Losing weight is harder in the south! Can anyone relate?

vzucco
vzucco Posts: 229
edited October 3 in Health and Weight Loss
Hey guys,

Just wondering if there are any southern people out there struggling with the same issues as me. I live in Alabama and I while I love living down here, it does make it so much harder to lead a healthy lifestyle. For instance, let's say I've run out of groceries, got out of class late, and need to pick up some dinner on my way home. What will I find? McDonald's, Wendy's, KFC, Zaxby's, etc. There are no healthy options!! Unless I want a wilted salad that's covered in fried chicken and ranch dressing...

My friends down here all like to get together and cook delicious, unhealthy food because that's the southern way! At work, it's someone's birthday and we celebrate with soda, chips, cookies, cupcakes. The Starbucks at my university doesn't have anything to eat except fatty pastries, doughnuts, and cookies. Everywhere I turn, I encounter temptation and bad choices. I have a lot of determination and self-control but short of cooking every meal for myself, what should I eat?

Any suggestions, advice, or general comments would be appreciated! And feel free to add me :)
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Replies

  • NKF92879
    NKF92879 Posts: 601 Member
    Sounds VERY familiar to me... I live in northeastern Wisconsin.
  • deathstarclock
    deathstarclock Posts: 512 Member
    Suck it up and give in to your southern culture. You were doomed from the start.

    I'm kidding of course...
  • CharlieOverby
    CharlieOverby Posts: 82 Member
    I grew up in South Louisiana. The land of great food, cold beer and good times. I can definitely relate.
  • Elizabeth_C34
    Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member
    You need to remember that you don't have to eat salads all day to lose weight. Portion control is the biggest part of this. Enjoy the foods you like, just eat a lot less of it.

    I'm from Tennessee, and my family is from Kentucky and Virginia, so I understand having food cooked in lard, ham hocks, and fried chicken around all the time. My family still cooks that way every time I go home. Just eat half what your normally would.
  • savismommy
    savismommy Posts: 56
    Sounds like South Carolina!
  • DeeDeeLHF
    DeeDeeLHF Posts: 2,301 Member
    I live in Western New York and it sounds familiar to me except add pizza and our famous or rather infamous chicken wings!
  • beachgrl2004
    beachgrl2004 Posts: 4
    Personally if I were you I would choose to cook every meal for myself. If that is not an option, try getting pre-portioned meals so you know exactly how many calories you are eating at a time. Or you could do research and look online at your local fast food restaurants websites and choose the 'healthier' options based on calories before you go to the restaurant. (however, I would try to avoid these places whenever possible) I know it can be hard to refrain from eating foods at work parties and dinner parties, however you do not have to eat a lot of it. If you maintain normal portion sizes you should still be able to eat all of those foods without going over your calories. I don't know if this helps you or not, but this is what I would do.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,992 Member
    Hey guys,

    Just wondering if there are any southern people out there struggling with the same issues as me. I live in Alabama and I while I love living down here, it does make it so much harder to lead a healthy lifestyle. For instance, let's say I've run out of groceries, got out of class late, and need to pick up some dinner on my way home. What will I find? McDonald's, Wendy's, KFC, Zaxby's, etc. There are no healthy options!! Unless I want a wilted salad that's covered in fried chicken and ranch dressing...

    My friends down here all like to get together and cook delicious, unhealthy food because that's the southern way! At work, it's someone's birthday and we celebrate with soda, chips, cookies, cupcakes. The Starbucks at my university doesn't have anything to eat except fatty pastries, doughnuts, and cookies. Everywhere I turn, I encounter temptation and bad choices. I have a lot of determination and self-control but short of cooking every meal for myself, what should I eat?

    Any suggestions, advice, or general comments would be appreciated! And feel free to add me :)
    I think it's an excuse. The same restaurants are available everywhere in the US, yet somehow in other states they don't have the same obesity levels. It's the lifestyle more than anything else and you can change yours.
  • carrieliz81
    carrieliz81 Posts: 489 Member
    Yeah. Trust me, we have the same problems up north. I'm in Chicago... we love to show our love to others through food, and the fast food is just as plentiful! Let me add on Italian beef, Polish sausages, deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs...... oy!
  • sillygoose1977
    sillygoose1977 Posts: 2,151 Member
    Hate to tell you, but it's like that everywhere.
  • Biggipooh
    Biggipooh Posts: 350
    We have most of these restaurants here in Maryland too, but I never go there. Coming from germany I was surprised, how many of those restaurants are here in the US. It is like a desease. You won't get around, to start cooking at home, I guess, to eat healthy.
  • vzucco
    vzucco Posts: 229
    Yeah, maybe it's not just the south. I am comparing to when I lived in New York and making a good choice was as simple as walking next door to the fast food place. It just seems like people pinpoint the "fat" areas of the country and think that we're all lazy or something, but in reality it's the lack of healthy choices available and the lack of public transportation and places to walk.
  • SmugCanucksGal
    SmugCanucksGal Posts: 79 Member
    What about having some Frozen Meals put away. Like:
    Kashi All-Natural Entrees
    Organic Bistro Whole Life Meals
    Amy's Kitchen Light in Sodium
    Lean Cuisine Dinnertime Selects
    Healthy Choice Steamers.

    This way its ready quickly when you get home in a late night or in a pinch IF you don't have anything else to cook.
    I also keep eggs on hand, a quick scrambled egg or 2 for dinner is great and filling too!
    Avoid temptation of going to the drive though.
  • jgic2009
    jgic2009 Posts: 531 Member
    I'm in northern IL and you described my environment perfectly.

    I do cook for myself much more than I used to. And while there may not be any outstandingly healthy choices at many of these places, they do have options that aren't so bad. Take some time to review the nutritional info on the chain websites and pick a few items that can be your go-to choices when you're in a rush.
  • killerqueen17
    killerqueen17 Posts: 536 Member
    Ohhh, the South... gotta love it. ;)
  • Saruman_w
    Saruman_w Posts: 1,531 Member
    Mississippi here. I managed to do it. Just takes willpower and determination. Ignore all the temptations.
  • shaj316
    shaj316 Posts: 161
    I travel a fair amount and have noticed that this true not just in the south but any area 40-50 miles outside of a major city. When I'm stuck, I go to McDonalds or Wendy's and get a grilled chicken sandwich. They load it with Mayo so I'll scrape off 90% of it before consuming.

    IMO, it seems to all lead back to money. Healthy food isn't cheap and suppliers and distributors aren't going to supply it where its not economically viable regardless if they customers willing to buy or not.
  • thebeadinggoddess
    thebeadinggoddess Posts: 27
    I live in florida and I definatly love me some soul food (fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy and lot of other goodies) I live in a small town and there are nothing but fast food resteraunts here. We only have 1 subway!!!! how sad is that? any way, I think what is hard trying to lose weight here is the heat. Its hard to go outside when it is so hot you could cook an egg!!!

    Most people think... hey you should be thin you live near the beach!! I live like 2 hours from the nearest beach! and I havent been swimming in years, which is my favorite sport!!!

    I sure am gonna miss the fried foods, they were my weakness!!!!
  • chicagocubsfan23
    chicagocubsfan23 Posts: 186
    I live in Iowa and you should see all the cupcakes and fatty foods people bring into work here. We have 3 Burger Kings in a 15 mile radius. I know it gets tough but you just have to decide what's really worth it. If I'm running late I usually just grab a granola bar or something fast like that, you don't have to eat at the fast food places. You can always cook extra healthy foods and freeze them. Then all you have to do is throw them in the oven or microwave. Keep veggies and fruits on hand too, and grab a baggie full. Just try and remember you do have lots of options :smile:
  • rbryntes
    rbryntes Posts: 710 Member
    It isn't just the South.

    What is the South is the idea that macaroni and cheese is a "veggie."
  • vzucco
    vzucco Posts: 229
    You need to remember that you don't have to eat salads all day to lose weight. Portion control is the biggest part of this. Enjoy the foods you like, just eat a lot less of it.

    I'm from Tennessee, and my family is from Kentucky and Virginia, so I understand having food cooked in lard, ham hocks, and fried chicken around all the time. My family still cooks that way every time I go home. Just eat half what your normally would.

    But doesn't eating things fried in lard make you feel sick after following a healthy diet? I'm always stuck between feeling sick or hurting people's feelings.
  • vzucco
    vzucco Posts: 229
    It isn't just the South.

    What is the South is the idea that macaroni and cheese is a "veggie."

    Ha! Absolutely what I'm talking about.
  • killerqueen17
    killerqueen17 Posts: 536 Member
    Mississippi here. I managed to do it. Just takes willpower and determination. Ignore all the temptations.

    True, it is possible to lose the weight... however, I get really frustrated at how many people are not open to trying a new, heathier variation of something they are used to (healthier cornbread, BAKED fried chicken, etc)... I can make some pretty tasty foods that are healthy-ish, at least compared to the originals... but people don't want to try anything (unless I don't tell them it's a healthier version, haha)
  • bellinachuchina
    bellinachuchina Posts: 498 Member
    I agree, the Southern cuisine and cultural customs involving food make losing weight harder. Fried, battered, & deep fried. :laugh:

    That being said, I lost all of my weight while living in Savannah, GA, 110lbs. That meant saying "NO" a lot! :wink: I prepared homemade low calorie meals, brought healthy options to social gatherings, and made myself separate meals from the family. When at work, people offered me cake, cookies, etc., and I would politely say "No, but thank you". Or "Maybe later", or "Oh, I just had a little snack, next time". It's not fun or easy, but gives results!

    On the go, finding healthy alternatives is a challenge but not impossible. Just stay away from drive-thrus, there is nothing there for you, unless you want to eat a salad with out the dressing, so you're better off buying a head of lettuce & keeping that $5. I would, instead, (during lunch break/on-the-go) visit the grocery store, go to the deli, and ask for 4oz. (.25lb.) sliced fat free turkey/ham. Then hit up the fresh foods area, and get some raw single serve veggies, like baby carrots, celery, etc. Grab a single serve 0% FAGE greek yogurt, and fresh blueberries, maybe even some dry roasted edamame. A protein filled, satisfying lunch. Other quick-easy meals are the obvious, frozen meals, or meal replacement bars. Any of those choices will keep you on track and losing!

    Stay with it, it can be done :flowerforyou:
  • kristilovescake
    kristilovescake Posts: 669 Member
    I think that's pretty much the American way!

    Even out here in Washington, there are the same temptations, same unhealthy food options, and same office celebration struggles.

    I've started cooking for myself almost 100% of the time because unless you're going to a sit-down meal and having the salad with light dressing, they add in extra fat and unnecessary calories. You just need to be prepared for the last minute "oh crap I have no food" moments for when you're running late. They have some awesome frozen meals that are low calorie (smart ones, lean cuisine, green giant, etc.) and getting some good snacks like almonds, fruits, etc. is good for when you're running between classes or events.

    The biggest struggle is to be prepared and fight the mental battle of "I'm too tired/busy to cook" and have healthy snacks so you aren't starving between meals. Another awesome tip is to take a weekend day and batch cook for the week. I do this with salads and put them in tupperware so I just grab and go and it makes my life easier when I'm running late.
  • vzucco
    vzucco Posts: 229
    I live in florida and I definatly love me some soul food (fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy and lot of other goodies) I live in a small town and there are nothing but fast food resteraunts here. We only have 1 subway!!!! how sad is that? any way, I think what is hard trying to lose weight here is the heat. Its hard to go outside when it is so hot you could cook an egg!!!

    Most people think... hey you should be thin you live near the beach!! I live like 2 hours from the nearest beach! and I havent been swimming in years, which is my favorite sport!!!

    I sure am gonna miss the fried foods, they were my weakness!!!!

    Yes! In New York I did a LOT of walking in the spring and summer. In Alabama, you'd have to pry me from my central air with a crow bar!!!
  • Pangui
    Pangui Posts: 373 Member
    Hang in there and it will get easier, especially once your new lifestyle becomes old habit. As another poster mentioned, try to eat at home as often as possible. Seek out the least offensive options when you have to dine out.

    In time a funny thing will start to happen. You may find yourself surrounded by others who are health concious like you. We tend to attract and surround ourselves with like-minded individuals. As you find more and more people making changes like you, it will get easier. Perhaps even some of your current friends will see your progress and begin to make their own changes.

    Best Wishes.
  • valerie_smallen
    valerie_smallen Posts: 1
    Taco Bell has the "drive though diet" menu??
  • leigh33ca
    leigh33ca Posts: 104 Member
    On your way home if your stopping for something, why not stop at the grocery store and pick up a premade meal at the deli. They have healthy options there and you can get a side salad to boot or fruit bowl.

    With work (and I think we all do it or have the junk food), bring in a veggie tray or fruit tray instead. We do alot of potlucks and you should see some of the vegetarian and vegan dishes that get brought in. Yum!!! You could do a theme to (say when your birthday is).. I would like us to do this......

    Now I have heard of southern cooking (honestly not sure if my stomach could handle it, it doesn't like alot of grease and I apologizeif I am misconstruing that) but if getting together with friends try and take those amazing dishes and bring them into the 21st century and healthize them! lol See who could be the most creative at keeping it real but still delicious to the ol' southern way.

    At your university is there other options or just Starbucks? I can't say much as I am a Timmie's girl (Tim Hortons), though not for their coffee as I don't drink it or any coffee.

    And I have done what jgic2009 has mentioned. I have checked the fast food websites for their nutritional info and based my meal on that and what calories I still had left.

    Hope some of these ideas help.


    Hey guys,

    Just wondering if there are any southern people out there struggling with the same issues as me. I live in Alabama and I while I love living down here, it does make it so much harder to lead a healthy lifestyle. For instance, let's say I've run out of groceries, got out of class late, and need to pick up some dinner on my way home. What will I find? McDonald's, Wendy's, KFC, Zaxby's, etc. There are no healthy options!! Unless I want a wilted salad that's covered in fried chicken and ranch dressing...

    My friends down here all like to get together and cook delicious, unhealthy food because that's the southern way! At work, it's someone's birthday and we celebrate with soda, chips, cookies, cupcakes. The Starbucks at my university doesn't have anything to eat except fatty pastries, doughnuts, and cookies. Everywhere I turn, I encounter temptation and bad choices. I have a lot of determination and self-control but short of cooking every meal for myself, what should I eat?

    Any suggestions, advice, or general comments would be appreciated! And feel free to add me :)
  • dida_57
    dida_57 Posts: 45 Member
    It's not about where you live, just go to the groceries and prepare your own meal.
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