Overwhelmed and frustrated

[feelin-great]

I am on a mission to eat healthy and get in shape. I haven't had a problem with losing weight, but I know that I am not eating very healthy, I have just been watching my calorie intake and working out. I really want to incorporate a healthy nutrition plan as well. I am going to the grocery store tonight so I started to think about making my list - then I realized that I am completely overwhelmed! I don't even know where to begin. I realize that this is why I never succeed in eating healthy. For one, I don't really like to cook. And two, I don't know how to eat healthy without getting completely bored with my meals! I could use suggestions. I know if I don't go to the grocery store with a plan then I will just buy the same old processed so-called "healthy" crap that I always buy.

I have been really looking forward to going grocery shopping for healthy foods now that I finally have the chance, but I am frustrated before I have even made my list! I really don't want to fail this time around so any input is appreciated!

[Fygle]

A good place to start that shouldn't be too intimidating is spices, and lots of it, eggs, soup bags (soup that you add lean meats, vegs, rice, you name it is a quick, tasty, healthy treat), (brown) rice, a bag of frozen chicken breasts and frozen+fresh vegetables. I'm pretty new to this myself, but you can't go wrong with these, they form the base for a good variety of tasty dishes. Make sure to get plenty of condements/spices, which is cheap, so you can mix it up for different flavours with sameish ingredients.

[fitoverforty]

I know you don't like to cook, but in order to eat healthy, a certain amount of prep and cooking is necessary, but there are shortcuts.
So start with the basics:
breakfast foods: rolled oats (not pre-packaged instant)
Eggs (I buy the Omega 3 kind)
Lean protein like Fresh, or frozen turkey sausage, lean ham slices

vegetables/fruits: fresh zuchinni, squash, green pepper, red pepper, cucumber, celery, mushrooms, green onion, spinach, avocado
(prepackaged) lettuce (dark leafy romaine, or a mix)
pre-packaged mixed veggies like Broccoli, cauliflower and carrots.
Frozen "steam in the bag" vegatable are great! I just cut open the top of the bag and add a bit of butter or seasoning and serve from the bag - no mess!
apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, grapes

Meats: lean beef like 90/10 hamb. mt., chicken breast (frozen bagged works well), fish (salmon, tilapia, etc.) shrimp.
canned tuna, chicken breast works well for taking to work.
Deli meats (look for "natural" stay away from "smoked" - they can be used as a snack or a lunch time sandwich)

Brown rice, whole wheat bread (100% WW, lots of fiber), whole wheat tortillas (you can make a deli turkey, or ham wrap w/a couple slices deli meat, 1 LF string cheese, rolled up in a WW tortilla)

snacks and sides: LF or FF cottage cheese, FF yogurt, Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios) LF string cheese, LF shredded cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan)
All natural Peanut Butter (less ingredients the better - look for the kind that has to be refrigerated) - you can make celery & PB sticks for a snack or sliced apple or banana w/PB - yumm!

As far as cooking goes - you could buy some of those disposable aluminum pans for baking. Keep things simple - slice up some zuchinni on a aluminum baking pan - top it with some seasonings (garlic pepper, etc.) drizzle some FF Italian dressing or Sun Dried tomato and Basil (my favorite) then sprinkle on some grated parmesan cheese and bake it at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. You can bake fish, chicken using the same basic recipe. It's easy and quick.

I'm sure there is alot I'm missing, but maybe that will give you an idea or starting point for your shopping list.
Just remember to buy as much fresh, natural items as possible, staying away from pre-processed packaged food.

Good luck! Oh, there are alot of great recipes right here on the forums and on the Shapefit page too.

[feelin-great]

You made it sound so simple I am feeling a little better! I get the feeling it is going to be a very expensive trip to the grocery store, but definitely worth it! I never think to buy zuchinni - I don't think I would have even known what to do with it until your suggestion! I still can't believe how overwhelming it is to get started. I think I am going to have to learn to enjoy cooking

[JBesson]

When I first roamed the produce aisle, I didn't know what half of the stuff was, or how to even think about preparing them. I found the frozen bags of vegetables were more suitable to my knowledge back then, and still today. They last longer than fresh veggies, which can rot in the fridge after a couple of days...I don't have the time to make multiple trips to the market per week. Once is enough.

I mainly choose lean meats (chicken, turkey, salmon) as a main course one-three times a week, but rely on egg protein meal replacements and tons of salads to stay on top of my micronutrients. Also, I rely on almonds and nut butters for their high fat and protein sources. Sounds boring, sometimes it is, but learning to tailor the recipes is half the fun.

[kitkat929]

I know exactly how you feel. I have the working out down, I am just unsure of what to eat, when and how many times a day lol

I am a big fan of veggies. I buy the steam fresh frozen veggies. They have corn on the cob, sweet corn, brocolli, they have a mix of the combination of some veggies. And, it is quick to fix. I am not a cooking person myself and I do not want to spend a lot of money on fresh veggies because I work a lot and plus it is so much easier to shove a bag in the microwave lol

My favorite snack in the whole world is strawberries and cottage cheese. I would eat cottage cheese if I could all day everyday lol i buy the low fat one though.

[atlfitness39]

Don't feel overwhelmed, living and eating healthy is a continual learning process. Be open minded to trying new things and you will be alright.

Here is a quick, easy, and inexpensive dish for dinner you can try.

Couscous, black beans, and salsa. Those are the only ingredients you need for a cheap tasty dish, no spices needed unless you want to. It is also a great balanced meal of protein, carbs, and fiber.