Poor is the new Atkins

Being poor helps me diet.

I’m not saying that I’m barely struggling to stay alive here but my disposable income has suffered tremendously recently. I used to live with my fiancé until I broke that off and got a place of my own. The sudden sense of freedom was exhilarating and life-changing…and then it just became expensive. People ask me how I can stand living alone and I tell them it’s wonderful except when it comes to paying the bills. Yeah – I pay 100% of everything. Ugghh!

So, whether it was from stress (cuz honestly breaking off an engagement is stressful in retrospect) or holidays (yep, smart Erica decided to move out December 1) or all the takeout/fast food I ate while moving and unpacking…I GAINED WEIGHT.

Last summer I had a nice figure and was on my way to a really nice figure. I had lost about 35 lbs. and was working out 4 days/week. I bought a whole new wardrobe to accommodate my success – jeans, work pants, skirts, bras, shirts, sweaters – all in smalls and size 4’s. Now I’m too fat to fit into it.

So, I decided dieting would be a good idea for multiple reasons: look better, feel better, save money on junky food I eat on a way too regular basis and, in the end, get my entire new wardrobe to wear!

And so far it’s been pretty easy…but not for the right reasons. I should say I changed my eating habits because it’s healthy and makes me feel better and helps me lose the weight.

Ultimately I diet because I’m broke. If I have a $20 bill in my pocket – the choice between McDonalds’ and some Bare Minerals eye shadow isn’t too hard. Hmmm….no McDonalds = skinnier Erica = more money to spend on things that make me look pretty.

(Umm…it also leaves me with a bigger liquor/going out budget but we don’t need to get into that)

I’m writing a book and it should hit your nearest Barnes & Noble any day now.

It’s called “A Shrinking Wallet Can Lead to a Shrinking Waistline”.

And to think people believe money buys happiness…