Newbie and need help...please?!

I just started last week.. and was totally unprepared. lol Now I am struggling and its a week till payday.. so I have to make due with what I got. I however did speak to a nutritionist and I am on a calorie counting high protein plan. This weekend I am really struggling. Good Luck to you!

When I got started, it took some trial and error to find what worked for me, but the best thing was having strawberries and bananas at the house and I would blend them with protein powder and almond milk every morning as my breakfast. The shake was only 350 calories and it gave me energy and I could drink it clear into lunch time depending on how thick I made it. You can add stevia to sweeten it if the fruit isn't enough. I also ALWAYS had bottled water with me or a jug with water! Sometimes when you think you are hungry...you're not...you're thirsty! Also, sugar free gum or sugar free werthers if you like them to satisfy your sweet tooth when you are close to your calorie limit for the day. I also kept some organic almonds in my car at all times in the center console so if I found myself getting hungry mid day, I would grab 12 of those babies and snack on them on my way home. It bought me enough time to wait until I got home to eat instead of getting fast food. Fast food was my biggest temptation because it was quick, easy, and convenient. If you start keeping reserves in your car, it gets easier to avoid fast food.
I always had Nuts, Fruit, Deli Meat in my house at all times. Quick steam veggies were great for dinner. Try to remember this philosphy....Never hungry, Never full. You want to eat throughout the entire day. Psychologically, it will feel like you are eating tons, but really you are eating within your calorie allotment, just more often and therefore you should never hear your stomach growl and you should never feel sluggish from over indulging. It is hard to get to that point, but once it becomes habit, you wont even think twice.
My major changes were getting rid of dairy and switching to almond milk and almond cheese. I get the blue diamond vanilla flavored almond milk. It only has 40 calories and less fat then normal milk. I gave up white breads. I switched to wheat wraps. Some people say get away from gluten but that's really expensive so I would start small and just start with no white breads. Also, throw away the mac and cheese. Kids love it, but it is SUPER UNhealthy! It has very little nutritional value! Try planning the kids meals with yours by giving them deli meat with veggies and fruit on the side, or yogurt. Apples are ideal for a snack! Also, try to avoid fruit juice! Another big one kids love, but if you can't resist drinking it with them, then try giving them water or home juiced fruits if at all possible. These are just suggestions I have so it may not work for you if your kids are picky eaters and with autism certain foods are better than others.

Just remember small steps. If you try to change everything you know, it will get frustrating. Start with small changes. If you like pizza, instead of getting little cesars, buy the biggest loser family cookbook and make thier low fat pizza with the thin crust, homemade sauce, and use almond cheese on top along with turkey pepperoni or pineapple and mushrooms as toppings. It's still pizza, but if you are going to eat pizza anyways, might as well save the calories! It's still yummy!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask! I live with a personal trainer! lol