Okay, I am a 21 year old full time nursing student & I have a 3 year old plus I work on the weekends. So as you can see I am one busy gal. I have always been thin. I was very active in sports in high school so I never actually had to take it upon myself to exercise or watch my diet. Before I got pregnant I was underweight. I weighed about 98lbs (I'm 5'1''). I gained a healthy 39lbs during my pregnancy. I weighed 137lbs the day I had my daughter. But the past 3 years have took a toll on my body. With me so busy and not participating in sports like I use too I have gained weight. I weigh about 140lbs now. That's more than I did 9 months pregnant! Although I do not consider myself as fat. I know I am not healthy anymore. I want to start exercising (I've already joined a gym) and eating better. The problems with eating better are 1) TIME: I can't take 2-3 hours a day preparing healthy meals plus cleaning up after cooking. 2) SHOPPING: I have never been health conscious when purchasing groceries. I have always bought processed boxed foods which I know are horrible for you (loaded with sodium & fat). So I don't know what to really buy from the grocery store. I have stuck to the same things for so long. 3) COOKING: Once I learn what to shop for. I need to learn how to prepare it. I am from the south. So I know how to make some stuff like mashed potatoes, beans, greens, etc. But I get tired of that stuff & I know if I include variety in my diet I will have a better chance of sticking to it. 4) MONEY: Let's be honest, healthier foods are more expensive. Plus they ruin quicker. I wouldn't mind paying more for quality foods but when they spoil so quickly I don't want to waste my money on it.
So I know I have provided A LOT of information here but does anyone have any suggestions for stuff I could buy, learn to cook, and that doesn't take a lot of time to prepare or clean up after? But I know there are other people out there in my same situation & I'm hoping for a little bit of insight here. I want to take better care of my health but I need some help doing so. Thank you in advance.
So I know I have provided A LOT of information here but does anyone have any suggestions for stuff I could buy, learn to cook, and that doesn't take a lot of time to prepare or clean up after? But I know there are other people out there in my same situation & I'm hoping for a little bit of insight here. I want to take better care of my health but I need some help doing so. Thank you in advance.