PhotogGal's Journal, 15 July 2015

When I lived alone, the drive through seemed to call more often - BUT then I realized I was worth planning ahead and eating healthfully, so I started cooking quantities of entrees on weekends that I could freeze. Then take the packet out in the morning so it could defrost in the fridge all day - then just heat and eat when I got home. I saved money, time and lost weight. 

I also live alone now 66 yo female. Here is what I did. I had done the Adkins several times, granted I did lose weight, couldn't stick to it because I simply do not eat lots of meat. It made me sick eating that way so I would gain more back, I would try it again because I lost. vicious circle. This last time I knew I needed something different this had to be for life not a diet. I made some lists of things I really like and enjoy, ways I like to cook, and what didn't work before. I started with some simple changes, tracking and measuring. I found my portions were more than I was assuming. OK, so start measuring all the time cut the portions. If you give it a try. Make a list of foods you like and enjoy: from there write down some things that are easy for you, not processed, fresh whole foods that you can prepare quickly, have already done or partially prepped when you come home from work. That's a start, getting rid of the fast food. So try that for awhile and see how it goes. Keep track of everything, your food, your thoughts on preparing it, how long it took you, I even kept track of cost (budget is tight). Each week take some time and review the week and make a plan for the next. Tweak it until it fits you at the same time decide what you need to do to lose weight using this start. For me it was setting a maximum calorie per day averaged over a week, adding exercise (joined an affordable gym) and keeping the fat level at around 30*35% much higher and it bothers me. It took me quite awhile to come up with a plan that worked for me that I can comfortably live with and keep up with the rest of my life. I've been at my goal weight for a year now.  

Good comment HCB, I also do some cooking ahead. It really helps.  

I know exactly where you're coming from. I am in the same boat. You can do this and so can I. Last week I made a weekly menu and stuck to it. That was the week I lost 2 lbs. This week I threw caution to the wind and and made some bad food choices (too many carbs). Good news is....the week isn't over yet. We can regroup and refocus. No use belittling ourselves. Try to decide what is reasonable for yourself. Good luck and hang in there.