamins and minerals.
I believe a food is only "unhealthy" if you demonise it.19 -
If you're only trying to be healthy and eat 'cleaner' foods then simply start to add things into your shopping list. Suggest your parents buy skim milk instead of full fat, ask them to pick up some more fruit and veg, they're not going to say no to that. So just slowly add in healthier foods that you can make quick lunches out of instead of processed food.
Offer to cook for the family, that way you can control what food and what goes into cooking it. But as you don't need to lose weight, just get healthy then I'd suggest don't eat at McDonald's, anything you make at home will be better than that, even if you think it's high calorie. Try walking more, to school yeah sure it adds up but it's not much, take the long route home, try get a job dog walking.
Enter into a 5K and train for it. All these things just to help you get fit, it's more in the actual exercise than eating anyway.
As they say a lot on here, you lose weight in the kitchen, you get fit at the gym!4 -
You do realize that most people here are former slobs right?
Uh ya, you're weight is fabulous.
Anyways, you could focus on hitting your macros ( protein, carbs, fat) & still fit in treats if that appeals to you9 -
1. You're already at a healthy weight.
2. There are no "bad" or "unhealthy" foods, only unwise portions.
3. If you are maintaining the weight you are at already, just start lifting heavy weights. You can do a body recomp by eating at maintenance and building muscle. It's slow going, but would probably be the least disruptive way to get fit and lean without overhauling your entire lifestyle all at once.11 -
How many servings of fruits and vegetables do you get in each day? How much protein are you eating currently? Do you do any strength training? I'm assuming those are the kinds of things you are hoping to improve upon. 5'5" 135 is definitely normal weight but I am 5'6" and 137 and still have work to do, so I get it. I'm as apple-y as they come, so I will need to continue trying to build muscle and lose fat, perhaps it's the same for you.
Before MFP and calorie counting, one of the ways I dieted was by including a fruit or vegetable with every meal or snack, no exceptions. All that extra fibre was enough to help me lose without going hungry. Is there normally fruits/veggies in your fridge, freezer or pantry?
ETA: I focus more now on getting enough protein and just staying within my calorie goals. That works too.1 -
And if you want to get fit I'd look into lifting.2
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Step one.
Stop defining people who don't have your idea of perfect bodies and eating habits as slobs.
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Step 2: work on getting emotionally "fit and healthy." Your body is fine, but your attitude needs work.46
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oliverneedsyou wrote: »You do realize that most people here are former slobs right?
Uh ya, you're weight is fabulous.
Anyways, you could focus on hitting your macros ( protein, carbs, fat) & still fit in treats if that appeals to you
Can confirm, used to be fat and sloppy. Now just fat by my own ridiculous standards.14 -
I'm 20, 5'4", who recently got down from 150 lbs to 140 lbs, and still looking to get lower. I got there while eating chicken nuggets.
There's no such thing as junk food, only correct portions for your weight loss goal. What you need is willpower, nothing else really.9 -
Gallowmere1984 wrote: »oliverneedsyou wrote: »You do realize that most people here are former slobs right?
Uh ya, you're weight is fabulous.
Anyways, you could focus on hitting your macros ( protein, carbs, fat) & still fit in treats if that appeals to you
Can confirm, used to be fat and sloppy. Now just fat by my own ridiculous standards.
If it makes you feel better I'm still totally in slob status. 70 pounds down and more to lose! Ha
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oliverneedsyou wrote: »Gallowmere1984 wrote: »oliverneedsyou wrote: »You do realize that most people here are former slobs right?
Uh ya, you're weight is fabulous.
Anyways, you could focus on hitting your macros ( protein, carbs, fat) & still fit in treats if that appeals to you
Can confirm, used to be fat and sloppy. Now just fat by my own ridiculous standards.
If it makes you feel better I'm still totally in slob status. 70 pounds down and more to lose! Ha
To be fair, I think most of us fall into the "could always lose more fat" category, even those like myself, who are technically a healthy weight. I'll consider easing up in the bulk/cut cycles when the veins in my abs have veins on their abs.16 -
incomingtrouble wrote: »
So, I guess my question is, how do I manage to be healthier and not eat the garbage at our house while also not depriving myself of anything to eat?
I went in a McDonald's today to have coffee with a friend. I ordered a black coffee and a small side salad with Italian dressing. While I was waiting for my food, I looked at the people who worked there and the people in line and only saw one person at a normal weight -- who was a child. Everybody else was overweight.
If it were me, I would find a job somewhere else. I wouldn't be able to work at McD's without eating the food and would end up weighing 900 pounds. Maybe you have more willpower than I do.
Here's my suggestion. Meal plan. Eat stuff that is nutritious and filling before you eat anything else -- make a contract with yourself. For example, oatmeal for breakfast. Include vegetables with a protein for your other meals.
If you eat that food first, and track your calories, then eat whatever else you want -- French fries or whatever it might be if you have the calories.
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Gallowmere1984 wrote: »oliverneedsyou wrote: »Gallowmere1984 wrote: »oliverneedsyou wrote: »You do realize that most people here are former slobs right?
Uh ya, you're weight is fabulous.
Anyways, you could focus on hitting your macros ( protein, carbs, fat) & still fit in treats if that appeals to you
Can confirm, used to be fat and sloppy. Now just fat by my own ridiculous standards.
If it makes you feel better I'm still totally in slob status. 70 pounds down and more to lose! Ha
To be fair, I think most of us fall into the "could always lose more fat" category, even those like myself, who are technically a healthy weight. I'll consider easing up in the bulk/cut cycles when the veins in my abs have veins on their abs.
I like your attitude .1 -
oliverneedsyou wrote: »You do realize that most people here are former slobs right?
Well, personally I was a damn voluminous goddess thankyouverymuch.
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Offer to be the family chef. In exchange you get to make the grocery list7
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The kitchen at McDonald's should have salad greens, grilled chicken, apple slices, milk, yogurt, oatmeal, and berries. I don't understand how you have a problem eating low calorie nutrient dense foods at work. The Happy Meal portions aren't bad for calories if you want to indulge. I was actually at my lowest body weight during the five years I worked at Pizza Hut. It just takes some planning and creativity to eat better when surrounded by junk.
I like the idea of you asking your parents to add more fruits and veggies to their shopping list. It may even help them eat healthier. Also, volunteering to cook for your family is a great idea. Parents have so much going on they often turn to convenience foods over feeding their kids well. Mine always appreciated anything I did to help around the house.
I agree with other posters that you are a healthy weight. Any weight you lost would just be vanity pounds. Lifting weights would likely make you happier with your body than eating less. If you don't have access to a gym look up bodyweight strength programs. And good job on running, walking, and being active. It's a great habit.8 -
Just wanted to chime in and let it be known that I love McDonalds. Kudos for bomb *kitten* job.9
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I'll +1 those who are pointing out that mcds has decent options these days and there is no reason you can't pick things that fit your goals.
Volunteering to help out with food shopping and preparation at home is also a great idea. It helps your parents out and gives you more say in the food supply.
The main thing is to track your intake accurately (invest in a food scale - not super expensive at all). I'd also advise you to incorporate some strength training (you are in prime bone and muscle building years, take advantage!). With your stats, yes you are a normal weight for your height, but being young and female (presumably), you likely have a small to medium build - it's perfectly possible that you could be on the lower end of "normal" to look your best. I'm 5'7", female, and a 36 year old mother of four, and 135-145 is about perfect for me, so I "get" why you, being a couple inches shorter, might want to drop a few (that said, I'm assuming when you say "teenaged" you mean 18-19; otherwise you are on the wrong site).
Your ultimate question strikes me odd tho - you want to know how to not eat the foods you normally eat without depriving yourself of the foods you or normally eat? I will say that you don't necessarily have to give up any of the foods you normally eat. You might have to eat some things less often, and you will probably have to take smaller portions than you are used to (and you may decide some things just aren't worth it and cut them out altogether), but you can still have chips and desserts and bread (and mcds) and lose weight, so long as you're in a calorie deficit.2 -
At a healthy weight, you're obviously already doing ok around those horrible filthy people.8
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Gallowmere1984 wrote: »oliverneedsyou wrote: »Gallowmere1984 wrote: »oliverneedsyou wrote: »You do realize that most people here are former slobs right?
Uh ya, you're weight is fabulous.
Anyways, you could focus on hitting your macros ( protein, carbs, fat) & still fit in treats if that appeals to you
Can confirm, used to be fat and sloppy. Now just fat by my own ridiculous standards.
If it makes you feel better I'm still totally in slob status. 70 pounds down and more to lose! Ha
To be fair, I think most of us fall into the "could always lose more fat" category, even those like myself, who are technically a healthy weight. I'll consider easing up in the bulk/cut cycles when the veins in my abs have veins on their abs.
I think that this is true. It is hard to know where that perfect weight should be. Plus, there is a "comfortable " range that is "okay" but might still have room for improvement. And there are certain limitations and constraints variants from person to person.
@OP. Hopefully you will find acceptance for yourself and not be so hard on others. As you get older you will look back and realize what a great physique you have now.4 -
Excuse me, but McDonalds has lots of salads and grilled chicken. You need to choose the right things--this is good advice for the rest of your life.7
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Gallowmere1984 wrote: »oliverneedsyou wrote: »Gallowmere1984 wrote: »oliverneedsyou wrote: »You do realize that most people here are former slobs right?
Uh ya, you're weight is fabulous.
Anyways, you could focus on hitting your macros ( protein, carbs, fat) & still fit in treats if that appeals to you
Can confirm, used to be fat and sloppy. Now just fat by my own ridiculous standards.
If it makes you feel better I'm still totally in slob status. 70 pounds down and more to lose! Ha
To be fair, I think most of us fall into the "could always lose more fat" category, even those like myself, who are technically a healthy weight. I'll consider easing up in the bulk/cut cycles when the veins in my abs have veins on their abs.
I think that this is true. It is hard to know where that perfect weight should be. Plus, there is a "comfortable " range that is "okay" but might still have room for improvement. And there are certain limitations and constraints variants from person to person.
@OP. Hopefully you will find acceptance for yourself and not be so hard on others. As you get older you will look back and realize what a great physique you have now.
To achieve my "ideal" weight according to BMI I would have to lose around 30lbs which would put me at 3% bodyfat.1 -
For me home- prep is the only way to go.
Ready made food is usually higher in calories than you would make for your self. They add all the extra yummy things to make it taste bettter. The portions are usually generous too. Plus the food is not primarily the type of macros that keep me full.
If you can find a way to home prep it would make it easier imo.
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Gallowmere1984 wrote: »oliverneedsyou wrote: »Gallowmere1984 wrote: »oliverneedsyou wrote: »You do realize that most people here are former slobs right?
Uh ya, you're weight is fabulous.
Anyways, you could focus on hitting your macros ( protein, carbs, fat) & still fit in treats if that appeals to you
Can confirm, used to be fat and sloppy. Now just fat by my own ridiculous standards.
If it makes you feel better I'm still totally in slob status. 70 pounds down and more to lose! Ha
To be fair, I think most of us fall into the "could always lose more fat" category, even those like myself, who are technically a healthy weight. I'll consider easing up in the bulk/cut cycles when the veins in my abs have veins on their abs.
Do you think so?
I dont count myself as "needing to lose more weight" - I lost to my goal weight 2 years ago and am happy maintaining there. Is a healthy weight and I see no reason to lose more - only to maintain it
Admittedly I could be ( a lot) fitter and I could eat a ( lot more) more nutritionally perfect diet.
Perhaps I am still a slob, not a former one.
Actually that is probably true - was once an overweight slob, now am just a healthy weight slob.
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Are we skipping over the fact that this is (most likely, due to info in first post) posted by a teenaged girl still in high school?
Maybe you should try another site like SparkTeens as MFP is 18+.
If you are of age, I apologize. But you can still work at McDonald's and lose weight. You have the advantage of being able to customize your meal more than the average customer and have control over the ingredients.
You can even make your own meal with a la carte ingredients or bunless burgers to save calories.
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The majority of young individuals such as yourself are more into the category of "I could look more awesome." Some are actually not aware of how to achieve their goals or lack the motivation of achieving them. If you strive to achieve your look awesome goal, you'll definitely inspire those around you. You should look more into how to look more awesome in say 'how to get to the lowest body fat percentage' versus losing weight instead.
Some of the foods in McDonald's actually are still edible in the looking awesome category such as egg mcmuffins, oatmeal, parflait if they are still on sale. Not sure if their salads are still on sale, but they're on MFP menu.2 -
incomingtrouble wrote: »So, some background: I am a teenage girl who has always been interested in weight loss, especially seeing as I have always struggled with it. I exercise fairly actively, likely not enough (run to school every other morning, usually do some exercise before bed, go on regular long walks, etc) but despite this, I have always struggled to get fit and healthy.
Now, mind you, I am by no means overly obese: I'm 5'5 at around 135lbs, and I usually have energy and the ability to do things. I just really want to get healthy, not only just to be healthy, but I could really use the self esteem boost.
Problem is, I work at a McDonald's practically across the street where I live, and even the "healthier" options are packed full of sugars and carbs and calories that nobody needs. I don't make enough, either, to be buying my own groceries for myself and my family, which would be useless anyways, being as they hardly have any idea of healthy food. Most of the garbage to eat is all chips and brownies and cookies and bread, which REALLY sucks when you're trying to eat healthy.
So, I guess my question is, how do I manage to be healthier and not eat the garbage at our house while also not depriving myself of anything to eat?
How old are you?
Do you understand that a person can fit restaurant foods or cookies into a healthy diet? A healthy diet is about everything you consume not one thing. Look at calories and actual nutritional content of foods when making choices.
If you feel McDonald's is terrible get a job somewhere else.
Don't be so negative about other people's food choices or call them slobs. It is really ugly to bahave that way toward others.
You don't have to eat things just because they are in your home or across the street. Take responsibility for your own eating habits.
You are a healthy weight and somewhat active. To maintain that healthy weight watch your portion sizes and stay active. If you become more sedentary adjust the amount of calories you eat a bit lower to compensate.
Ask your parents to buy foods with protein, vegetables or fruit. Tell them you'd love some baby carrots orcottage cheese to snack on for example. When you do your own shopping buy those things for yourself.
Offer to cook dinner for the family. Cooking is a great skill to acquire if you don't already know how to cook.8 -
This reply is no so much to the poster of the questions but others of you who bang on that all food is ok...I find this attitude that there are no bad or unhealthy foods crazy, would you feed a baby processed cookies etc... (home made/whole foods fine) there are sooo many GMO, artificial synthetic food additives which ARE bad and unhealthy... and should be part of NO persons diet, all whole natural foods are healthy in moderation, but in this time we are not just dealing with "normal food" we are dealing with chemically altered ingredients, our cancer rates are insane compared to the past, you are lying to yourself if you think processed food is fine in moderation. Some times its a question of where we want to put our money... do i want to give McDonalds. my cash? no I would rather support the small business owners. to the poster... I would do things like buy a big bag of apples and nuts and really good yoghurts wouldn't cost a lot, and then work around what your folks are already eating, just supplement your diet with fresh fruit. take the fruit yogurt etc... to work. You could also try out new recipes with your family if they like eating fried foods, fries etc... you could make your own homemade sweet potatoes ships, fries, baked in olive oil see if they like them (they prob will), influence things gently.6
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