[Cinful]

I am a 44 year old, 240 pound, female smoker. Now that the worst is out of the way, I can continue. I have fought with weight all of my life. (already been down the counseling road). I am not active, I don't CARE to be active. I work part time, minimum wage. I quit smoking once for 3 years, and gained over 200 pounds! Been back to smoking for 5 years and am happy doing so. With that said, I have eaten junk food all of my life, which is easy to do since it is cheaper than healthy food. Months literally pass that I don't have meat, because I can't afford it. So, for the past 5 days, I have been surviving on 2-3 slimfast shakes each day, and 1 banana. I also drink water and green tea and take plenty of vitamins. I do like salmon, fruits, not many veggies except corn, green beans, beets once in awhile. I like hard boiled eggs, cooked eggs, cottage cheese and meats like beef, pork, chicken. Again, the issue is the cost of these foods. I have lived a life of eating junk food, fast food, and can't for the life of me, think of a way to change my food habit for life, with the limited amount of things I like, and even worse, what I can afford to buy.

[redhed35]

Fresh fruit and veg are not expensive, fast food is more expensive, because it does not fill you up and lacks the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs, so your hungry again after a short period, where as 3 healthy meals a day and two snacks will fill you up.

And really your body is not saying 'im hungry its saying I need vitimans and minerals to survive!'

Example.. breakfast; porridge, cheap and healthy, maybe some fruit tossed in for good measure.

Mid morning snack.. fruit or some nuts and raisins.

Dinner; vegetables, whatever veg is in season will be cheaper, 1 potato, and meat or fish.

Snack... fruit.

Tea... yogurt or healthy sandwich.

Now, in saying all that, your body needs exercise,a short walk does not cost anything and does not take up too much time, 20 minutes 3 or 4 times a week is a good start.

Smoking costs money,in fact its probably chewing into your wages big time.

Cut back, your body will thank you and so will your pocket.

Before you change your diet or start exercising see your doctor for a check up.