Diet/Exercise Advice?

I'm wanting to make improvements, now that I'm moving back with my mom I can fix up my diet because I'll actually have a say in what gets made for dinner, plus I just finished highschool and am planning to take some time off school/work stuff and focus more on improving myself and figuring out what I really want to do. It will probably be at least a year.

So anyways! I'm looking for suggestions regarding a super cheap healthy diet I can follow, I want to eat healthier and I also want to start some sort of simple exercises I can do st home to help me tone up and lose some belly fat... I'm 5'2 and I think just above 140lbs so I'm apparently overweight?? 😳 I'm not a fan of the belly flubb.

We're like, ultra poor, and I'm a complete noob with the whole healthy diet scene and there's just so much information that you'll find online that is not true at all. So here I am asking real people!

What can I do? 😊 I feel like I keep repeating myself in each little paragraph, I hope it wasn't annoying to read.. as a side note I'm not a good cook. I'm just literally not sure of anything here, all I know is I want to improve my body and my health. I'd really love help making a schedule of some sort to follow, regarding the diet and exercise, I have no issues eating pretty much the same thing all week (I mean like, something different each day but keeping it the same each week for simplicity).

Right now all I know is that I'm going to be drinking only water, no junk food/less sugar, and more salad (I love salad/pasta salad).

I'm sorry I'm dragging on... I just wanted to add that another big reason I want to eat a specific healthy diet is because I'm always tired because of my current crappy diet and it's hard to exercise when you're always feeling so lazy and crappy, which doesn't go well with the fact that I'm not too pleased with my body right now. Ya know?

Again, apologies for the long post, hopefully people here can help? 😀

Look into intermittent fasting. IMO its the best for fatloss, plus it has way more benfits than just fatloss.

I was a serious competitive swimmer for 8 years, so I'm familiar with nutrients and foods and all that, unless research has changed in the past 5 years. I can provide some basics on losing weight purely with diet.

If you're going to exercise very lightly just for burning fat, maintaining a weight-loss diet really pretty simple. Simple carbs (bread, pastries, anything from bakeries, potatoes, noodles, white rice... but carbs in general) and total fat in a food are really 90% what contributes to weight. Avoid all of those foods completely and utterly. Sugar is unhealthy and slows your body's healing processes, but honestly matters less when it comes to weight, just in itself. Avoid all all of those foods, and just stick to brown rice and maybe a bit of pasta for your carb intake, but keep it minimal.

Main diet should consist of 80% vegetables and fruits (boiled, baked, anything more true to the source... not sure if that's the right wording), around 10% protein (best is if you have the heart to only eat chicken breast for protein), 10% brown rice, and nuts. Don't get your veggie intake from tv dinners or pasta sauces or mixed with heavy creams... just pure, fresh veggies. I used to just bake vegetables with salt and dip them in balsamic vinegar.

In addition, eating smaller meals throughout the day helps lose weight, instead of three giant meals. And this might sound weird to some, but never eat until you feel "full" or stuffed. Just feel "satisfied". LOL. Stomach capacity is also a big contributor on what prevents some from losing weight. Stomachs will adapt and shrink a bit, depending on how much you eat, and you will end up feeling comfortable with whatever amount. Just don't eat too little all at once, or your stomach will yell that you are constantly starving.

That'll get you started...

As for light exercise that you can do at home, you can follow pilates and yoga videos online. There are a lot on youtube, that are just 30 minutes~2 hour long videos following the yoga instructor, like if you were taking yoga classes.

HQB, I just did a little bit reading on intermittent fasting, sounds like something I could do.

Red, I actually enjoy chicken breast, best part of the chicken! When you say "more true to the source," what exactly do you mean? I don't understand. So, it woud be good if I could do chicken breast and brown rice for dinner, along with lots of veggies. Would salads be more beneficial than boiling or baking? Or are they pretty much the same and I can really just choose whether I feel like cooked or raw veggies? Perhaps my lunches can be my fruits. I've been looking into Yoga, and was actually considering just buying a DVD.


Of course I post this and I get given some weird chips and cake and squares.. 😂 though in my defense... my birthday's tomorrow!

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Hi, Fraido! Congrats on finishing high school :)

It definitely sounds like you are off to a good start by drinking only water and cutting out any junk food. It is amazing what a difference it makes to simply not have it around. A lot of what helps is meal planning and grocery lists...eliminates a lot of the temptation.

For healthy breakfasts, OATMEAL. Cheap, filling and you can always change up what nuts/raisins/fresh fruit you add to it. If you have a decent blender, green smoothies are nice too (but can get a bit expensive).

I also agree with the other posters that eating more plant based (and this is coming from a girl who loves to eat meat) can do wonders. Even just cutting your meat portion in half and doubling your accompanying veggie. A good sized sweet potato simply roasted can be almost a light lunch on its own. And veggies like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus are all super easy to prepare roasted with just some salt and pepper.

Soups are a really good way to go, too. Find a good recipe, make a big batch and have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Sorry if that was a bit disjointed but those are all things that have worked for me


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Thanks! 😁

Meal planning and grocery lists, definitely. I've always planned on doing that, knowing exactly what I'm going to be making each day and buying what I need for the week!

It will be difficult not having junk food around though, as I can't control what my mother and boyfriend eat... Lol I think I'll manage though, just always have bananas or apples or some sort of berries if I get a serious craving. The boyfriend is a huge pain in the butt because he refuses to drink water, ugh

I'll be honest I'm not much of a breakfast person. (One of the reasons why I'm considering that intermittent fasting thing, plus I like what I read, haha.) If I don't though, oatmeal will probably be the route I go, I like the variety you can creat with it. LOVE smoothies, too... I used to have one of those blenders where it blends in your bottle thing, I wish I still had it! Perhaps I'll invest in another one.

I love all those veggies! Aside from sweet potato.. 😋 I am definitely all for the veggie scene.

I'm a paranoid eater when it comes to eating leftovers, I don't know if I could manage a big batch of soup and eating it throughout the week. I do like soup, though, so maaybbee. Haha

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Originally Posted by Fraido

HQB, I just did a little bit reading on intermittent fasting, sounds like something I could do.

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I find it to be the best fatloss tool that helps you lose fat and maintain muscle.

Do what i do. Stay so busy you forget about food. I usually only eat 2 or even 1 real meal every day and i'm generally a skinny guy so i'm sure it plays a role though i also have a lightning fast metabolism. I'm glad i don't eat as much cause i think there's a lot of crap ingredients in food now and days. My worst intake is probably corn syrup cause i'm a soda junkie got a serious weakness for dr. pepper. But anyway i think a good cheap suggestion to help with your weight i'm thinking ramon noodles. You canadians know what ramon noodles are right? Girl you need to buy like a whole box lol which shouldn't be a whole lot. And yes the ramon noodles and whole box are a serious suggestion. Also happy birthday fraido. :)

Lol to be honest I don't overeat for the most part! It's just that the crappy diet makes me lazy and tired, so I just kind of sit around all day leading to the whole weight gain and what-not. Not sure if I could manage a whole box of noodles. 😂 And thanks! 😀

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Well the whole box is sparingly over time of course lol.

Two best things:
1. Take a before photo so you can see progress.
2. Get out of the house. Go for a walk or jog. I like running on the treadmill but not out on the street.

Make time and stick with it. Reference your photo for motivation.

No carbs

EDR, lol I know but, damn that's make me ill! I wouldn't be able to get through the third package. Hahah

Pit, good idea. I wish I had a treadmill! My plan is that I'm going to be walking this babe daily, probably jogging. She was originally my dog but I was 15 and my dad gradually took over everything with her, then took her when he moved, I still consider her mine and he isn't walking her enough, so! http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...a718896f19.jpg

Al, I'll definitely be making sure I have as little as I can.

Eat what you want BUT make sure you hold yourself accountable.
I love watching people cut this an that out of their diet when I'm over here eating everything including cake.
Just means I have to work out a little longer. ;)

Lost 15 pounds in 6 months........... Waist down 4 inches and chest/arms/legs (muscle mass) increased. Slowly had to replace all my cloths.
Now I stay right at 200 pounds.

I mostly just want to feel better, more energy. I'm so unmotivated to do anything at all, and that's the most frustrating thing right now. I'm not happy with the way I look, but I have next to no motivation to start changing that. I'm tired all the time, not sleeping well, and I'm pretty sure it's directly related to my diet.

I just feel like if I at the very least improve my diet I'll have more energy to work out and such, but even then I'm so lazy! I don't want to have to work out a lot, I figure if I eat healthier and do light exercise it will balance out and I can maintain a better body and a healthier mind. I donno, though. I don't really know how all this kind of stuff works, maybe I'm wanting something unrealistic with the lack od work I want to put into this? I mean, yeah, I don't know.

I actually enjoy healthy foods though, like a lot, as much as I love cake I think I may enjoy a salad little more. 😉

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You just have to find a reason.
Find music to listen to that makes you want to move.
Honestly if you don't want to you wont.
We are creatures of habit so you have to work something in to your daily routine.
Reward yourself for hitting the goal you set for that day.
Small steps, even if its just a walk around the block.

Exercise in the morning, it keeps your metabolism up all day.

The biggest problem with just sitting around or plopping down in front of the tv is invariably we start munching. I like to have carrot and celery sticks ready to go in the refrigerator, just put them in water. NO DRESSING, just eat them plain.

Do you have space for a veggie garden?

Avoid carbs with little or no fiber such as pasta, white rice, white bread as much as possible. For white rice substitute brown rice, barley, quinoa, etc.

Cheap meat + beans + spices = chili.

For eating healthier on a budget I cook a whole chicken at the start of each week (make sure you get one that hasn't had salt added! So many whole chickens come with a 'solution' injected into them). I use a pressure cooker, but you could just roast it in the oven. I remove all the skin, then I remove the meat from the bone. The meat goes into a container and into the fridge and then I have a protein source for the week. Cooked chicken goes in veggie stir-fry (which I make by cooking veggies with just a touch of oil and then a tablespoon of hummus for flavor rather than soy sauce), on top of salad, or into a small amount of rice and veggies.

Also every so often I will do a large pork tenderloin for the 'meat of the week', you can get a large slab of lean pork tenderloin for just a few bucks a pound.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

celery sticks .

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With peanut butter...........:D

Pit, I've got my reason, it's just difficult to get over the laziness. 😀 I better get me some new headphones!

Bcr, I am all for having some raw veggies to munch on if I'm feeling snackish! No peanut butter with that celery?;) We don't have much space for any sort of gardening, really. I'd be interested in doing that, though. Mm, chili!

PL, I like that! I cringe at eating leftovers, though, putting it in a stirfry should ease my mind. I can't imagine hummus in a stirfry, I'm willing to try, though!

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Smaller food portions, healthy carbs, no junk food or SODA, and 30-60 minutes of daily exercise like walking/running/swimming, push-ups, planks, light weights, shadowboxing, etc.

You need some fats in order to absorb fat-soluble vitamins from veggies. That's why greens are traditionally served with oil :D. Just make sure it's healthy fats not junk food, and not too much.

Jeez, no ramen! That's a terrible suggestion. Have you ever looked at the label? The noodles are fried so there's a lot of fat, and the seasoning is basically salt and MSG mixed with more fat. It's about the junkiest junk food possible. Maybe some college kids can survive on that but it's definitely not a weight-loss or healthy food.

There is no reason to cringe at leftovers. Heehee. It's a great way to save some money. Cooked chicken lasts a good 5-6 days (probably longer I just always eat it before then), and cooked steak lasts even longer. Your tummy is full of acid to handle most thing. You are in far more danger of getting e. coli from fresh veggies than anything else, most of the food illness outbreaks in America are caused by veggies that have had manure sprayed on them not from tainted meat. Be aware that cooked chicken after even just one day has an odor to it, but you'll *know* if it's off...that odor will knock your socks off!

If it makes you feel better, cook the chicken, take it off the bone, divide up the portions and place them in the freezer instead, take them out and defrost them in the pan.

I would not have tried hummus as a flavor enhancer for stir fry, it was my husband that experimented with that one night and hit on a new favorite. Red pepper or otherwise flavored hummus is best. He comes up with good ideas now and then...of course he also once made a hot rice and veggie dish with Cesare Dressing as the 'sauce'. That was...not so good. ;)

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Originally Posted by piedlover79

Also every so often I will do a large pork tenderloin for the 'meat of the week', you can get a large slab of lean pork tenderloin for just a few bucks a pound.

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My local grocery has whole loins on sale for under $2 per pound every few weeks. Just cut it yourself at home into chops, or smaller roasts which are great for the crock pot. Beef is still stupid-expensive at the grocery, fortunately a local farmer gives me screaming deals on quarters.

If you're on a budget check your grocery store circulars for what is on sale, make a list before you go shopping, and never walk into the store hungry.

Try to stay out of the center aisles with the processed food (the baking aisle is the exception).

For recipes focus on savory rather than sweet dishes, unless the sweet comes from honey. A lot of cooking sauces have added sugar or HFCS, as does catsup.

It's just a psychological thing, PL! I know it's fine but I worry. Lol Your husband sounds like an interesting man... Hahah

Thanks again to everyone, this gives me plenty to start with and think about.. I'm trying to force the boyfriend to eat healthy with me, now...;)

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Omg any pics I've seen of you on here I thought you were looking fabulous and a total babe!

I am 5'2 and sit between 125 - 130 with an athletic body type so pretty close to you.

Firstly if you are looking for a quick exercise program I really like Slim in 6 - start with the "Start it Up" you can find this online and it moves you up to the "Ramp it Up" once you've gained some muscles/stamina. Do this 2x a week and walk or pick another cardio type exercise for 2x a week (working out a total of 4x per week is realistic).

I do NOT diet - I am a self confessed sugar addict. But since I know that and am also quite vain I try to make up for it by working out and eating mostly healthy (80/20). I go to boxing and boot camp 1x per week at the community centre (super cheap $6.00 a class!) and always try to walk/run for 60 minutes on the days I don't do a workout.

Russian twists, sit ups, crunches, flutter kicks, plank - these are all great belly busters.

You should download the Fitness Pal app to get a realistic view of how much you should be eating and I use Runkeeper to track exercise and it tells you how many calories an activity burns.

Good luck but seriously you are beautiful!

p.s. good luck with the boyfriend...There's been many times where my hunni is eating Mr. Noodles or KD while I chomp down a salad LOL you have to break free from their bad habits ;)

Paleo diet or vegan diet are the only 2 I consider sustainable diets. Funny how they are polar opposites, one being high fat low carb and the other being high carb low fat. But they have a ton in common, removing processed foods, especially processed sugars. Focusing on high quality fruits and veggies. Drinking a ton of water. Neither diet will have you restrict how much you eat, if you are hungry you need to eat, just eat quality food.

Personally I eat a blend of the two out of pure laziness. I eat vegan on my own, but the wife will cook all sorts of things and hell if I am turning down a meal. Also the guys at work will go out to eat and sometimes that involves a burger joint. I also have pop with booze. So it not like I follow them 100% and no doubt have a lot of room for improvement but i don't look out of shape by any means and only work out I do is going to work (commercial/industrial electrician). Eventually I would like to develop a work out routine and just stick to a pure vegan diet.

With any diet I highly suggest you do your research on them. Many fad diets will make you lose weight until the point your body is giving out due to malnutrition so you either end up in the hospital or eat a bunch of crap because you can't take it, reversing what you intended.

As far as exercise, cardio of any kind is what you want. Running, bike riding, dance, doesn't matter, get moving and you will be happy with the results.

A super easy way to to get started tho, only thing you drink is water, no pop, no coffee, no energy drinks. I've seen some pretty good results in myself and many other just from making that change.

Congrats on wanting to make a healthy change.

I highly suggest you browse through this website:
http://examine.com/faq/

Also, pick up The Lean Muscle Diet by Lou Schuler and Alan Aragon. You can find it at Barns and Nobel or online.

Both are evidence based and will give you the knowledge to build and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Just browsing the responses in this thread there is a lot of misinformation and myths.

If I could give you a couple suggestions they would be:
Moderation
avoid food avoidance
resistance train

I a going to school for exercise science and have a great interest in nutrition.
if you have any specific questions I would be happy to give you my opinion.
good luck! :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Snoopyslim

Omg any pics I've seen of you on here I thought you were looking fabulous and a total babe!

I am 5'2 and sit between 125 - 130 with an athletic body type so pretty close to you.

Firstly if you are looking for a quick exercise program I really like Slim in 6 - start with the "Start it Up" you can find this online and it moves you up to the "Ramp it Up" once you've gained some muscles/stamina. Do this 2x a week and walk or pick another cardio type exercise for 2x a week (working out a total of 4x per week is realistic).

I do NOT diet - I am a self confessed sugar addict. But since I know that and am also quite vain I try to make up for it by working out and eating mostly healthy (80/20). I go to boxing and boot camp 1x per week at the community centre (super cheap $6.00 a class!) and always try to walk/run for 60 minutes on the days I don't do a workout.

Russian twists, sit ups, crunches, flutter kicks, plank - these are all great belly busters.

You should download the Fitness Pal app to get a realistic view of how much you should be eating and I use Runkeeper to track exercise and it tells you how many calories an activity burns.

Good luck but seriously you are beautiful!

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You're too kind! 😊

I will definitely look into all these things. 😀 Now that I'm living only a couple minutes from my babe, Miikaah the husky, I'll be walking her daily and I'm aiming for a good hour every day!

Perhaps it's more about toning up rather than losing the weight. I took this photo a couple months ago, http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...01cfe4c14a.jpg I just want that belly fat gone and to tone it up, same with my thighs! I've got stretch marks on my legs and it really bothers me. Btw, I think I've gained a couple pounds since that photo. 😋

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Originally Posted by Snoopyslim

p.s. good luck with the boyfriend...There's been many times where my hunni is eating Mr. Noodles or KD while I chomp down a salad LOL you have to break free from their bad habits ;)

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Lol he said he would join me in my healthy adventure. We'll see how far that goes.;)

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by OhhWatALoser

Paleo diet or vegan diet are the only 2 I consider sustainable diets. Funny how they are polar opposites, one being high fat low carb and the other being high carb low fat. But they have a ton in common, removing processed foods, especially processed sugars. Focusing on high quality fruits and veggies. Drinking a ton of water. Neither diet will have you restrict how much you eat, if you are hungry you need to eat, just eat quality food.

Personally I eat a blend of the two out of pure laziness. I eat vegan on my own, but the wife will cook all sorts of things and hell if I am turning down a meal. Also the guys at work will go out to eat and sometimes that involves a burger joint. I also have pop with booze. So it not like I follow them 100% and no doubt have a lot of room for improvement but i don't look out of shape by any means and only work out I do is going to work (commercial/industrial electrician). Eventually I would like to develop a work out routine and just stick to a pure vegan diet.

With any diet I highly suggest you do your research on them. Many fad diets will make you lose weight until the point your body is giving out due to malnutrition so you either end up in the hospital or eat a bunch of crap because you can't take it, reversing what you intended.

As far as exercise, cardio of any kind is what you want. Running, bike riding, dance, doesn't matter, get moving and you will be happy with the results.

A super easy way to to get started tho, only thing you drink is water, no pop, no coffee, no energy drinks. I've seen some pretty good results in myself and many other just from making that change.

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I'm not much for the vegan diet, though I understand it. I do like my meat though, hahah!

Research will definitely happen. As I think about what I'm trying to do, I'm thinking I'm not necessarily trying to follow a specific diet per say, just wanting to eat healthy and for me that would simply mean eating good foods and generally eating the same things over and over again for the most part.. I really don't know what I'm trying to explain!

I'm definitely wanting to do some jogging with the dog.

And I'm already all over the only water thing!

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by djansen

Congrats on wanting to make a healthy change.

I highly suggest you browse through this website:
http://examine.com/faq/

Also, pick up The Lean Muscle Diet by Lou Schuler and Alan Aragon. You can find it at Barns and Nobel or online.

Both are evidence based and will give you the knowledge to build and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Just browsing the responses in this thread there is a lot of misinformation and myths.

If I could give you a couple suggestions they would be:
Moderation
avoid food avoidance
resistance train

I a going to school for exercise science and have a great interest in nutrition.
if you have any specific questions I would be happy to give you my opinion.
good luck! :gj:

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Thank you! I shall take a look at that website.

Problem is, I don't even know what to ask! 😅

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fraido

I'm not much for the vegan diet, though I understand it. I do like my meat though, hahah!

Research will definitely happen. As I think about what I'm trying to do, I'm thinking I'm not necessarily trying to follow a specific diet per say, just wanting to eat healthy and for me that would simply mean eating good foods and generally eating the same things over and over again for the most part.. I really don't know what I'm trying to explain!

I'm definitely wanting to do some jogging with the dog.

And I'm already all over the only water thing!

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Look into the paleo diets, meat and veggie is a majority of it. Both paleo and vegan are not like a lot of fad diets, there's nothing specific about them. More like guidelines of why to eat or not eat something. Good luck with your health venture, sounds like you have a good start already.

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Originally Posted by Fraido

Thank you! I shall take a look at that website.

Problem is, I don't even know what to ask! 😅

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no worries :)

ill ask you the lol. Do you know what macronutrients are?
do you have a gym membership?

also, based on your pic and not knowing anything about your body composition you look great. Set realistic expectations for yourself and realize that there a number of factors that effect weight loss. if only we could spot reduce... Sadly it does not work this way.

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Originally Posted by OhhWatALoser

Look into the paleo diets, meat and veggie is a majority of it. Both paleo and vegan are not like a lot of fad diets, there's nothing specific about them. More like guidelines of why to eat or not eat something. Good luck with your health venture, sounds like you have a good start already.

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While there is nothing wrong with a meat and veggie diet Paleo is just a theory and lacks science to back it up. Again eating a primarily meat and veggie diet is great for most people but they also choose to avoid some really nutrient dense foods with no sound research to back it up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by djansen

no worries :)

ill ask you the lol. Do you know what macronutrients are?
do you have a gym membership?

also, based on your pic and not knowing anything about your body composition you look great. Set realistic expectations for yourself and realize that there a number of factors that effect weight loss. if only we could spot reduce... Sadly it does not work this way.

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I used to know what macronutrients is, couldn't tell you, now. Lol

No gym membership for me, that's why I was wanting to do mostly light exercise which I can accomplish at home, I have major issues when it comes to doing things like working out in front of people. It really sucks!

I suppose realistically I am wanting to tone up and prevent any more weight gain by eating healthier (plus, I think I'll even feel good). I have not otherwise grown in the last three years, it's just my weight. I know I can go as low as 117lbs and look great. I expected weight gain when I was put on BC three years ago, but I didn't gain anything in that first year, I was 117lbs and that felt great. I steered away from taking any gym or fitness classes after Gr.10 and got lazier so now I'm up, just over 140lbs. I'd love to be closer to that 117 again, and just look a little more fit in general. Slim? I'm not sure what the best word would be.

That probably means the exercise is a little more important, since that is what I cut out the most, but my boyfriend is really bad with the fast food and we've eaten a lot of that in the last year. No more!

On a side note, is there any good way to keep fresh veggies FRESH in the fridge? We went and got lots for stir fry and salad, as well as some brown rice and chicken breast. (Not sure what's misinformation and what's not, but I like this stuff and it's still good!)

I couldn't get my boyfriend to try hummus with a stir fry this time, so we went with soy sauce, but next time we will get some hummus! So uhh... how does one go about making a stir fry? 😅 We've got bell peppers, mushrooms, green beans, broccoli, chives... we've got celery for snacking, too, not sure if that would be yummy in a stir fry... and the oil and soy sauce.

Similarly we've got lettuce and kale, bell peppers, tomatoes, cheese, dangit we need to go get cucumber... for salad.

I've got the celery, blackberries, and green grapes for snacking.

I'm proud because we bought pretty much only healthy stuff! The boyfriend is the one buying anything unhealthy for himself...

So 245 bucks later, we've got a lot of food! We're not sure how long anything is actually going to last us, as we're just trying to get started, in a couple weeks time we'll be more certain as to what exactly we're buying each week and what to make, we didn't actually go in for a big grocery shop! Whoops, so there's a bunch of other items bulking up that price, thank the lord. Is it realistically possible to feed three people on a hundred bucks a week? That would be ideal for us, since my boyfriend is probably going to be the main grocery buyer and he screwed up multiple times in the last two years and now he pays over a grand for car insurance! Yes, he is an idiot. My mom is not currently working as she is finally doing schooling (hooray her), and I need a break, so it's tight.

I need to start figuring out healthy portions for the three of us so we don't make too too much every day.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by djansen

While there is nothing wrong with a meat and veggie diet Paleo is just a theory and lacks science to back it up. Again eating a primarily meat and veggie diet is great for most people but they also choose to avoid some really nutrient dense foods with no sound research to back it up.

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Well hey, I'm open to pretty much all foods, if I'm told what I need I'll probably get it!

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by djansen

While there is nothing wrong with a meat and veggie diet Paleo is just a theory and lacks science to back it up. Again eating a primarily meat and veggie diet is great for most people but they also choose to avoid some really nutrient dense foods with no sound research to back it up.

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I almost completely agree. It basically is eat like we did before processed foods. However the results of people eating this way for X amount of years is testing the theory and the results look pretty good. I would never say it is the end all perfect diet, but at least it is sustainable. I gave a quick look to the lean muscle diet and will be downloading later to give it a read, I'm interested to see what it says. Thanks for the tip

Way to go on your big healthy shop! Some veggies stay fresher longer than others...I have a trick with berries I wash and dip them in vinegar - keeps my strawberries good for a full week.

You should google some tips about that and easy stir fry recipes - super simple I think you will do great and are on a great start.

A lot of people would be jealous of your figure...you have great curves. =) Never forget that our metabolism slows down with age..I have to try waaay harder than I did when I was in high school and don't think I will ever get back to that weight now that I'm an adult. I think walking will tone you up in no time and you should try to add a tiny ab workout and just do it every morning before you shower. 1 week of exercise and healthy diet, you will see some abs showing!

Keep up the great work! Whenever I start to lose motivation I plan an event I want to look good for or think of my bikini LOL

I was proud of that shop! 😀 A lot of it is already gone, haha. We had chicken, rice and salad the one night, it was delicious.

I'll keep that in mind about the berries, I never would have thought to use vinegar!

I'm definitely going to be googling recipes, and my mom is doing the cooking and stuff, haha! Which is great to me. ;)

Well, I'll take having a little too much flub over being too skinny any day, but I'd just prefer my curves be more toned. 😋
Slower metabolism is kinda annoying, though lol. We'll see where I'm at at the end of the summer...

Good idea! Maybe the boyfriend and I can get a membership at our local YMCA and swim every day, actually.. I love swimming, just hate bikinis!

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Been having a great time taking my girl out and about, I'm glad to have moved. Being here, there is more reason for me to not sit in my room all day. I think my boyfriend is the reason I'm so tired... not because the relationship has issues, but because he works nights, so he's upstairs sleeping and the room is dark, the tv is quiet, and it just makes me sleepy!http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...756e018b7f.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...edaffb22dc.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...ebb6d2de14.jpg

Best money saving advice: hit up farmers markets in the 1/2 hour before they close. A lot of booths have $1 grab bags of stuff that is jussst about to be unsellable. At the end of the day you can ask them if they can do a better price and I have found they usually do. I take it home, clean it up and immediately freeze or pop the stuff in the dehydrator. Today I grabbed two big (like gallon sized) bags of basil, 1 bag oregano, 3 bags of portobellos, 2 zucchinis, and 8 roma tomatos for a grand total of $5.

I spiralized the zucchinis tossed with a pesto sauce made from the basil. Added some diced tomatos. Grilled a few mushrooms and one chicken breast. Chopped those up and added to the "pasta". Topped with a bit of mozzarella and popped under the broiler till the cheese got bubbley.
Enough to feed myself and my boyfriend. Plus I have enough herbs, tomatos and mushrooms in the dehydrator for several more meals depending what I decide to do with them.

I'm a fan of substitutions. Like I love Alfredo sauce, but instead of making it with all that heavy cream and butter. I run a clove of garlic, some parmesan cheese, and cottage cheese through the food processor. Tastes so good, a lot less calories and more protein. I use a lot of spiralized noodles instead of pasta, use collard greens in place of tortillas for tacos or wraps, and I make an out of this world yummy chocolate pudding using avocado.

Thanks for the tips, Voodoolamb! That all sounds delicious!


I've decided to jump rope as my exercise! (Plus walking the dog.) We bought a speed rope, though I can't really jump like that. Perhaps eventually I'll be able to! Going hiking tomorrow, just bought a new bathing suit and gonna hike to a little waterfall and wade about for an hour or so.

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Here's some photos from the other day, I like to share my babes. :)http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...e056284f34.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...1db1726139.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...a75df9650a.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...d0ad0f4190.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...5934afa98f.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...1ec5c57e6a.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...61ccacdc74.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...0d9588467a.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...d4b423a4ba.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...f2a07147e0.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...d8f237ae65.jpg

Aww looks like you're having a blast on your fitness journey and that's what it's totally all about! Your babes are freakin adorbs <3


Skipping is an awesome way to burn calories fast! Even 10 minutes a day would have an impact especially added to your hiking and walking! Keep having fun :D

Heck yes. 😁 No skipping today, though... after trying it out lastnight, and our hike today, my one calf is in some mighty pain! http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...8c4ff09983.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...54a6b0141e.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...e352623e9a.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...f6a8626269.jpg Finally something snake related in this thread.. ;)

Miikaah got a bath and she looks lovely.. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...40f50a3713.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...974ae150fc.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...295dba4428.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...911b64a7a2.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...1ed51ae169.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...902ba91b24.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...df82c31c0c.jpg

beautiful pup!

play Pokemon Go! and sports. i play pub league soccer and there's enough practice and games that will keep u trim.