Weight loss on a budget - Weight Loss Message Board

ryo · 01-06-2005, 02:39 AM

Hello.

I need help with weight loss planning but im on a budget and cannot buy any equipment that i don't already own or pills. And as for changing diet i live with 4 other people so the menu is limited considering junk food is cheaper that health food. Right now as for exercise i have a weight bench with about 270lbs in free weights, also i live in a safe neighborhood so walking is possible. any suggestions on what i can do with what i have. im 21 years old, male, 6'2, and weigh around 350 to 400 lbs.

Terranne · 01-06-2005, 08:09 AM

Slimfast is relatively cheap when you consider that you're replacing 2 meals a day with it, other then that you should be taking a multi vitamin anyways and as for exercise...anything is probably more then you're doing now so start by walking around the block, going ice skating at a public rink, do aerobics off the tv, do sit ups...there's plenty of exercise that you can do on your own, you don't need a gym or expensive exercise equimpment that's just an excuse. Maybe a friend has a treadmill or and exercise bike? Good luck

ryo · 01-06-2005, 09:47 AM

Thanks for the advice, never actuly thought about slimfast. now i just have to work around my love for food heh.

Melodius1 · 01-06-2005, 11:27 AM

Hi, have you heard about the supermarket diet. Frozen diet entrees such as Lean Cuisine etc. They usually average about $2.97 per entree (still cheaper than any fast food meal) all you do is have one for lunch and one for dinner with extra servings of veggies or salads, for breakfast I have cereal with skim milk and fruit. This is very inexpensive and easy on the pockets try it it might help. I was successful in losing 30 lbs this way over a 2 month period.

Good Luck

~Summer~ · 01-06-2005, 02:08 PM

I don't know why everyone seems to think health food is expensive- it really is cheaper than junk food. 1 head of lettuce will probably only run you a dollar & you can probley get a pack of 4-5 chicken breasts for somewhere around 5-6 bucks. That right there could make you some salads & chicken meals that would last a few days. Chicken is pretty lean, so I would really consider it very healthy for you. Cans of tuna also are on sale quite a bit, and is rather inexpensive.

If you factor in a few healthy frozen meals it will probably run you about 6 bucks or more a day. But if you do some shopping and total the cost of a few items that will last anywhere from 3-4 days, it really ends up being cheaper than an pre-made meals.

Also, if you ever grab a burger for lunch (because we all know how cheap those 1 dollar menus can be) - think twice & order a salad instead...you would really be surprised to know how many whopping calories are in a tiny cheese burger...just go to any fast food resturants website (they have the calorie totals for everything) & total up the calories for the meal you ate the last time you were there- it's amazing no matter how small the meal may seem...and if you total the whole amount of everything you ate & drank that day, it wouldn't surprise me if you broke the 2,000 calorie mark.

Calorie counting is pretty much a MUST when trying to loose weight, it can make a huge difference, trust me! You can't just estimate, you really need to write everything down & measure your portions. Because in order to loose some of that fat, you must creat a calorie deficit- otherwise you will maintain you current weight, or gain if you start consuming more calories than usual. There's no way to really know, unless you are keeping track of your intake.

Also, look for calorie charts on the internet & figure out what negative calories are. Some foods take more energy to break down, so you're actually reducing calories by eating them! (Mostly vegtables). And I'm betting that if you do your own grocery shopping & buy lost of fruits & veggies you won't have to worry about your room mates breaking in to them!