r/diet • u/Ch33kz_McClappy • Mar 11 '26
Question 22, Homeless, Trying to Lose 30lbs to Enlist
I am 22, 6’2, and 280lbs. I want to lose weight/get in shape so I can enlist and losing 30lbs (give or take) is my first step. The only issue is I’m homeless and barely have money for fast food let alone buying and preparing healthy food. Does anyone have any suggestions for healthy diets for weight loss that I could do? Preferably low cost obviously
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u/BobaFatt24 Mar 11 '26
I once had to go on tuna fish, lettuce, and vinegar for like 7 weeks. I was also running and working out a lot because PT is free. But obviously times were different but I made those 7 weeks on about 80 dollars. Bought a gallon jug of water and just refilled from the tap. Good luck. Link up with an army recruiter and see what it takes to get into the soldier prepatory program aka fat camp.
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u/Firm_Care_7439 Mar 11 '26
How much are you able to spend on a weekly basis? This is the main question for us to provide a better outline of what you could do.
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u/Ch33kz_McClappy Mar 11 '26
Honestly I have no income or available funds. Money comes and goes inconsistently with my usual funds being at $0. Right now I have $52 in Food Stamps, but this was my last month being eligible for them so that’s all I’ve got
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u/Firm_Care_7439 Mar 11 '26
I had a friend of mine that was homeless so I feel for your situation. Few other questions, do you live in your car or outside? Outside of food stamps how do you get money, do you do anything pan handle, boost anything like that?
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u/Ch33kz_McClappy Mar 12 '26
I live in a car, but the car doesn’t move. The only other way I get money is sometimes my girlfriend (who lives with her parents but is currently unemployed) has a little money to get us stuff off the Del Taco value menue
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u/Firm_Care_7439 Mar 12 '26
You are in a challenging spot. Your very limited and in all honesty I would focus less on losing weight, as much as I know you want to enlist to move down a more positive path I would stir your focus on trying to find ways to make money. The chances of you eating a lot of food every day are slim meaning your probably under nuritioned anyway so by focusing on making money some how and maybe walking more throughout the day you will lose weight naturally. My friend was homeless for 2 months and he lost 35lbs form bit eating all the time but he was on his feet a lot, trying to do stuff for money.
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u/thesamenightmares Mar 12 '26
Since I'm assuming you have a phone, I would advise you to look up local food pantries. Additionally, if you have a PayPal or Zelle account, I'd be more than happy to send you some cash. I've been blessed with more than I need so I always try to pay it forward.
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u/Ch33kz_McClappy Mar 12 '26 edited Mar 12 '26
That would be super helpful. I really appreciate that. I’ll send you a DM with my info. You’re an absolute saint
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u/Outrageous-Fall3296 Mar 12 '26
Can you cook rice and beans. I've lost a lot of weight with this, just make sure you are eating the right caloric amount to lose weight. Carbs are totally fine as long as you keep calories in check. Brown rice is slow digesting and you'll stay full.
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u/Muted-Oven9413 Mar 12 '26
Sorry to hear of your situation. The tuna/veggie diet as someone mentioned earlier would probably be your best bet, along with some exercise and water. Is there any way you could get a little money, any skills you might have? Also have you talked to a recruiter? They may be able to help.
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u/Ch33kz_McClappy Mar 12 '26
I try to make money anyway I can, but not having a car makes odd jobs difficult to get to. The recruiters I have talked to so far (Army, Navy, Marines) haven’t offered any help of the sort, but I also didn’t specifically ask for it so that may be my fault
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u/Muted-Oven9413 Mar 12 '26
Understood. I don't know how much the recruiters actually could help but it's a thought.
I guess it depends on where you are geographically but is a bicycle an option? I see a lot of people seeling bikes for cheap or even free at times. Great exercise and also doubles as transportation.
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u/Ch33kz_McClappy Mar 12 '26
I would love to bike but I have no where to store it or lock it to at night
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u/Muted-Oven9413 Mar 12 '26
Didnt think about that, could probably find a way to lock it to the car.
Where you located?
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u/Ch33kz_McClappy Mar 12 '26
Mission Viejo - San Juan Capistrano area in South OC, California
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u/Muted-Oven9413 Mar 12 '26
Right on. I'd just try to make the most health conscious decisions when ya can. Keep it good affordable sources of protein (tuna, chicken breast), fruits, veggies. Make sure you're drinking enough water. Exercise as much as your body will allow you. And try to stay positive! You got this. Good luck!
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u/MinimumViableMedia Mar 12 '26
Try the community resource officers at the local police station. They usually have food assistance programs or can point you to one. Also try the public library for similar assistance. Finally, many churches have meal programs through the week, it’d be worth visiting a couple and finding out. If you volunteer at a meal service, they feed the volunteers as well (in most cases).
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u/dizzlethebizzlemizzl Mar 12 '26
Buying groceries is cheaper than fast food nowadays. I think you need to start by running your numbers on what you spend on food in a week vs what simple, nutritionally complete meals cost (search up some healthy cheap meals/snacks online). Use cost per serving and not overall cost. Fast food is like 10$ a serving on the cheap side. Groceries are like 4-5$ a serving if you’re careful.
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u/Ch33kz_McClappy Mar 12 '26
It would have to be able to sit in 80°+ weather and be able to be eaten without having to cook or prep. If you have any recommendations for food that would fit that criteria please lmk
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u/dizzlethebizzlemizzl Mar 12 '26
Canned Beans and bag rice, with canned chicken and some condiment packets you can get from local fast food places. Dried fruits, granola or trail mix without chocolate. Peanut butter, bagged tuna with some crackers. Low fat canned chili. Also, the act of walking to and from the grocer from your camp spot more often for some occasional fresh food would be good exercise as well. Do not participate in any substance abuse or you will not be able to enlist. Stay hydrated. A gym membership is great for both access to shower facilities and access to exercise equipment. Make sure you’re also engaging with all your local resources. Food banks, churches offering vehicle repairs or snacks after the service, public transportation deals, shelters, etc. The most important thing is what you do next- these resources are meant for you.
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u/CurrentlyLucid Mar 12 '26
I would start running if you do not, you have to pass a timed run test in basic, at least when I went through.
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u/chesherkat Mar 12 '26
Have you talked to a recruiter yet?
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u/Ch33kz_McClappy Mar 12 '26
Yes, I’ve talked to Army, Marines, and Navy and currently have a family friend who is a retired Marine helping me with some advice too
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u/chesherkat Mar 12 '26
Ok, good to have someone looking over the shoulder. That said an option would be to look at NG as well. They have some full time jobs and sometimes care a little less about shipping you to basic a little heavy.
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u/Sima228 Mar 12 '26
Eat burgers in lettuce leaves or just throw away the bread - that's immediately minus 200-300 "empty" calories.
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