My turning point to get fit was 2 weeks ago. I was on a walking sight seeing tour in the San Antonio heat. I could not believe how out of breath I was and how exhausted I quickly became. My 60 year old mother had more energy than I did. I returned home with swollen feet the size of monsters. I never realized how much out of shape I really was. Of course I knew I was overweight being only 28years old 5'3 and 220lbs. But I guess I didnt know how much it affected me until that day. I couldnt walk anymore, I was in pain, exhausted and just not healthy. Since that day I have turned my life around. The past year I have lived a very sedentary lifestyle. I now walk 30 mins a day, do eliptical training 30 mins a day, and pilates 20 mins a day. I also cut my caloric intake to completely healthy food. Although I find this the hardest. Not because I am hungry...but because of the high cost of healthy food. I recently lost my job and dont have much money for anything including food, but I have not let that stop me. That is my one downfall at this time, my caloric intake is way low less than 1200 calories a day due to the fact that I only want to buy healthy food(fruits, veggies, chicken, fish, whole grain)...I can only afford so much.

Does anyone have any suggestions on eating healthy on a super low budget?

Any ideas on how to maximize my weight loss using the eliptical?

to maximize weight loss on the elliptical use it at different intensities to keep your heart rate up...this sounds like a difficult time for u, however keep your head up, u can do it!!

I congratulate you on getting the motivation to lose the mass, it seems that you have the drive and the tools to get the job done.

I wouldn't suggest starving yourself though. 1200 calories/day is almost HALF what you should be eating for your body weight. If you do that, you will lose weight entirely too fast and be highly subject to putting it all back on.

Gradual weight loss (1-2ish lb per week) is the healthiest, safest, and most insured way to get your weight down.

Hi Laura. One of the healthiest foods is also one of the least expensive. Good old beans. High in protein and fiber, low fat, and delicious. My two favorites are black beans and pinto beans. But I also cook great northerns, limas and those bean soup mixes. I also make vegetable soup often. It is very filling, nutritious and less expensive than buying canned soups.

Good luck. I hope your finances improve soon. And congratulations on making a start on a healthier lifestyle.

Ditto on the canned beans. Also, plain, unsalted nuts can be rather inexpensive, are healthy, and have a lot of calories. I think one ounce of peanuts has about 120-150 calories, somewhere around there. It'd be a great, cheap way for you to get your calorie intake up to a healthier level, while still eating healthy.

Good luck! I greatly admire your dedication to improving your health, despite your troubles.

THANK you ALL! For the positive support and encouragement and ideas on how to continue my quest for healthy living.

Sue O..thanks I never thought of beans...I knew they where good for you...but I guess when you're kinda stressed out...one tends to forget things...thanks for the tips.

Josephine...again thanks...didnt occur to me to think of nuts...I'm learning as I go. Thanks.

Beita thanks for the tip on the eliptical. I'm gonna try that today.

Adam, I'm not trying to starve myself. I understand one must eat to loose weight...I 'm trying thanks

Hi Laura,

Another thing that might work for you is frozen veggies, which can be cheaper than fresh since there's less spoilage and waste, and you can stock up when they're on sale. Also check out whether there's a farmer's market near you; the one near me has fresh local produce for less than the supermarket.

Congrats on your lifestyle change! I know how much being laid off sucks, hang in there

Hi Laura,

I don't know if you have enough space at home but some people grow their own herbs and vegetables in their kichen, even if they live in an apartment. At least in my city it became trendy to do so.

Maybe you don't have any experience, but it could be interesting.