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Original poster

Fed up of crap diet and low income, anyone else?

32 replies

Piglets31 · 19/06/2025 11:10

I'm a healthy weight and slim, but my diet is bad and I've gained a pound this last month.
I find healthy eating to be quite expensive, I work 6 days a week and also tutor a couple of hours one evening, so twice a week I'm out from 7:30am-7:30pm.

So on those days I cant just take a packed lunch with me as that won't keep me going, I need various snacks too. I live alone so don't have anyone else to fall on for financial support.
I am working on getting a better paid role as im just fed up of 6 days a week to make ends meet.
Because I'm out all day and also try to walk most places to save money, I'm low on energy if I don't eat often, but healthier things are expensive, it's just a vicious circle.

I do have a sugar addiction but just finding it impossible to cut down, and I don't drink at all, don't smoke etc. It's one of the few pleasures in life.

Don't know where to start, im hungry around every few hours too, I try to not eat after 8pm though. Feel stuck in this cycle, when you're skint it's very easy to pick up a £1 frozen ready meal.
When you're out all day and then have to come back and start cleaning and so on you dont really feel like spending ages prepping fresh meals.
Anyone feel the same?

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 19/06/2025 11:26

If I'm going to be out of the house for hours I keep a supply of John West long life tuna salads available (or the even cheaper Lidl version).

StMarie4me · 19/06/2025 11:25

Well.

I do sympathise. But let me
indicate why weight etc is not the same for everyone.

Ive just been away for 6 days on a volunteering holiday. I walked an average of 28,000 steps a day. I did lots of lifting and carrying. I ate about 2000 cals a day and I don’t drink much (couple of cans of cider).

I gained 5lbs. In 6 days. I have to eat <1500 to maintain and go as low as 1200 to lose.

Other than that, totally agree with the above examples of cheaper healthy eating!

Paoo · 19/06/2025 11:23

Redpeach · 19/06/2025 11:21

Lentils and oats are cheap. Batch cook lots of dahl and porridge for breakfast

Batch cooking really is a game changer op, especially if you have freezer space, I have a whole bunch of cheap but good for me homemade meals that I make when I’m feeling up to it and when I can pick up excess stuff on yellow sticker, and it’s a couple of mins in the microwave, things like lentils, veg and rice, pasta dishes etc

Openthisdoor · 19/06/2025 11:23

I’m on my own, currently looking for a job so live on a shoe string budget but absolutely prioritise eating well. Yes it would be easier to reach for the cheap, beige, processed crap but I know it won’t do my mood or body any good.

I know it’s difficult when you’re working long hours but try and focus on eating better. As pp said, it doesn’t have to be expensive - i’ve just Picked up 3 tins of beans from aldi for £1.50 that will form the basis of my meals, add lots of veg, spices too and you have a really tasty meal. I have fish a couple of times a week too, not expensive cuts and often tinned.

It’s a mindset and getting into this way of eating but know that you’re really looking after your health in the process.

stayathomer · 19/06/2025 11:21

Snack sized cucumbers, small containers of grapes and cheap apples are a huge start. Also yellow sticker items. When you feel like something go for an apple or a cucumber. Half your crap food, do t try and take it out or you will crave it. Eat as few times a week after eight as you can and drink loads of water. Sorry this is so quick but coming off break!!! Best of luck!!

Redpeach · 19/06/2025 11:21

Lentils and oats are cheap. Batch cook lots of dahl and porridge for breakfast

Ilovemyshed · 19/06/2025 11:18

Personally I think its cheaper to eat well than eat crap. Good basic seasonal veg from a market, less expensive cuts of meat like chicken thighs etc.

so, for example:
overnight oats or porridge for breakfast, made with oats, milk and water
Add dried fruit l, banana or defrosted frozen berries for flavour

lunch:
cheese salad sandwich
lentil rice or pasta based salads
home made soup (also useful for using ip random veg from the fridge)

dinner - lots of interesting stuff from chicken thighs or mince, veg, lentils, pasta, rice, eggs (buy from a farm if you can)

make your own snacks like flapjack

Meal plan, batch cook, use the freezer and you will always have something on hand. Have a couple of veggie days.

use Chat GPT to meal plan to a fixed budget from a preferred supermarket.