To think your body is the greatest thing you'll ever own and you should invest in it ?

[tiredpom]

Had an interesting conversation with a friend recently. She is overweight and has been told by her GP to lose weight. She is struggling with this, says she can't afford it and simply doesn't have the time.
I work out 6 times a week (yes I know extreme side of the spectrum) But think you should invest in your body as you'll never get another one. I eat healthily 80% of the time and 20% of the time will treat myself. Meals out, wine at weekends etc. I have been trying to help (from afar, don't live in the uk currently) but she has been really snippy with me saying it's easy for you you have the money, the weather and time. My argument is if she has the money (new car, new clothes, meals, trips out) she could prioritise some of that money for gym classes or do them online for free. (You tube) Working out in the heat is just as challenging as the cold (park run in 38 degrees anyone) and time if you have time to go to the movies, shopping malls and watch Netflix you have time to workout. I'm trying to be supportive and send her links to things I think she'd like, but every time she just blames time and money. AIBU to want to shake her and say, how can you not see you have the time and money your just not investing it in your body !!!! That it's her choice not to get better ?

I don't agree that eating healthily is expensive either. What it does require if you've got a budget is a bit more planning and effort. Porridge involves a bit more effort than cereal and veg require more prep than a pizza. I know someone who moans about not having time to cook or prepare lunch to take to work and spends a massive amount of her very limited income on eating out and takeaways. Yet, she shares every single bloody thing she watches on Netflix - hours every evening - on facebook. Unfortunately people cannot prioritise their long term health over short term relaxation/enjoyment. This person in particular is always eating out and puts pictures on facebook to tell us she is "treating herself" and then an hour later will be moaning that everyone else is slimmer than her and why can't she lose weight.

I'm getting ranty, sorry. This is why it's easier not to have these discussions!

I have porridge and a banana for breakfast (costs pence), chicken salad for lunch and then anything from spag bowl, fish pie or stir fry for dinner.

I snack on rice cakes (the chocolate ones are yummy), fruit, nuts (little pots from Lidl) or cold chicken. None of its expensive. I will often eat a whole melon or half a pineapple which costs £1-£2, probably the same price as a packet of biscuits or crisps?

Agree with you Love. I don't agree healthy food costs more, it doesn't.

Healthy eating is cheaper than eating junk food.

Nakd bars are not a healthy snack, they are stuffed with sugar.

If ops mate is able to move and is not locked in the house she can get free exercise by opening the front door and passing through it.

I agree with you, tired pom.

I think gym memberships and otger recreational activities should be tax deductible. The savings to the NHS if more people looked after themselves better would be huge.

Healthy eating isn't expensive.

Eggs for breakfast, soup and cheese for lunch, stew for dinner.

Spuds, onions, carrots and lentils aren't expensive.

Exactly, papa

It is annoying when someone keeps complaining about something but never does anything about it, despite having the power to do so. It can get quite draining listening to someone talking about how they don't have time to exercise, when half an hour ago, they were moaning about how bad Corrie has got, why do they bother watching. Or when they state that healthy food is too expensive, then choose the 65p crisps over the 25p banana. And the gym being too expensive when walking and YouTube is free.

Nakd bars are not what I'd call a healthy snack, nearly half the calories come from fat ("good fat" maybe, but still an occasional treat not a stable part of a good diet).

Healthy foods like lentils, quinoa, oats, wholemeal pastas, tinned tomatoes and vegetables costs very little per portion, don't take long to prepare and can be batch cooked and stored. I started saving loads when I finally sorted my diet out.

I've never paid a month of gym membership in my life and I have visible muscle definition and a resting heart rate of 53.

Posted too soon...meant to say that despite all this, I'd never comment out loud. People usually have reasons for overeating that have little to do with greed and more to do with emotional stuff.

There are a lot of ‘out door gyms’ now which are free to use, good in the summer maybe? We have a couple at local parks.

I have some gym equipment at home but rarely use it, my dumbbells are now doorstops .
I rarely eat the Nakd bars, find them way too sweet, I have the ocationall protein shake before the gym if I don’t have time for breakfast (they are expensive but you can make your own).

It is your friend’s choice in her case but your headline is so right. A therapist once told me to be kinder to myself and that by over indulging in things that werent unhealthy but that I enjoyed, I wasn’t being in the least kind to myself. You have to be mentally ready to make the change though

But going to the movies and shopping malls and watching Netflix are fun and relaxing. Working out is boring as fuck.

I also don't agree that making the lifestyle changes to lose weight is expensive. I can't afford the gym and I have started eating smaller portions with less calories, not eating after evening meal. more walking. I've Started losing weight. you can start to support your friend by asking her what she thinks will work for her, as she has a different mindset to you. what works for you won't work for her.

A Fitbit might help, you can get a lot of steps in around the shops. Have lunch and choose wisely. You can even watch Netflix in the evening.

Your body is not the most important thing you will ever "own". Your intellect, values and principles should come much higher on your list of priorities.
Perhaps OP you should spend less time at the gym and invest some more time in expanding your mind.

@chrys but surely expanding your mind isn’t going to fare you too well in the long term if your body packs up from bad health?

My mind is bloody marvellous - 1st class Maths degree, spend loads of time expanding my knowledge and broadening my horizons.

I had a heart attack last month and nearly died (50)

I wish I had spent more time on my body.

@Purplerain101 Six days at the gym per week is not necessary to acquire or maintain good health.

She doesn't need to spend money , the great outdoors is free, she can go for a walk if she wants to and is physically able. She doesn't need to spend money on a gym membership.

Cutting back on calories doesn't need to cost more either.

She will only do these things if and when she really wants to though. She needs her own motivators.

flowers at the gym I go too there are huge tv’s, I watch the tv or a film whilst on the treadmill or I listen to music on my iPod, I don’t find it boring at all, oh and there’s alway a few fit men to watch 😜

You don’t have to go to the gym, there’s loads of other things you can do wether it’s classes, swimming, walking or dancing, moving around can be fun.

Healthy eating isn’t expensive, I think the problem is that unhealthy food is more convenient.

My mum is immobile due to rheumatoid arthritis. Seeing how limited her life is makes me want to look after my body while I can. She doesn't have something caused by lifestyle but it just makes me appreciate what a precious gift a healthy body is so I look after it while I can.