I need to do something, but what?

[LS1Formulation]

I am not what you'd call fat but I have a gut. I'm not particularly in shape. All I seem to be able to eat are foods high in fat. I can't stand the idea of cutting out butter and salt. Or snacks. I love fast food, gravy, etc. How the hell do I go to food that is GOOD for me and not hate myself for lacking the flavor I love so much? I used to be able to eat anything I wanted and stay thin, but it's catching up to me. Working out isn't an option because there is no way I can afford a gym membership on what I make. I usually ride BMX, but in the winter I can't do it unless I go to a skatepark and that costs money as well. Any ideas?

[AutoRoc]

Wish upon a star. :) Change requires change. Less gravy covered big macs and use that for gym membership. Your lack of cash can make you thin. "ah damn...can't buy a bigmac cause I spent it on the gym.." Budget accordingly to buy normal food.

[CRAZY CAT LADY]

Pat, as far as the staying in shape part goes, the only way to stay in shape during the winter is: 1. getting a gym membership 2. involving yourself in volunteer indoor sports (church leagues are usually free, but they request donations) or 3. Start enjoying winter sports (snowboarding, skiing, or ski boarding). I have a gym membership, and yes it is expensive, but well worth it. If you can not afford that, I would look into the other two.

As far as foods, I am having the same problem. I am 25 now, and I work in a cubicle. I am finding it harder and harder to keep my body fat % down at the level I want it. A year ago, before I started my current career, I was at 10% body fat. Now I am up to 19%. I have started with small things like buying all natural bread, and eating more salads. I allow myself 2 junk food days a week, but I am soon going to go to 1. It's the littlest things that make the biggest difference. I believe that staying active is just as important as eating healthy. Put them both together, and it makes a huge difference.

Another trick I have done in the past is to take pictures of what you look like now with your shirt off, and then after you have changed your habits a couple months later, do you see a difference? That has given me motivation to continue. You will feel better physically, and better about yourself mentally.

Just my $.02

[Becca_007]

You don't have to have a gym membership to exercise. Granted we have a treadmill at home that I use all the time now, but you can get some nice DVDs too that will get you moving. Something with a cardio flavor would help burn the extra calories and there are a ton of shaping things out there. I still don't know if I'll ever find my abs but I do continue to hope for it :).

I won't lie and say the gym membership doesn't make it easier but you have to decide what's more important with your money as well as your time. And, you have to be ready to change some things. Our treadmill sat in the basement unused for over a year. We'd hop on it for a week then quit every 6 months or so. The same can happen with a gym membership if you aren't ready to commit to it; it just goes unused.

As for the taste, gravy, and sauces I am right there with you. I love it all. I still enjoy the same foods I used to eat but I don't have all the extras anymore and I try to space out the really bad ones. Tonight I just had hot wings. Instead of potato wedges I only ordered celery. This cut down on the calories, and cut down on the carbs. Course I dipped that celery in ranch so had to add those calories in, but overall it's better than the wedges would have been.

[Timberwolf]

I was addicted to fast food. Absolutely loved it. I think they put chemicals in it... because after giving it up I can't stand the thought of it now. I've been to McDonald's once since December 1st, and got a breakfast bagel sandwich. It had no taste to me, and sat like a rock in my gut for the ride all the way to Pennsylvania.

I think if you can make it two weeks without fast food, your body won't crave it anymore.