This page contains the following solutions.
This is more a weight control and health tip than a cooking tip. Although, I am almost 50, my weight is under control without obsession about food and exercising myself to death. I do walk but not to the extreme.
My tip is: add beans to your diet at least 2 times a day. I make up a large crock pot of red beans or black beans and this will carry me about 3 meals. I usually eat mine for breakfast and lunch and eat what everyone else is eating for dinner. I like to drain my beans when cooked and add two packages of taco seasoning instead of salt. 1/2 cup has about 140 calories and almost a daily supply of fiber.
The fiber intake is the key to weight control. My beans do not produce gas because I bring to a boil on the stove and cover for 20-30 minutes, drain that water off and cook as usual.
By Meemaw
Whenever you feel hungry, drink water first. Thirst often disguises itself as hunger. After you drink, if you are still hungry, you will find that you eat less.
Source: Nutritionist friend
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
Any ideas on how I can lose weight while on a tight budget?
By Tina from Orange County, CA
Takes lot of walking to lose wt & don't eat as much as you have been eating,good luck.
I have wondered the same thing. I am what doctors so nicely refer to as morbidly obese. When you have a limited income, unhealthy foods are much more affordable than the healthy fruits and vegetables. It also doesn't help that I have an adult mentally handicapped daughter living with me. If I buy apples and oranges she won't touch them, but if I buy strawberries, grapes, etc.
Carefully read and follow the "serving size" that is listed in the Nutrition Facts on every product that you buy. For instance, on a box of macaroni and cheese, the serving size is one cup. Your meal can be rounded out with two 1/2 cup servings of vegetables (canned, fresh, or frozen), and 1/2 cup of fruit for dessert, also canned, fresh or frozen.
First, can you give us some information about your cooking skills? And any allergies, as well as your range of cooking equipment. And your general amount to spend each month, plus number of people fed on that amount. And your age, and range of mobility as far as walking and getting to a store. Do you have a car?If not, what is your real situation re getting to what kind of stores. How often can you get out? What is the weather and your neighborhood safety as far as walking, and are you on any meds? Most importantly, are you in an apartment or a house? (Is there dirt available since you live in sunny CA, there are possibilities for growing a few vegetables which could make all the difference.) Is there help available to you for any of the logistics of your life as in strong young grandchildren once in a while, or a good natured adult
Don't be shy, we don't know you and you don't know us.
But I'm pretty good at nutrition as well as a good cook from scratch, and I've learned a lot about getting to a healthy weight. I'm 65 and got rid of 40 pounds a couple of years back over 3 years, due to changes in my circumstances, but I was healthy and felt well while I did it.
It is so easy to say the word diet but there are so many little factors which act as roadblocks and tiny tho they may be, they all count. Money is only part of the story.
I can share with you my daily lifestyle of how I've lost weight over the years. I'm been battling high cholesterol most of my adult life. Perhaps I had high cholesterol when I was a young girl and never knew it until I had my cholesterol checked in my adult hood. Later in life I found that my high cholesterol is genetic.
A number of years ago my doctor put me on the diet to lose the excess weight and I started a regular exercise program to bring down my cholesterol. I tried every alternative therapy known to man and also became a vegetarian 7 years ago. Still nothing brought down the high cholesterol, so now I'm taking a cholestrol lowering drug which has been keeping my cholesterol in the normal range.
I no longer eat meat or poultry and my doctor said that a vegetarian lifestyle is highly recommended for those who suffer with high cholesterol. I don't drink cow's milk but use rice milk for my morning cereal. And I also limit my cheese/dairy product intake. If I decide to eat an egg omlet, I use only the egg white. The cholesterol medication WILL NOT lower my cholesterol, if I constantly eat all fatty foods. It doesn't work that way. I don't buy junk foods, but I keep popcorn on hand and use my hot air popcorn popper.
I have to limit starches such as bread, etc. because it breaks down into sugars which raises my cholesterol.
I try to faithfully walk on our motorized treadmill each day and lift dumbbells to burn off the excess calories. I'm limited right now and can't exercise because I have tendonitis in my left foot and I'm on crutches until my foot heals.
So my advice to you is to watch your food portion sizes, stay active and follow a daily walking program.
It doesn't cost anything to go for a walk, push back from the table, and cut out fats. Special foods, plans, or equipment aren't needed.
Since I've become vegetarian (I don't eat anything that has or can have a face;no egg. I do eat milk and cheese), I've lost a lot of weight, and my body has become more healthy (hair, nails, etc). The important thing is right diet and exercise (which isn't a quick-fix diet but it's the daily choices that are the right answer). Mix your grains and beans, get veges, nuts and dairy (those two are fattening so not too much), fruit, and spices. We try to grow what we can (someone lets us use their yard as we don't have one). We also dry our food (best way to preserve) and grind it (easy to throw into sauces). I try to remember that my stomach is only as big as my fist, so eat that portion and then I'm done.
Please no more suggestions on a meat free lifestyle. I love my steaks etc and cannot imagine my life meatless (and yes, I love animals). Thanks for the help and time though.
Weight Watchers works. It doesn't have to be expensive either. Right now they have free registeration. All you have to do is go to one meeting and they give you all the information you need to get you started. The meeting cost 12 dollars. If you want to know anything esle there are plenty of sites where people blog their tips and recipes. It's really an easy plan. You don't have to buy anything special. And if you feel that it doesn't work you can always sell your starter pack on ebay. Tons of people want the information but don't want to go to a meeting. I've lost 20 lbs and still counting. I don't attend meetings but have plenty of support from my family and friends. Good Luck.
My husband and I have been on a low carb diet. It's ok but somethings I really miss and doing the shopping is a problem because I see those things. We eat the prepared dinners such as lean cuisine, some banquet, etc. I check the carbs to make sure they are under 30 for dinner. I fix a salad or fruit along with this. Also portion control works. Americans are over eaters. Look at the portions and obey that. Also on the low carb, you can eat lots of meat and jello and it has no carbs. I eat lots of chicken breasts. Good luck
Resist pre-packaged foods and cook from scratch.
Eat only the amount of food you can cup in your hand at each meal and eat more meals a day because it is better for your body to eat a handful every couple of hours than to gorge yourself with the standard three meals.
Don't eat a meal for at least two hours before you go to sleep and three hours is even better.
If you want to treat yourself with an unhealthy snack only have a couple of bites.
Walk.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
Think thin and think healthy! You'll be amazed at how just readjusting your mind will help :-)
As much as you might think this sounds crazy and as much as you might hate the idea of doing it: Stand in front of a mirror naked every day and visualize what you would like to improve about your body. That's what professional body builders do! Case in point is good ol' Arnold ;-) He wore those sweat pants cut off at the knee so he could visualize his skinny calves being built up to make his body more symmetrical and look where he is today ;-)
There are many fine online sites, but I loved Sparkpeople. Sparkpeople is free and I used it successfully. It has an enornous amount of great info and encouragement! Groups, nutritional info, success stories, and incentives galore.
Recipes, and recording spots. It's a blast.
Eat lots of fruits and vegies, steamed or raw or microwaved without added fat or butter. Grilled chicken or fish-chicken breasts on sale are a good buy-stock up and freeze. Whole grain breads or pastas. Lots of water. Half of a meal plate should be vegies, 1/4 a starch and 1/4 a lean protein. Avoid processed foods as these contain a lot of hidden fat and salt and sugar. Read labels religiously. Take lunch and approriate snacks to work to avoid fast food lunch and vending machines. Make time to exercie-walk, jog, bike, skate, swim-all free and/or low cost. Set reasonable goals for yourself of 1-2 lb week and reward yourself at certain milestone losses with a non-food reward like a movie, pedicure or new shoes. Good luck! It can be done!
I was wondering if someone knew how to drop 10 pounds or more a month. What are the best exercises and food that should be involved. I am very obese and just need help losing this the healthy way. I don't have the money for a gym or Weight Watchers, so home remedies would be the best. Thanks in advance.
If you don't want to get hungry ten minutes after you are through eating, make sure that all carbs are served with a protein: cheese, meat, eggs, etc;
This evens out the blood sugar levels and makes you feel full longer...chewing more times with each bite helps too and having a small drink of some beverage before eating makes you feel more satisfied with the meal. :)
Here is a link to a detox/weight loss diet. The maple syrup is a little pricey ($6-$8), but it does work. You will feel like you have the flu for a day or so, because it is getting rid of the toxins in your body, but it made me feel better after doing it, and I lost about 3-4 lbs. after doing it for 3 days. Can't hurt any!
www.associatedcontent.com/
First, I'm obese as well. WAY overweight. I've been losing weight gradually, and this year I'm only counting on a pound a week. This will be a big help, emotionally, in preventing the "Oh, I give up" phase we all reach. I usually lose more, but that 1 lb. goal comes in handy. One thing I've finally learned is that fresh fruits and veggies, or even canned fruits, are far less expensive than junk food.
Get some of those "green bags" that are advertised on TV, because they really do keep everything fresh much longer. I got mine at a Dollar General and it was 12 bags for $5, and they're completely reusable. When I start craving something sweet, I'll make myself a small salad with regular salad dressing. It takes time to make and time to eat, so you're busy a lot longer than if you scarf down some chips or candy. The dressing satisfies both the sweet and the "fat" cravings, too.
Buy those bags of salad when they're on super sale, like this week they're $0.99 each. I put them right into my green bag and they keep for at least a week!! I also eat a banana, an apple (maybe with a little peanut butter on it), and even V8 juice, especially in the evening when I give in to my cravings more easily. Yes, I also keep some cookies around sometimes, but only eat one or two when I just HAVE to have one! Just so you know how effective this can be,
I've lost 44 pounds, and gone from being a diabetic relying on 4 tests and 6 injections of two kinds of insulin down to 2 tests and ONE injection of ONE kind of insulin a day. My hope is to be insulin free when I've lost the last 50 pounds. Good luck to you, sweetie. It's a long road, but it's really, really worth it!
Hi, I lost 15 lbs over the summer. I started out walking but that feel by the way because of our schedule so I had great success just counting calories. The average person needs to eat about 1250 calories per day and that what I did. I find that it is important to me to eat a good protein filled breakfast. For example 1 slice bacon (80 cal), 1 slice 100% whole grain bread (80cal), 1T all fruit spread (40 cal) and 1 fried egg (75 cal). Make sure you get some protein with each meal/snack. For example I eat 1 oz of cheese with an apple.
You can eat pretty much all the raw veggies you want to help keep you full feeling. Drink lots of water! I split my 1250 calories into 250 calories 5 times per day. Usually I use more at meals and less at snacks but it keeps me on track. Journal everything you eat! That helps so much. I hope this will help. You can do this! Blessings to you in your journey toward health! :)
Cut up bags of carrots, and celery and eat them until you grow rabbit ears. Lots of protein, chicken and egg whites, FRESH fruits and vegetables, if it comes in a box or a package. Don't eat it. Legumes, (beans) are a great source of protein, make bean soups.
You can walk for 20 min a day. That is nothing YOU CAN DO IT! Take a little walk every day. If you make it 10 min fine, just do it! and strengthening exercises are a must, muscle burns fat faster than marathon running (well not really but kinda).
Do 5 squats a day, then do 7, then up to 10 etc. Get some weights and do arm curls. Start with something you can and will do, you will loose the weight. Good luck to you! YOU GO GIRL!
I had the most success in losing weight by: * regular hourly deep breathing exercises, (gets oxygen to the fat cells and helps oxidize them)
* i mixed 1 cap (not cup) of concentrated lime juice into a 14 oz. Cup of ice water, adding two pink packets of "sweet and low" (it won't kill you because you aren't going to overdo it, right? I drank only one glass every other day. I did this for most of my thin adult life and learned it
was one of the secrets that worked also for the long run. It shrinks the stomach size quickly, helps control appetite naturally!)
* I drank a small 10 oz. Bottle of plain unsweetened tropicana grapefruit juice on the two weekend days only. Healthy!
* I ate extra large helpings of leafy greens/yellow/orange frozen or fresh veggies, not potatoes, mac/cheese, or too much corn (now has toxins added and the dna altered, which also increases human growth!
* I took four "refrigerated acidophylus" (milk free bluebonnet brand, 2-3 billion micro-organizms per capsule-at least, and w/ fos) once a day to help keep body acid and any yeast buildup more in check. I still do these things today because it is gentle and works well if kept cool!
* I took/still take dollar general brand multi-vitamins for hair/ skin/ nails, along with 1,200 mg. Of calcium citrate, and extra vitamin d/ flax seed oil/ evening primrose oil/ milk thistle ( a liver cleanse, is easy on the bowels if taken 1,000mg/day. From walmart - a rexall brand)
* I keep lots of ice water in fridge to drink all day, stopped all colas (cause brittle bones) but I drink decaf teas/ coffees, too.
I learned that sugar is addictive, so when I see that I am addicted, I switch to a little more salty foods, even a pickle slice or two, to break the addiction in a day or two.
If I started to swell from too much salt, I stopped, reduced it to almost no salt and began to slowly add sugar back into my healthy diet.
Not being able to afford nor need much meat, I depended and still do, more on boiled eggs, dried beans of every color, limited peanut butter when not being recalled, and small amounts of tuna, canned chicken, chopped bison meatballs once a month/ hamburger meat once a month/ lots of mixed veggie, celery, or Chinese noodle soups (less often), and eat only oat nut bread, avocados, and use only walmart coconut oil - lou ann brand- for cooking on low heat, and for seasoning cooked veggies. I also use sea salt and peppers sparingly.
Occasionally I will have a big baked potato, a large bowl of raisin brand cereal, but I try to avoid all high fructose corn sweeteners now that there has been so much mercury found in 55 % of the many foods that has it.
Also, I have been reading labels and ingredients for about twenty years, knowing that I alone am responsible for learning what is best for my body, the temple of the holy spirit of god, in whom I have strong
faith.
I do not drink, smoke, use illegal drugs, or eat/drink anything in excess (always in moderation), try not to sit at the computer or TV with food, eating slower, and paying full attention to what I am eating/drinking. I take vitamin supplements of b-complex.
This regimen seems to work well for me. I hope you will consider it for yourself as well? Check with your doctor before changing or adding anything to your body if you are on any sort of medications.
Be patient, pray and trust god to help you. It wasn't accumulated on our bodies overnight, so it doesn't come off overnight, but slowly, like about 10-20 pounds /month average. But is also a good maintenance program and encourages us to move around more, sleep less, and brings hope to continue. : )
P.S. I drink only almond milk, not commercial cow's milk. And eat organic butter and eggs. All seems to help a lot.
I'm obese too. I weight 308 now I started changing my food plan about2 months ago. I gave up on diets years ago and just gained more weight bit I finally made a decision to work on it one day at a time. I eat emotionally which I'm finding out most of my generation did or still does, but for how I'm doing it. I reached out for help just like you, i asked people I knew what they did and I got a group of friends to support me. I also joined online recovery meditations along with calorie counter both are free.
I also cut up my own veggies and buy them from the flea market as they are cheaper there i go about every 2 weeks and it costs 20.00 and feeds 3 of us. I also buy the 300 calorie tv dinners ranging from 99 cents to 500 but i stick with the 3.00 and under. My snacks at 100 cal snacks or fruit and I mix it up. You can remeasure the snacks into baggies. I no longer hit micky ds for a quick bite. I put my fork down between bites and allow myself to swallow before I take my next bite.
Slow steady changes over a period of time after 2 months, I've lost about32 lbs and I'm not hungry all the time. I still have 160lbs to lose. At a rate of about 7lbs a month it will take 2 years but i believe if I take baby steps, I can do it. If you need a buddy write me warnerd5 AT aol.com What we cant do alone, we can do together. Good luck
There's a daily column in our paper by a Dr. Gott. He has a simple diet...I've tried it and it works. No flour, no sugar. That's it. If it has flour or sugar in it you can't eat it. Add 30 minutes of exercise (walking) a day--or 3 10 minute sessions a day if 30 minutes is too hard at first. This isn't going to be a lot of fun, but it will work and you CAN do it. Nothing expensive, no new clothes to buy...just don't eat flour and sugar. To help it along, exercise...10 minutes a day, three times a day isn't much if you think about it, and when you get used to it, try doing it in a 20 or 30 minute stretch.It won't come off like magic, but think of it like carrying around a 5, 10, or 25 pound bag of potatoes (which you can eat. I've been there. You can tell the difference. Good results to you.
Go to sparkpeople.com its a free online diet and fitness site, lots of tips, articles, recipes and support. I have lost 25lbs using this site, its great and you make friends and have fun.
I used to be very obese too, altho I am no longer so. Please, there is no safe, non-surgical, permanent way to lose 10 or more pounds in a month. There are lots of healthy ways to lose weight, and none of these include
the pills seen on late nite TV or backs of magazines. The methids abov are great-think water, exercise and protein, and very little if fats. Eat small meals 5-6 times a day and learn to read your body's signal for real hunger vs emotional "wanna eat" out of boredom, frustration, depression, etc.
If there is a way to do these, I'd be glad to me your e-mail pal and coach, if you like. Consider talking to your doc about a safe, no-gimmicks eating plan. And remember, this weight didn't come on in a month-it won't be gone in a month either.
Hey all!
I see lots of wonderful hints on here already. I don't have much to add about food and excersize. I do have something terribly important to add about health and weight.
After being exposed to fluoride and perchlorate in our water, I finally figured out why I was tired all the time, my brain was fuzzy, and I couldn't lose weight no matter what I did. My thyroid was toast. You see, the fluoride (no, it's NOT good for you) will stop your thyroid from working correctly, and if your thyroid isn't working, your metabolism will not function correctly. After detoxing and also iodine painting (see earthclinic.com for more info) I lost 40 pounds this year. Hope this helps somebody else out there!
There is a lot of information online. Try peertrainer.com for a little support. You join or create a group of up to 4 members you can relate to, keep a log of what you eat, and chat with your team members for moral support. Every little bit helps. The site does not promote any one diet or plan.
I needed to lose 150 pounds. I still have 80 to go but after researching various diets and learning about eating a healthy diet, I chose to go with the Fat Flush Plan. It is a balanced healthy eating plan and I can be on it the rest of my life to help me maintain my weight.
The main thing is to learn about using spices to help rev up your metabolism and eating foods that are antioxidants to help make our body work better.
I also started getting up during every commercial and walking around. Then I added in going up and down the stairs; adding trips each week. I couldn't sit on an exercise bike due to back issues so my husband built me some bike petals that I can lay on the bed and pedal. I make sure to exercise about 45 minutes after I eat my biggest meal so that I use up any extra nutrients that I have eaten and it isn't stored.
I am losing the weight slowly to give my skin a chance to tighten up the slack----so far so good and I am no longer diabetic nor do I have high blood pressure anymore.
Do you have a friend or family memeber that has been on weight watchers? IF so ask them to loan you thier books and other info then STICK TO IT. (that's the hardest part.) But I bet they'll be supportive and more than willing to share all their stuff.
God bless and Keep with the I CAN DO IT attitude!
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RE: Inexpensive Ways to Lose Weight
Low carb is the way to go for a lot of people. (No diet works for everyone!) but if you can do it, you can use more than 10 lbs in a months time.
It's not as hard as most diets, because you're not deprived of food. There is a scientific basis for why this diet works. Read Dr. Atkins book, or check out
www.Atkins.com/
Good luck finding the diet and exercise program that is right for you!
Try online diet site such as the National Health Challenge or the SELF magazine site. They offer menus, exercise tips, daily food and exercise trackers, calorie counters, tips from trainers, doctors, nutritionists and chat rooms for support and advise. All free! You just have to register.
Whatever method you choose to lose, there's a free podcast you should listen to that will give you motivation and discipline like you never imagined possible: Inside Out Weight Loss. You can subscribe here: renee.personallifemedia.com/
Good luck with losing weight!
What worked for me was to simply start walking. All it cost me was a good pair of shoes. I started out slowly, doing only 20 minutes or so of moderate walking and after just 6 short weeks I was doing 2 miles in 30 minutes! Don't stretch when muscles are cold; just start out walking slowly for 5 minutes then speed up for however long you can walk, then walk slowly for 5 minutes at the end - THEN stretch.
When the weather is nasty or I don't feel I have the time to walk outdoors I use the "Walk Away the Pounds" DVD by Leslie Sansone. Sure it's monotonous and a little boring after using it over and over, but I can pretty much tune out the talking and just follow along by now. With her DVD you have the option of using light (2-lb.) hand weights and believe me, they make a big difference.
Be prepared to drop a lot of weight quickly if you are indeed obese, but also be prepared to hit plateaus where you don't lose as much so fast. When you hit a plateau, increase your movement and that should help.
There really is no magic pill or potion that's a healthy, long-term solution for losing weight and keeping it off. It truly comes one day at a time. I wish you well!!
There are a few simple things you can do that are totally cheap! Drink LOTS of water. Tap water is better than bottled. Do at least an 8 oz glass before everything you eat. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger.
Get some basic exercise. Before every meal, walk at a pace that's enough to raise your heart rate and don't get discouraged. It takes time to build up your endurance.
Fresh veggies and fruits. Go for it. If you eat one super healthy no dressing salad/vegetarian meal a day as part of your routine; the pounds will start dropping. Veggie soups are excellent as well. Don't try to starve yourself. It will slow your metabolism. You have to eat three smaller meals and at least 2 snacks a day.
Bring celery, carrot sticks, broccoli florets, etc as your snack and eat them before you will be able to get to junk food. It will fill you up. I'm not one for diets or packaged foods as they really aren't too healthy. Try looking at gillian mckeith's website. There's lots of good recipes and info for free to get you started.
Buying healthy foods will actually save you a good 20% over your previous food bills even if you buy some of the more exotic veggies and fruits.
I lost weight when I discovered in 2006 that I had a dairy intolerance. I loved many fattening & tasty foods that were causing my body a lot of grief: colds, viral infections, sinus infections, vertigo, brain fog and stomach aches. I have become more inventive in the way I eat since dairy and dairy derivatives are laced in almost everything thing.
I do go out and walk almost everyday in the spring, summer and fall and I drink tons of water; the only cost I have incurred is buying smaller sized clothing which makes me happy. In 2004 I was over 200 pounds and a size 18 and now I am a size 12 (I havent been on a scale); my friend I havent seen since 2004 seen a photo of me a complimented me on my weight loss.
How true is this, that by drinking hot water 3-4 liters per day helps to reduce body weight and fat?
