Can I diet?

[MarianneEnjolras]

Odd question I know but I can't figure out how I can diet.

We are on a very low food budget so meals have to be as filling as possible, however ds is a very fussy eater so although we are making (slow) progress on that it means I can't just change the kinds of meals we eat without ruining all the work we've done trying to widen ds' tastes. In addition to this dh's metabolism is still in "teenage boy" mode so he isn't too keen on suddenly focusing on salad or less carbs.

I also have no idea how to calorie count it looks really complicated.

I'm not overweight but I'm slowly outgrowing all my jeans and trousers which is a disaster as I can't afford to buy a new wardrobe so I need to ensure I can fit into my old one!

Any suggestions?

[Newrowsees]

Making food from scratch will help keep both costs and calories down.

Do you have a smartphone, or access to a computer? I always recommend people use myfitnesspal to keep track of calories in and out over the course of the day. It will also recommend a limit for you, in terms of net calories.

Is that doable?

[PlainBrownEnvelope]

It sounds like the simplest thing for you to focus on is portion control, especially if it's just a matter of a few lbs. Try plating your meals on a side plate for a few weeks and cut out snacks and see what happens. Just drink water instead of juice, cordials or sodas (save money and cals)

You can also replace animal based proteins with vegetable based which tend to be cheaper- cut down mince in chili and add an extra can of kidney or black beans, for example, or add lentils to stews and soups. Most recipes still work if you change the proportions, reducing meat and adding veg/ beans. I habitually round meat down and round veg up.

[MarianneEnjolras]

Thank you for the suggestions. I'll check out myfitnesspal, thanks. Portion control does seem to be the best option for me, in addition to trying to cut out sugar as much as possible.

I'm also working on my cooking skills so I can make more from scratch.

Interesting re: portion size is that since I moved in with dh my portions have definitely got bigger. If he cooks then he gives us both the same size meal. If I leave some then he will finish that off as well. totally jealous as he doesn't have an inch of fat on him!

[honeybunny14]

I have fitnesspal and i loveit. it keeps me on track i think with your situation you should focus on portion control and execise.

[honeybunny14]

Exercise i mean. Dam phone