Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

I searched and I think I suck at it. +food came up with too many random threads and +healthy +food came up with too few. Feel free to yell and maybe include a link, as I know this has been discussed several times.

OK, I'm asking 2+2 to help me eat healthier. I'm not overweight. 6' 165lbs... However, I was on medication and had to stop because my cholesterol was insanely high and so was the tri-somethings (triglycerides?). That was a side-effect of the medication, but I still know my normal levels aren't the greatest since I eat a lot of fast food. I'd like to gain some weight, but I rather be healthier than put on fat.

I don't have room for a bench... but I have access to a small weight room (not free weights, only rowing machine type things). It'd be a lot easier if I didn't have to travel though, so hopefully push-ups, sit-ups, and exercises I can do with dumbbells will be enough.

As for food, this is the real hard part. I don't really like a lot of food, but I'm starting to like new things. I also have a $100 Trade Joe's gift certificate, so I will go pick out random [censored] I would never try and see what I like. I've seen the TJ thread and will pick out a few things from that list (some of those things sound awful though...).

What are some meals that are cheap and easy to cook? I have an oven/microwave/foreman grill. One thing I love are those pasta-roni things, are they even good for you though? I'm looking at things that can be made in 30 minutes or less, are healthy, fill you up, and don't contain fish and/or slug juice.

Oh, what are some drinks that taste good too? I quit soft drinks about two weeks ago, but I just looked at the jug of fake juice I'm drinking and it's not even better. I'm kind of sick of water/gatorade.

Thanks for all the help.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

Search for:

+healthy -re:

in the subject for this forum. Two threads on this active this week that are relevant.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

YOur doctor didnt give you an eating guide?

Just go to a book store and browse around the cookbook section. There is prolly a book or two that deals with EXACTLY what you want. Dont get some stupid diet book, get an actual cook book. Ive got one thats all meals you can make in half an hour or less, I just dont make the ones in there that are obviously unhealthy (they give you the nuttritional info).

If you want healthy drink, just stick with water. I dont understand how anyone can get sick of it because I actually like water. Maybe ure just craving something sweet and onceyour body gets over its need for juice youll be ok. So yeah, just drink water (drinking gatorade isnt a substitute)

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

Food: Grill chicken breasts, lean beef, etc. on your Foreman. Buy bagged salads and add some low fat dressing. Frozen veggies can be made quickly and made tasty with cheese, garlic, butter, etc. while remaining healthy.

Exercise: You definitely need to do cardio, and rowing machines are a good source. Definitely walk or bike whenever you have the chance, and possibly run or swim if possible.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

[ QUOTE ]
Search for:

+healthy -re:

in the subject for this forum. Two threads on this active this week that are relevant.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks, I knew I sucked at searching.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

[ QUOTE ]
YOur doctor didnt give you an eating guide?

Just go to a book store and browse around the cookbook section. There is prolly a book or two that deals with EXACTLY what you want. Dont get some stupid diet book, get an actual cook book. Ive got one thats all meals you can make in half an hour or less, I just dont make the ones in there that are obviously unhealthy (they give you the nuttritional info).

If you want healthy drink, just stick with water. I dont understand how anyone can get sick of it because I actually like water. Maybe ure just craving something sweet and onceyour body gets over its need for juice youll be ok. So yeah, just drink water (drinking gatorade isnt a substitute)

[/ QUOTE ]

No eating guide. Just had to get a blood test every month. I'll look for a 30min cookbook when school starts. I was hoping some people found a golden recipe or item at a grocery store that tates good and is healthy. I'm tired of eating corn dogs, chips, TV dinners, etc.

As for water, I drink A LOT. It's just sometimes when I sit down to eat, I rather have something else. I go through a number of water bottles a day... I should probably get a filter to save on $$$.

Are pasta-a-roni's healthy? I know pasta is, but for some reason I feel like making it out of a box can't be. If it is healthy, this is the type of food I'm looking for. Something that is cheap and takes like 20 minutes with no cooking knowledge required.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

[ QUOTE ]
Food: Grill chicken breasts, lean beef, etc. on your Foreman. Buy bagged salads and add some low fat dressing. Frozen veggies can be made quickly and made tasty with cheese, garlic, butter, etc. while remaining healthy.

Exercise: You definitely need to do cardio, and rowing machines are a good source. Definitely walk or bike whenever you have the chance, and possibly run or swim if possible.

[/ QUOTE ]

I can't wait until summer so I can actually BBQ some fresh asparagus. Do frozen vegetables actually taste good on the foreman grill? I've never actually tried to cook anything other than burgers and hot dogs on it.

What I find really odd is that if I went and played basketball right now, I'd be winded quickly. Yet if I go to the gym and bike for 35 minutes (on a high level, sprinting for a minute every other minute... this is in case I want to start playing hockey) I won't lose a breath. WTF?

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

Oh, frozen veggies you just cook in a pot, just add to some boiling water, drain after a couple minutes and add anything you like... parmesan, salsa, mustard, whatever.

I could bike like 15 miles without getting winded. On the other hand I probably last like 3 miles on a treadmill. I imagine it's like that for most people.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

You should pick up some kind of beginners nutrition guide. this is the first hit on amazon, I have no clue if its any good, but jesus dude, you sound like a five year old with this [censored].

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

Healthy Choice/Lean Cuisine/etc. frozen dinners. They have been a godsend for me. 5 minutes in the microwave, very healthy, and the food isn't bad at all.

As for the drinks, there a lot of zero-calorie flavored waters that taste pretty good. Of course if you have to have juice, you can find some that are somewhat healthy, fresh-squeezed OJ, etc.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

check your pm

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

[ QUOTE ]
I could bike like 15 miles without getting winded. On the other hand I probably last like 3 miles on a treadmill. I imagine it's like that for most people.

[/ QUOTE ]
I wonder if you could do those 3 miles running in under 30 minutes. Its completely anecdotal, but it seems to me like there's no gym cardio that's remotely like running on the road. It'd be great if someone more informed could expound on the differences a bit.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Food: Grill chicken breasts, lean beef, etc. on your Foreman. Buy bagged salads and add some low fat dressing. Frozen veggies can be made quickly and made tasty with cheese, garlic, butter, etc. while remaining healthy.

Exercise: You definitely need to do cardio, and rowing machines are a good source. Definitely walk or bike whenever you have the chance, and possibly run or swim if possible.

[/ QUOTE ]

I can't wait until summer so I can actually BBQ some fresh asparagus. Do frozen vegetables actually taste good on the foreman grill? I've never actually tried to cook anything other than burgers and hot dogs on it.

What I find really odd is that if I went and played basketball right now, I'd be winded quickly. Yet if I go to the gym and bike for 35 minutes (on a high level, sprinting for a minute every other minute... this is in case I want to start playing hockey) I won't lose a breath. WTF?

[/ QUOTE ]

The exercise bike is a waste of time. You burn far less calories per hour than any other cardio activity besides maybe walking. That you get winded much more quickly playing basketball should not be a surprise at all. I see so many people at the gym not only on the exercise bike, but doing it half-speed while reading a magazine, and I'm just like, why bother?

Running is good, but personally I prefer the elliptical, as my feet blister easily. Really though, I think cardio is overrated in general. Good for losing weight/getting in shape initially, not so much thereafter. I did a lot back when I was first getting in shape, but now I'm eating healthy and on a regular weight-lifting routine so I consider it largely unnecessary. When you lift and add muscle, you increase the amount of calories you burn while resting.

Given your build I'd also recommend getting on a protein supplement (I recommend www.bodybuilding.com), preferably a low-fat one. You can lower your cholesterol and gain weight (muscle) at the same time.

Weight-lifting > cardio. (Although in your case it wouldn't hurt to do some at least for a little while.)

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

Also, if you're a weight-room n00b, no worries. There are plenty of websites online that lay out specific training programs and also show you visually how to do any exercise imaginable. Muscle and Fitness magazine also has a lot of good info and workout programs in it.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

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I could bike like 15 miles without getting winded. On the other hand I probably last like 3 miles on a treadmill. I imagine it's like that for most people.

[/ QUOTE ]
I wonder if you could do those 3 miles running in under 30 minutes. Its completely anecdotal, but it seems to me like there's no gym cardio that's remotely like running on the road. It'd be great if someone more informed could expound on the differences a bit.

[/ QUOTE ]
Takes me around 25 minutes. I usually run indoors in my college's rec center, but I don't see a big difference between a track or a treadmill.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

[ QUOTE ]
Healthy Choice/Lean Cuisine/etc. frozen dinners. They have been a godsend for me. 5 minutes in the microwave, very healthy, and the food isn't bad at all.

[/ QUOTE ]

any male with a decent appetite can easily eat 3-5 of these. i'm certain you can find a more cost effective meal solution.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

Zatarain's has some cheap and quick meals out of a box. Things like jumbalaya and red beans and rice and a bunch of other stuff. Usually around a couple of bucks and less than a half hour to make.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Food: Grill chicken breasts, lean beef, etc. on your Foreman. Buy bagged salads and add some low fat dressing. Frozen veggies can be made quickly and made tasty with cheese, garlic, butter, etc. while remaining healthy.

Exercise: You definitely need to do cardio, and rowing machines are a good source. Definitely walk or bike whenever you have the chance, and possibly run or swim if possible.

[/ QUOTE ]

I can't wait until summer so I can actually BBQ some fresh asparagus. Do frozen vegetables actually taste good on the foreman grill? I've never actually tried to cook anything other than burgers and hot dogs on it.

What I find really odd is that if I went and played basketball right now, I'd be winded quickly. Yet if I go to the gym and bike for 35 minutes (on a high level, sprinting for a minute every other minute... this is in case I want to start playing hockey) I won't lose a breath. WTF?

[/ QUOTE ]

The exercise bike is a waste of time. You burn far less calories per hour than any other cardio activity besides maybe walking. That you get winded much more quickly playing basketball should not be a surprise at all. I see so many people at the gym not only on the exercise bike, but doing it half-speed while reading a magazine, and I'm just like, why bother?

Running is good, but personally I prefer the elliptical, as my feet blister easily. Really though, I think cardio is overrated in general. Good for losing weight/getting in shape initially, not so much thereafter. I did a lot back when I was first getting in shape, but now I'm eating healthy and on a regular weight-lifting routine so I consider it largely unnecessary. When you lift and add muscle, you increase the amount of calories you burn while resting.

Given your build I'd also recommend getting on a protein supplement (I recommend www.bodybuilding.com), preferably a low-fat one. You can lower your cholesterol and gain weight (muscle) at the same time.

Weight-lifting > cardio. (Although in your case it wouldn't hurt to do some at least for a little while.)

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, I was using the bike since that's what I read is great for hockey. I really just want to get into shape first, as I get winded so easily playing basketball. I didn't feel like I accomplished anything on the bike though, so I guess I'll try the treadmill. There's no where to really run around my apartments and I rather not look like an idiot.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Healthy Choice/Lean Cuisine/etc. frozen dinners. They have been a godsend for me. 5 minutes in the microwave, very healthy, and the food isn't bad at all.

[/ QUOTE ]

any male with a decent appetite can easily eat 3-5 of these. i'm certain you can find a more cost effective meal solution.

[/ QUOTE ]

Two should be plenty for a normal person. I typically only eat one a time, but sometimes I'll eat 4 or 5 meals a day, which is healthier than eating larger meals less frequently.

Initially I thought there'd be no chance they could fill me up either, but my belief now is that I was actually overeating on a regular basis before (and I think most people do for that matter).

It takes a minute for you to feel full when you're eating. So, especially if you're a fast eater like me, it's very easy to overeat and only feel full later. I've found that, even w/ portions as small as the Healthy Choice dinners, if I eat while doing something else (playing poker/watching TV etc.) that I'll feel full say 15 minutes after finishing and have no desire to eat anything else. But that's just me.

Now I'm actually trying to gain weight (and OP should be too if his build is any indication), so I don't prefer the Healthy Choice meals from a low-calorie perspective so much as I do a convenience perspective. It is not easy to eat healthy when you don't have much time to prepare meals.

You can eat out healthy through select items at select places. I am a fixture at Subway and Chipotle.

Edited to add: Really depends on the item of course. Meatball Marinara, not so much. Ham, turkey, and/or roast beef, on wheat, w/ low-cal dressing? Sure. And you can get detailed nutrition facts online for chain-type places. Hint: Much harder to find healthy things at Quizno's than Subway. You'd be surprised at how much/little is in certain things when you look them up. One of the least healthy things in my chipotle burritos/burrito bols were the peppers, because of the fat from the cooking oil.

Also, if you drink milk (and you should, at least a little), switch to skim. Really does not taste that different, especially once you get used to it. And you eliminate a ton of fat.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

[ QUOTE ]
You should pick up some kind of beginners nutrition guide. this is the first hit on amazon, I have no clue if its any good, but jesus dude, you sound like a five year old with this [censored].

[/ QUOTE ]

I basically am. I've never cooked (parents + gf = wtf would i?). Now, groceries cost a lot and there's not a whole lot of healthy food I eat. I'd like to change it and asked 2+2. I appreciate the help I've received so far.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

I have recently started to eat more healthy, and I dont like hardly any vegetables. It took me a few days to do this but eventually the taste wasnt too bad - V8. It's supposed to be 2 vegetable servings in a 12 oz. I got a 64oz jug of it at Wal-Mart for around 3 bucks. I drink one in the morning and one for lunch. I try to get it over with as quick as possible, but it's alot better than cooking up some frozen vegetables and having to actually eat and taste it for over ten minutes. My usual breakfast has consisted of one of those, alot of scrambled egg whites w/ green peppers that are already in the carton, a banana, and some OJ.

Stay away from pretty much anything in a box like Pastaroni. I dont remember exactly but I would bet it has about 100% DV of sodium in the entire box. Just think about it realistically - stay away from fast food and crappy processed foods.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

[ QUOTE ]
I have recently started to eat more healthy, and I dont like hardly any vegetables. It took me a few days to do this but eventually the taste wasnt too bad - V8. It's supposed to be 2 vegetable servings in a 12 oz. I got a 64oz jug of it at Wal-Mart for around 3 bucks. I drink one in the morning and one for lunch. I try to get it over with as quick as possible, but it's alot better than cooking up some frozen vegetables and having to actually eat and taste it for over ten minutes. My usual breakfast has consisted of one of those, alot of scrambled egg whites w/ green peppers that are already in the carton, a banana, and some OJ.

Stay away from pretty much anything in a box like Pastaroni. I dont remember exactly but I would bet it has about 100% DV of sodium in the entire box. Just think about it realistically - stay away from fast food and crappy processed foods.

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What an ironic post. V8 has a crapton of sodium... more than 50% of your daily value in one can IIRC.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

8oz has 20% DV so you do the math. You can also buy low sodium V8.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

Ok fair enough. Pastaroni comes in low sodium too :P

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

A blender can be helpful. I buy bags of frozen strawberries, blueberries, etc. from Costco and keep bananas and nonfat yogurt and soy protein powder (from Trader Joes) on hand and throw in whatever else I have in the fridge.

I've also just started trying out different recipes in a rice cooker. Toss in rice and vegetables and various seasonings, press a button, and you're there.

Crockpots are also cool if you're into soups/stew/curry.

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

Soy is bad, go with whey/casien etc. Increase your good fat intake, fish oil, olive oil, etc, decrease your bad fast food fats, yellow fat good, white fat bad, try to get beef that only has yellow fat (grass not corn fed).

Re: Help me totally change my eating habits... PLEASE.
 

Cholesterol is found in foods of animal origin only, such as egg yolks, meat, some shellfish and whole-milk dairy products. So what you need to do is eat fewer foods of animal origin, and more plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, and grains.

Always have vegetables on hand in the fridge. Throw together mixed veggies with some lean chicken breast strips and make a quick and easy chinese stir-fry. Grill boneless white fish fillets with garlic and oregano, and serve with a nice green salad. Make hearty vegetable soups. Prepare a vegetable frittata using all egg whites and one egg yolk.

The main thing to remember is to avoid eating butter, cream, whole-fat milk, whole-fat cheese, and egg yolks, and use instead olive oil (which is of plant orgin, therefore cholesterol-free), reduced-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and egg whites (which are cholesterol-free).