[ComplicatedCookie101]

Hello. So I've been struggling with my weight for years-as far back as kindergarten. I'm 23 now and need to lose weight-this is my prime in life.
I'm not used to change in general. 2013 has been a rather difficult year for me-death of two people I cared for, new responsibilities, new people to look after, new job I "want" to make into a career.
Nevertheless, idk I just want some type of support.
I had lost weight drastically in a month or so-but that's because I both chose not to eat and because there was no food at home. When my new roommate moved in she brought mountains of food with her-but mostly junk.
I feel like the saying of waving a cake in front of a fat kid is true in this case.
Everyone in the house gained weight as well.
However, I've noticed slowly but surely that my health has been deteriorating as well. My nails are not as healthy. My skin has more blemishes then usual. My body hair has gone up in percentage-and this is all from the junk.
Even though I didn't eat for a while, my physical appearance was better to an extent.
Oh did I mention I can afford healthy meals anyway?
So I'm a fat woman wanting to lose weight in a house controlled by junk food (slowly diminishing) whom can't afford healthy choices.
What's a girl to do?

[Ashleyunfiltered]

My heart breaks for you, I know how it feels to not like how you look and struggle with your weight for a lot of your life. I'm in the same boat too, but through a lot of hard work I think I've come a long way. Here is something I have learned though, you CAN afford healthy food! I don't know if you have a Wal-Mart by you, but if you do they have tons of frozen vegetables for around $1. If not plenty of stores have no name brands that offer the same deals. Bulk brown rice is also very cheap and doesn't spoil. No need to buy a brand name just go for the cheapest per oz. My roommates also use to get Chinese food and I would save the soy sauces from them. Put a packet or two on top of your rice and vegetables and you have a meal. There are a ton more ways like this to eat healthy and save money too.

[SparklyBunny]

Hello there, Complicated Cookie!

I'm sorry to hear you've had a difficult year thus far. I felt compelled to respond to you with a suggestion. You might want to look into some type of meditation practice to help get yourself more centered. Change is inevitable, but when you know yourself and you have that ability to focus and be centered, the changes aren't going to feel as scary anymore. Also, being more in tune with yourself helps with all kinds of positive choices. It's easier to acknowledge that you don't actually need the junk food. You'll also learn a way to calm down and find solace when something starts to feel too overwhelming.

I don't have any particular type of practice in mind, but there is a lot of free information around. Essentially it's just focusing on your breathing and allowing your thoughts and feelings to come and go. I think of it as not verbalizing everything. Just feeling and not thinking. It is very difficult at first, but once you get used to it, it's a great tool in stopping all kinds of anxieties from taking over.

In any case, I hope you'll stick around here and find the support you want and need :-)

[Jacqui_D]

Hi Cookie! I'm glad you decided to join us, because you will get lots of support here. Under Support Groups, there is a 20-Somethings forum and I'm sure they can relate to a lot of what you are feeling concerning the difficulties with roommates, money, food, weight, etc. Newbies are always welcome so don't think you are crashing a party or anything. Everyone here wants the best for you! I am so sorry for your losses and I do hope things start to get easier for you. Good luck!