blurose411's Journal, 11 April 2015

It's tough no doubt about it. I am a single mom with 3 disabled kids and a college student to boot. We are also gluten free now and its forcing us to really pare down our non existent budget. I grow some of our food and barter and try to eat what's in season. Check out '100 days of real food on a budget'. It has some great ideas as well. Good luck and hope we still see you around a bit, you will be missed. 

Blurose--I would suggest staying on here because I really feel people help. Eating healthy is expensive--esp. salads every day. I'm not sure what your meals are, but if you make them yourself, there are ways of making them lighter. I would use Fat Free and Low Sodium products, which some cost the same, now. Also, if you are having something you normally wouldn't eat on your diet, just reduce the portion. It's terrible when it's more expensive to be healthy. My Mom made it happen when we grew up. There were six of us and we were all skinny as anything. She never put the food on the table. She served small portions on our plates and we didn't get seconds. She would take a can of peaches and divide them between us with a little bit of juice. We still laugh at her tuna sandwiches--5/6 oz can that had to last for 6 of us (half sandwiches). When we got an occasional treat (she never bought chips, soda, cheese puffs--couldn't afford it)--a frozen pizza, we all got one piece because she only cooked one frozen pizza. We didn't know any different. Dad was skinny, but muscular--and I mean this man worked out and not at the gym. He would pull himself up using a tree limb and he worked so hard. People commented on his muscles. I guess what I'm trying to say, is you can still be skinny and healthy by being poor, but it's not the same as other's who eat fresh salad (I don't remember ever eating salad at Mom's house), fresh fruit and the more expensive things. I don't think I could ever do what Mom did because my life has changed so much--and look how heavy I am now!  

hey Blurose, I can't say I know your situation, as I am not married or have kids to support - but i do know that this site helps tremendously - I hope you stay on the site and keep doing what you are doing on here - as you said the people are really supportive and it definitely helps to talk. I am wishing you the best with your financial situation and hope everything works out! It always does, trust me Wishing you well, Amanda 

I understand. I had to go off diet for other reasons. I was getting out of control cravings that were lasting for days on end, and my nutrients were getting off in certain areas, and I couldn't afford to buy the things heavy in those nutrients, like saffron (17.26 for about a one use serving - that's about half my weekly grocery budget). So, I understand. I'm working on finding a balance I can stick with.  

eating healthy can be expensive and everything is going up in price these days, We area also on a budget. What I do is use coupons for everything else like soap and tp and dish soap,ect so I can save money there and still have enough to get all the good stuff we need that we cant get with coupons. I buy what ever is in season or on sale them make my meals around that.. one week it may be spinach, other it may be cucumbers. I use alot of chicken too bc thats not so high and save the red meat like steaks for once or twice a weak. I also do pot lucks with my mom to help and a vegetarian day where i make no meat at all. These little tricks have kept my bill within my limits for the 3 of us so far. And it doesnt hurt that my husband eats left overs.. good luck to you.. stay on FS for support and continue exercising even if you cant follow the diet to the t..  

You are in my thoughts. I was unemployed for a long time and there were many times that eating healthy was difficult. In fact, the stress is part of what made my weight increase. I think its harder to loose when stress is involved.  

Stay with us and just do your best! 

You can do it. I'm on a budget as well. Maybe you would want to try cabbage soup, oatmeal, etc. Those are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head. I hope things get better for you.