I don't want to be hungry.

@AmbiePam (85541)
United States
July 7, 2008 6:06pm CST
So like most people, money is tight, but I'm doing fine. But I'm trying to figure out what foods I can eat a lot of than won't make me bigger (in blunt terms fat(ter)! I already have carrots, but there are only so many carrots I can eat. Believe me, if I thought they could give me 20/20 vision naturally, I'd gladly eat more! I want to be full without eating a whole lot. I drink loads of water. It's ridiculous how much water I drink. But if I drink a lot of water with no food, I get nauseated. Anyway, anyone have some suggestions? I could eat a salad all the time, but without dressing I don't like them. And all the lo-calorie dressing isn't very good. Plus, I haven't bought lettuce in a while. Has the price of that gone up too? I'm all for suggestions. I may have already tried some, but I'm open to all. I can't eat any more oatmeal I don't think. It has just 1g of sugar per packet, and it does taste good. At least the first 30 times I ate it.
9 people like this
43 responses
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
8 Jul 08
ambie pam I am a diabetic with a weightproblem too, so here are some veggies, green beans, lima beans, spinach, kale, okra, brussel sports, cabbage, tomatoes, cauliflower,' peas, carrots, cucumbers,radishes, onions, romaine, broccoli' kale, and green and red leaf lettuce, these are all low calorie veggies and are so good for you too. also apples, oranges, pears, bananas, mangoes, muskmelons, watermelons andberries, blueberries, black beries, raspberries, limes and lemons. good foryou.also whole grain cereals and breads and lean meats and lo fat milk and cheese.
@GardenGerty (157562)
• United States
8 Jul 08
I meant to say that I use salsa to dress my salad, it is very tasty, non fat, good for you. If that is too strong a flavor, use a little ranch dressing in salsa as a salad dressing.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
8 Jul 08
How does one cook kale?
@GardenGerty (157562)
• United States
8 Jul 08
Beans in many forms are cheap, and filling. High in fiber, so they are good for you. Not too fattening unless you put a lot of fat meat in them. Whole grain breads. Brown rice. Broccoli. My solution is to go in and purchase what is on sale, and in season. High protein, lean protein, will make you feel full, and satisfied for a long time. Peanut Butter on a stalk of celery. Air popped popcorn, spray with buttery cooking spray and sprinkle favorite flavorings. My clients have to be economical. Some of them are needing to lose weight. There is one dish that I like really well, called Cowboy Goulash. Make a box of mac and cheese as directed, stir in one can whole kernal corn, drained, one can Rotel type tomatoes (there are store brands) and one pound ground meat that has been fried up with an onion. A tasty one dish meal. They buy ground turkey, and at Wal Mart, the jenny o brand is cheapest. Tough times make me fearful of running out of food, so I will tend to want comfort foods and to overeat.
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
8 Jul 08
You know, I heard that organic and natural peanut butter has virtually no fat. The regular peanut butter gets the fat because vegetable oil is added to give it its consistentcy. Natural peanut butter the oil rises to the top, and you have to stir it all in before you eat it. Do you know if it is worth it? Have you ever had natural or organic peanut butter? I'd like to buy some because of protein and the lesser amount of fat, but I wonder if it even tastes good.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
8 Jul 08
Well I am in your club. Somehow some little midrift thing has crept up on me and I need to get back with the program. But it's hard to find things to eat that I don't get sick of in a hurry like you and the things I could eat all the time are what's doing the middle thing! I don't have any suggestions at the time...but check back to see if you get some good ones so I can apply them to my own life! LOL
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
8 Jul 08
I even tried to eat Fiber One cereal before each meal. The more fiber, the more waste we expell (sorry for the grossness) and that helps us lose weight. But after a week I was Fiber One'd out. I think that is a good idea though, if someone can stick with it.
@Trace86 (5030)
• United States
8 Jul 08
I absolutely adore broccoli with Hollandaise sauce, but can't afford the calories of the sauce. So tonight, after cooking my broccoli, I sprinkled a little lemon juice on it. It was exactly the extra flavoring I was looking for.
1 person likes this
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
8 Jul 08
Both sound like very good ideas!
1 person likes this
@Bluepatch (2476)
• Trinidad And Tobago
8 Jul 08
If you're putting on weight just do some exercise. Water is good for you. We're supposed to drink about 8 glasses a day just to keep normal. Anyhow, I've found the best way to take off weight very fast is to go on one meal a day for a few days. You'll see the results and decide how to go on from there. But don't stop the water - thats important.
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I drink about 12 8 oz. glasses a day. I exercise when I can, but I have severe back and neck problems do to a car accident. I won't bore you with the details, but sometimes I have to walk with a cane. And my doctor has limited any other forms of exercise. I'm hanging in there though. I walked half a mile yesterday and today. And I'm going to build up to a mile a day if my back lets me. Thanks for the encouragement!
@umart13 (841)
• Ireland
9 Jul 08
I injured my back recently on a trampoline. Yes I was stupid! I couldn't sleep or walk properly for weeks. I was going stir-crazy and had to get out. The weird thing was that I doscovered I could cycle a bike without any problems... I think you eat healthier, when you are happy and believe you are happier when you are getting out into the sunlight and getting fresh air. Try to avoid the vicious circle! Regards UMart
@Elixiress (3878)
9 Jul 08
I like to eat soup, it is rather filling and rather cheap. You can get decent soup for 29p a tin. My favourite is Minestrone or Chicken Noodle, but there is nothing wrong with a simple Tomato soup.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
9 Jul 08
That reminds me of when my mom used to make cabbage soup. It had a tomato base and it was so good for you that you could literally eat as much as you want. Although, I didn't want to eat more than a couple bowls a day after a while. : ) Thanks for the reminder.
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
10 Jul 08
Actually no that doesn't happen at all. The cabbage is cooked to where it doesn't have much of a taste at all. But it burns calories off a person really quickly. But it doesn't make me bloated, and it never made any of my family bloated. So I'm pretty good with it. It's really nutritional.
@Elixiress (3878)
10 Jul 08
Personally I do not like cabbage, so I doubt I would be very willing to try it. Also I heard that cabbage gives you wind, therefore wouldn't it make you slightly bloated for a while, which is what you are trying to avoid?
@deemazing (395)
• United States
9 Jul 08
Try drinking a cup of green tea each day. The results won't be immediate, but it will boost your metabolism a bit and help you with the foods you are eating that aren't right for your body. Avoid white sugar...what happens with White Sugar is it raises the insulin level in your body, and by doing that, it creates more fat. Not to mention, it also supresses the immune system. Do NOT used sugar substitues, though (like sweet & low)...they are even worse for your body. Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup...it's one of the worst things for you and it works about the same as white sugar. When cooking, use Coconut Oil instead of cooking oil. Sometimes it's not necessarily only the "high-fat" foods you are eating, but the type of stuff you are cooking with that causes your body to act incorrectly. It doesn't CAUSE fat, but it could be a trigger to why you aren't losing any weight. Your body has certain functions and has to be fed right for them to work correctly. Water is great, but it also makes you bloated when drinken in excess with barely any food, so you may think you are gaining weight when you are not. And as for Salad...it's unnecessary, really. But the reason that we eat salad before a meal, is because the lettuce helps our system digest things quicker. So if you are going to eat a big meal with lots of carbs, like pasta, eat a salad before it.
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
9 Jul 08
A lot of people are unaware of the dangers of sugar substitutes. It is amazing how many illnesses those things are linked to.
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
9 Jul 08
You're right. People laugh it off as though it doesn't really matter, but over time it sure as heck does. Some people although trying to help me here, have been recommending food low in fat, but super high in sugar. I'm not just worried about fat, but the sugar content too.
• United States
9 Jul 08
Yes, and the same thing goes for sugar in general. Also, any type of dye, especially red dye. People give their kids Kool Aid and all of these fancy juices that are filled with sugar and red dye and have no idea how much it poisons our system. I'm not saying to live unhappily and constantly worry about what you are eating, but I just think people should be more aware. If you ask any person from India, they will probably tell you that Red Dye is poison. The reason is because they are much more advanced in Holistic Health than we are.
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
15 Jul 08
I eat rolled oats, but I do it the old fashioned way, not the little packages. It is cheaper. Also I will eat yogurt, eggs, nuts, and I also heard that if you eat protein in the morning you do not get as hungry. If I eat bread, and it does not matter if it is whole grain or whole wheat, in the am, I get hungry again. Oh salads and vegetables help, especially broccoli but you know with the price of the healthy food going up, it is hard. Trying eating a banana, apple, or orange or whatever fruit is in season with your water and try six times a day - small meals. That might help. I too get hungry and I have to lose weight.
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
15 Jul 08
I'll be rooting you on in your quest to lose weight. I walked a mile this morning at 6am. If I didn't walk at 6am it would get too hot to walk. Seriously at 7am it is already time for working up a sweat. It's not the heat so much as the humidity that gets me. Like you, I try to eat protein in the morning. I think breakfast is the one meal that I never feel full with.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Jul 08
Well what's the sum total of food that you have anyway? Oh as far as dressing...you can make an improvised French dressing by using and mixing up plain old ketchup and mayo. Lettuce..like yikes what hasn't gone up in price? Carrots...mmmm...ever think of making a carrot salad?? http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/004083classic_carrot_salad.php Here's a site with carrot recipes..even soup! http://www.carrotrecipes.net/ Let me know what ya got else If you have potatoes could make potato salad
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
8 Jul 08
Yum, I'm going to try some of those carrot recipes. I need to go to the supermarket. I have to pick up a couple prescriptions tomorrow anyway, so I'll pick some stuff up. Right now I have carrots, peanut butter, jelly, mustard, flour, and a lean cuisine in my fridge and freezer. I can't wait to buy some more fruit!
@idowrite72 (2213)
• United States
9 Jul 08
Try eating several smaller meals throughout the day. Also watch the carbs you are eating. I did with being a diabetic, and it does work, along with exercise. If you watch your portions, watch the carbs and exercise you can do it. I didn't think I could but I did and my diabetic nurse and dietician were so proud of me when I had lost 10 pounds between Christmas and New Years. Most veggies are good, fresh ones, but some fruits have a lot of carbs. The dressing won't hurt you since you do need SOME fat in your diet, just don't drown it. I always advise light on breads, pastas, sweets and pop.........I've cut most of them out of my diet but I drink diet pop all the time. I did lose quite a bit of weight with watching carbs and exercise and avoiding those foods and fried things.
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I picked up some whole wheat pasta at Walmart this morning. I feel really good about my shopping today. The only thing is I didn't get much fruit. I mean the fruit section was slim pickins' today.
• United States
8 Jul 08
I don't like low-cal dressing either. Here's what I do to eat healthy, feed my family healthy and save money too. The only fresh veggies that I buy are Idaho potatoes, baby carrots and onions and the occasional bell pepper. Everything else is frozen, no salt veggies. Just as healthy. I wrap three chicken thighs into foil along with an assortment of cut up potatoes, carrots, frozen broccoli and stir fry veggies and cook until done. Very tasty. Season with your favorite spices. It always turns out perfect on the George Foreman grill. Got mine for $15 at the local pawn shop.
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
8 Jul 08
That is a good idea. You know I bought my parents a George Foreman grill many years ago, and since then they bought the new and improved one. I hadn't thought about it in ages, but they offered their old one to me. I didn't think I could use, but that was before. I bet I could now.
• United States
8 Jul 08
I'm happy that the idea will work for you. My secret is to wrap everything in foil. Sometimes that allows some of the chicken fat to stay in the foil. If you don't like this idea, you could pierce a few small holes in the bottom of the foil and some of the steam will help soften the veggies. I am always getting compliments over my delicious meals! I was never such a good cook on stove top!
1 person likes this
@SHAMRACK (8576)
• India
8 Jul 08
Dear friend, I hope being hungry is another basic instinct of humans and to fill stomach according to the economic or financial capacity varies by each individual. Here as you suggest I hope just to fill the stomach in order to get away hunger you need something that can be consumed, I hope if one have better healthy food it would be better in order avoid other malfunctions it body. Only think is we may have give money to doctor if our health gets bad, Just remember the proverb "Health is Wealth". So eat well and maintain the health and off course it also depends one's financial status. One could easily grown better vegetables at home too.
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
8 Jul 08
Eating consistently healthy is my plan. I do pretty well most of the time. Then I get behind in grocery shopping and my habits go to what it is quick and easy to fix. I used to grow vegetables when I was a teenager, but I live in an apartment, and I don't even have a balcony to grow anything on.
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
8 Jul 08
A big pot of chili can last a few days. Wheat bread has more fiber in it. Therefore more filling. And green tea helps you feel full and staves off hunger too.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
9 Jul 08
I'm learning to love green tea. Do you think some brands are better than others?
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
18 Jul 08
Trader Joe's has a really good sesame ginger low fat dressing. The ginger packs a wallop and gives the salad a lot of flavor. I bought some when I was at my parents house this winter. Next visit I will buy a few bottles and bring them home. I make up a diet ranch dressing. I use non fat milk and 1 percent fat miracle whip type salad dressing with the hidden valley mix. You can also use fat free yogurt instead of mayo. It's not as good, but there are less calories. Real mayo is loaded with calories. You can also use fat free yogurt and lemon on coleslaw. A bit of salt, Splenda, and some powdered seasonings and it tastes great. I wish I read this earlier. I only have 2 carrots in the house and the stores have already closed. The 2 carrots I have will go to my dog who is on a diet. More carrots means less room in her tummy for kibble.
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
18 Jul 08
Thank you for the valuable tips!
@pmh0802 (20)
• United States
8 Jul 08
Whole grains, like brown rice, couscous, whole wheat pasta are a great way to keep full and they're good for you. You can find generic brands of these or shop somewhere like Trader Joe's if you have one by you. I buy my whole grains in bulk at Whole Foods (which is usually way too pricey for me). Buying them in bulk is actually cheaper than the prepackaged ones. Buy eggs and lean chicken on sale and eat those too for protein. Hopefully I have you a few ideas that you can use.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
8 Jul 08
I have no idea why, but we don't have a Trader Joe's or Whole Foods in my areas. However you brought up couscous. When I first started having money trouble I ate that all the time. I always got it from my health food store. The store was expensive, but if I only bought couscous from them it wouldn't be that hard on my budget.
• United States
8 Jul 08
When I go to Whole Foods I just get my grains and go, because everything else in the store is so expensive. Couscous has become my favorite grain and it tastes good with everything so it's versatile. Super Wal Mart has couscous too, but when I priced it out it was still less expensive to get it in bulk at Whole Foods. Good luck-it sounds like you're getting some good ideas from everyone!
@bonbon664 (3466)
• Canada
8 Jul 08
I'm on a weight loss quest myself, and I've found that eating healthy is very expensive. It was so much cheaper to grab some KD. I eat a lot of popcorn in the evenings, and now that the summer is here, local veggies are getting cheaper. Watermelon is great too. Don't eat too little food, that will actually cause you to hang on to weight. Lean meat, and lots of veggies.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
8 Jul 08
I could live off watermelon if I had the chance! : )
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
8 Jul 08
potatoes - They are good for you without butter or margarine.
My local friends are telling me to eat more celery. I dislike it, so have been putting it into the crock pot to improve its taste. Also fresh fruit and vegetables that are in season are great to eat. Have been eating a lot of this vegetable to feel full.
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
8 Jul 08
Good idea. Celery in soups that has been cooked in a crockpot really does taste good.
@foxyfire33 (10005)
• United States
7 Jul 08
I have to make this super quick...and i read it quick so, sorry if I missed the point. Whjat about noodles? You could get the whole grain kind...I know I've also heard that carbs are bad but it just depends on which expert you listen to. They are somewhat cheap and can be filling.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85541)
• United States
7 Jul 08
A few months ago I was eating a lot whole wheat noodles with veggies mixed in. Good idea. I'm more worry about fat than carbs.
• China
15 Jul 08
I don't like too, I always take some thing to eat along with myself! Because my stomach could not bear the hungry!
1 person likes this
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
18 Jul 08
I'm trying to loose weight, be healthy and keep my tummy full without having to take out a second mortgage. Food is so darn expensive these days and good food is even more so. Coke and chips haven't gone up much, but all the yummy grains, fruits and veggies are sky high. Waaaa I want to cry when I go to the supermarket and don't buy anywhere near as much fruit as I used to.
1 person likes this
@JTerrasi (199)
• United States
8 Jul 08
I know plain pop corn is a good one. And a plain baked potato. And for your sweet tooth...try red licorice. Non Fat milk. And here lettuce is expensive! Good luck!
1 person likes this
@msmell (1378)
• Australia
8 Jul 08
I love Red Licorice and I too need to drop around 10kgs :( but this has just made my day reading that you can eat red licorice when you are trying to lose weight.... Thank you JTerrasi like I said you just made my day :)