Weight-Loss Weight Loss on a budget? In much need of help

[EoghanRyan]

Hey everyone, thank you for taking the time to read this


I do my shopping once a week, but I am only limited to about 40-50 euro for food shopping, I shop with my Dad as we live together. I would like to go and spend my own money every week on whatever foods etc I will need, but I have no clue what to buy or where to start


Apparently bread, potatoes, etc, are a no? Because they have lots of carbs? That basically cuts my eating options in half ! Cause I really don't know what to buy/eat, I've looked at tonnes of different articles, some saying eat this while some say don't, I'm confused as to a diet plan or what meals to cook, and even if I could afford a good weight loss shop on 40-50 a week?


I know I weight 250 and I am 6"1, my BMR is 2400 and my maintenance came out as 3720 (given I will be exercising 6 days a week). I followed what the sticky said and took away 30%, and that gave me 2604 calories...is this correct? That sounds a bit odd...why is my maintenance higher than my BMR? I am lost here, and this also ties in with my nutrition so any advice is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[PLB]

Unfortunately, I have no idea how far 40-50 euro will stretch.


Try incorporating some legumes into your diet. Legumes are things like dried beans, peas, and lentils. You can often buy these in bulk and they can be quite inexpensive. Legumes are great choices because they contain complex carbs, protein, fibre, and iron, which makes them filling. Because of the protein and iron content, they can be considered a meat alternative. It's really easy to find information on legumes and how to incorporate them into your meals/recipes.


You can still eat bread, potatoes, etc., it's just that the amount should be limited. Try to incorporate more whole grain breads and pastas, long grain rice, and really try to limit your cereals... Some of them may be more expensive, but since you'll be eating less, the cost should balance out over time. Slow cooking oats for oatmeal is a much better choice than most cereal or granola... and the good news is that oats are cheap! I usually prepare enough steel cut oats for 3-4 days, then just reheat some each morning. Not the best texture, but sometimes you have to make sacrifices so that you don't reach for the sugary convenience breakfast foods. There are also lots of recipes for freezing oatmeal in after you've baked it in a muffin tin... I just don't really like the texture at all after its been reheated.


Eat lots of veggies and moderate amounts of fruit! I usually say to make veggies the priority, but still have some fruit each day.


As for meat/protein.... You can still have the "bad" meats such as red meat and pork, but depending on how often you eat these, you may need to cut back. Try to make lean protein choices the priority (chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, etc.) and limit your "other" protein choices to a couple of times per week.


I use this link often to help people with planning how your main meals should be balanced in terms of starches/grains, protein, and veggies/fruit: http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/nutrition/portion-guide/