Weight loss when unable to cook healthily due to m.e etc

[Cazzymac]

I really want to start the weight loss journey as was shocked to find that I'm classed as obese!! My problem is that i have m.e and also another condition but due to this my energy levels are on the floor. I find it really hard to cook for me and my children and end up getting lots of takeaways etc. I can't afford it physically and financially and don't know what to do. Wondered if anyone has any tips or advice especially from people in a similar situation 😁

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello Cazzymac and welcome to the Weight Loss Forum

It must be really difficult for you to look after a family with your health issues. There are few things that may help but first let me give you some suggestions on how to get the best out of the forum 😊

The first place to look is at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), read the Welcome Newbie thread first and move through to the challenges, where we hope you'll find at least one that will appeal to you.

Move down to the Topics, to find a variety of threads, collated into specific topics for ease of access and we ask that you also 'file' your own threads, so that others won't miss your important news.

Have a look at the NHS 12 week plan, as many people have had success with it. Also use the BMI checker to find your target calories, it's important to eat enough. This was a major turning point for me, realising I could eat anything I wanted as long as the calories are accounted for.Don't forget to take your starting measurements and a 'before' picture, as they can be very motivating on days that the scales refuse to co-operate 😊

The forum also have group weigh-ins every day if you wish to take part. The posts can always be found in the Events section on the 'home' page. You'll notice a grey box next to people's names, these are achievement badges, and as a new member you may have a 'Newbie' badge. If you have any questions or would like a Newbie badge please just ask.

With regards to your question about quick yet simple healthy food ideas, there are many ready prepped salads and vegetables available in the supermarkets. I like my electric steamer so I can get all the veg and new potatoes ready in the morning when I feel good, and just hit the 'on' button for our evening meal. I also use a slow cooker, meat and veg in first thing when I'm feeling well and you can add rice or pasta for the last hour for an all in one meal. That's not to say you can't eat some convenience foods, fish fingers, beans on toast etc are all fine as part of a healthy balanced meal. I love pizza and we often eat one between us but I have loads of salad with mine. These are just a few suggestions but I'm sure our lovely members will suggest others 😊

We've found that to get the best out of this community, we need to be active on the forum, as it's where we exchange information, get motivation and inspiration and make friends. We hope that you'll join us here, regularly, too.

Best wishes

Anna

[Cazzymac in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Thank you for the welcome. I'm probably being really thick but can't find the pinned posts to find the newbie section 😂. Your suggestions are really useful and look forward to lots more hopefully lol. X

[IndigoBlue61 in reply to Cazzymac]

Rather than give you the link I'll let you read this instead 😊 Nothing beats finding your way yourself

healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh...

[Jpip]

I have some health problems where exhaustion and pain are a nuisance and find that making a big soup of veggies and freezing some in old soup containers is a way of having a meal when you are too exhausted or in too much pain to make it..

[Cazzymac in reply to Jpip]

That's a good idea thanks so much. Sometimes if i could just heat something up for lunch thats a really good healthy option 😁

[TheJuggler]

Hi. I would highly recommend Erica White's eat to beat Candida book. I had Candida overgrowth and the symptoms are like a mild form of M.E. it has great recipes and also tips to help. It even 'stars' the recipes into categories so you can see how much effort is involved. Well worth a look and lots of recipes are things that can be frozen into portions for bad days when you can't face cooking. How about one night a week having eggs/beans on toast or a 'picnic tea'? These are my quick and easy options for the kids/family when I don't have time/energy or maybe a home takeaway option? Some fish, oven chips and peas can be a nice Friday tea. Or perhaps bulk cook a curry and freeze, sachet of rice and a mini naan and another quick, cheap takeaway alternative. Faye Ripley family cook book is another good one with some lovely, quick, simple family recipes. Good luck.

[Cazzymac in reply to TheJuggler]

I'll look at both those books thank you. The bulk cooking is something that's a really good idea and something I've been thinking about for a while. The trouble is having the energy to do it lol. Does rice freeze ok then? Never thought to do that. Good idea xxx

[TheJuggler in reply to Cazzymac]

Not sure about freezing rice but look for the microwave sachets that cook in two minutes. Or I used to bulk cook brown rice and used it through the week. As long as you thoroughly reheat it is fine and I used it cold for rice salad for lunch. Pasta freezes fine and fresh pasta is a great quick tea. Get a load of frozen veg and some pesto and that's another easy quick dinner.