Confession

[LaffeyTaffey]

Hey guys! Many of you know me as I've been on this site for 3 or 4 years now. I've always tried to support others on there and now I'm the one needing the support. Sigh.

Okay so I have a confession to make. I started an accelerated nursing school back in June and for the past month or two I've been craving sweets. Constantly! I quit my job last month in order to be able to keep up with my classes so since I have no income coming in, I bit the bullet and put my toddler and I on food stamps. We only get a little over $100 a month, so I'm ashamed to say that this past week I've bought bakery items with my food stamps! I was really hoping I could get my Syntrax Matrix protein powder with this card since I definitely don't have $25 to get it. But it doesn't work on stuff like that. Guys, I don't know how to fight this craving and I've been out of protein powder since close to the beginning of this year. Crazy, I know! Does anyone have any suggestions?? I'm working on the self control that I used to have some of. Any advise would be lovely!

[Ann2]

Ashley, I wish I had an easy solution for you, but I really don't know how food stamps work. Jeez, I wish you could figure out a way to do so.

One thought -- have you called the product's manufacturer, perhaps the marketing department, and told them about your situation and asked for their help? Perhaps you could offer a testimonial or something in that vein in exchange for their assistance. (Just spit-balling here.)

[Kindle]

First of all, good for you for taking the steps to move towards a better future for you and your child. It will certainly be a struggle for awhile but it will be worth it in the long run. I remember having to eat on a super low budget while in college. One of my 3 jobs I had while putting myself through college was night shift at a grocery store. I was actually envious of some of the people on food stamps cause they were eating better than me. A staple for me of course, was ramen noodles, but obviously that is not an option here. But we both know you can stretch your food stamp dollar in a more practical manner than bakery items.
Use coupons as much as possible....collect flyers on Sunday's and plan your grocery list around the sales.
Look for bogo deals and stock up.
Canned meats like spam are at least better than donuts. Tuna fish can actually be quite cheap and there are often specials. This was my second most frequent meal after ramen noodles
Keep an eye out in the frozen food and meat departments for sales.
Look for seasonal fruits and veggies because they will be lower priced than the off season, imported stuff. You may have to stick with canned veggies and fruit for now. Again, look for sales.
Ask the deli dept if they sell the end pieces of meats for a lower price (they did when I was in college). Ask the butcher for any cuts that may otherwise be wasted.
Do you qualify for WIC? Have you checked out local food bank programs?
Without protein powders, you can still make shakes by adding powdered milk to regular milk which would double the protein.

As for self control, you really only need to have it once.....when you are actually at the store. Don't go near the bakery section. Don't go down the cereal/crackers/bread/snack/candy aisles. They often have checkout lanes that specifically don't have candy at them....go through those lines. Don't put anything in your cart that's not protein, veggies or fruit. Once you get home, you may get cravings, but if it's not already in your cupboard you can't give into them.

Good luck! Keep up the hard work and lay off the sweets!!!

[WANAGL]

Ashley,

I can't really add to Ann2 and Kindle. I don't have any experience with food stamps. I know they cover all food products, as does WIC.

I love seafood...it's my go-to for high protein and it's less expensive than most meat. Also bean soup made with dried beans and fresh vegetables. Soups and stews made with meaty bones from the butcher, and fresh vegetables are very inexpensive, too.

Congratulations on your decision to have a great future for you and your child!

You've come to by far the best place for support, no-nonsense suggestions, knowledge, wisdom and experience. Please keep us posted.

Sending All Good Thoughts and Prayers!

[Sandra3]

Hi Ashley,

I've been a student working at night to help me pay for Law School in France more than 25 years ago. Was not easy but at least school was almost free and the government was helping students with lodging...I still did have to eat on a strict budget. I know where you're coming from.
Tuna was a fav, eggs, beans and tofu.
I could find cheap veggies if I was going at the end of the open Sunday farmer market, when they were closing it was easy to get good deals.
I would make batches of soup and freeze it. I would use the cheap cuts of meat to make stews (cook with split beans thym and onions).
At least you can use coupons...we don't have coupons in France..

Hang in there!! You are doing great on the weight loss side and even better for your future with the school!

I did have bad cravings a few weeks ago...is your vitamin level ok?
Take care..

[Merry Mary]

I'm not sure if this applies where you live, but our local farmer's markets take food stamps. You may also want to find out when your grocery store discount their meats because they're sell by date is coming up. One store near me reduces the price during the night so first thing in the morning is the time to shop. This could help with being able to purchase additional meats.

As for protein shakes, try making your own with cottage or ricotta cheese, yogurt, milk.

Best of luck and congrats on making the right choice for you and your child.

[Mbenson5]

I am also going to school, and I know for me, I still crave sweets when I have a lot of stress like now. You just have to be so mindful of it and say to yourself - this is why I am feeling this way-I am not hungry. If you are, making good choices is essential. I know this should be a no-brained, but most of us are here because this is how we dealt with stress. It's never really going to go away, so the sooner you can develop your own strategies, the better equipped you will be to deal with it. Hang in there!!! We got this!!!

[Shirl]

Could this help your sweet craving???

Granny Smith Apple
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tb Splenda brown sugar
1-3 spritz of I cannot believe it's not butter
1-2 spritz lemon juice

Core Apple, whole or slice it, mix with dry ingredients spritz with lemon and butter but in a tin foil bake for 20 min at 350 or until desired tender.

Try shopping at Latino or Asian markets for produce and meats they have the best value for your food stamp bucks. Check your local markets, usually veggies, fruits and meats are on special on set days. Unfortunately you do have to return on those days for a specific sale on meat or produce.

I raised three kids on a stringent budget, and I used and still cook on Sundays for the week's main meals. It sounds boring, but it saves me time and money, not to mention keeps me accountable to what I'm going to eat.

You can make your own high protein shakes with egg whites, yogurt, non fat milk, and raw nuts, add fresh or frozen berries to flavor.

Also, contact your case manager, with a toddler you should be getting at least $250 a month. Are you in Colorado? I thought they'd have a better socially conscious safety-net for their indigent and needy residents. Here is Texas which is a very red and conservative state they provide $190/mo in snap/food stamp benefits for single adults in need.

Ps. I received a free week supply of NAKED protein samples when I contacted them. Someone here also said they are getting their protein powder free through their insurance. They posted about two or three weeks ago.

I found it : http://www.gastricsleeve.com/forum/s...t=Free+protein

[Barbs Journey]

I would go see your dietician. When I crave sweets I eat peanut butter on celery or yogurt, oatmeal with tablespoon of honey, lots of options

[Pam G]

You can buy a lot of beans and bones for $100. Bean soup all day, every day! Yum!

Like Kindle said, don't even go down those tempting aisles.

[LaffeyTaffey]

Thank you so much everyone! I vow to stay away from the bakery aisle! I dont have a dietician or wonderful Bariatric team here in Colorado since I left them behind in upstate New York. I bet I could give my former dietician a call though and see what she thinks. I love soups and stews, so maybe now that it's fall, I can make up a big batch and freeze up some portions

[Romandona]

I've read all the comments and I think the soups are a great way of getting your nutrition. Obviously, the chunkier the soup the better. Not too much broth. Beans are a nutritious and healthy meal. I bet your nutritionist can help you and send you some tips on email. I agree with the tuna as well. I make a dish that my nutritionist thinks is totally a great bariatric meal. White beans (cannellini beans, drained and a tuna pouch), with a tablespoon of olive oil. Nutritious, healthy and filling. Frozen veggies and beans will be great to add to a soup along with whatever protein you choose. I love to shop at Aldi, not sure if you have one there. They have cheap roasts, pork specifically - which I put in the crock pot. Then I shred and divide into portions and freeze. You can add the shredded meat to soups, sandwiches, etc. Good luck and don't go down the bakery isle - you control the food - don't let the food control you. You've come too far!! Where are you from in upstate NY? I live in the Buffalo, NY area. Wishing you the best - Romandona.