Day to day

Well, you can "get by"...but it's not the most healthy or productive way. (nor do I agree with this for pets either)
Most experts say that Americans eat too much in volume, at one sitting.
So the suggested method is to do it 4 or 5 times a day, but in much smaller portions.

There are countries out there, that don't skimp on the meat, fat, spices, butter, etc.
Yet, they don't have as much issue with weight as the US. It's because their portions are smaller.
Kind of the way they serve at gourmet restaurants...multiple courses of savory food, but small amounts.

We eat for being sated or for our tongues.
Not for what our body truly needs.
And I have this issue too.

If your family eats a certain way, then you're going to need to figure out a method for yourself.
Because Mother Nature doesn't care if someone else does this or that...she just cares about what's good or not for you.
I know it's difficult for logistics, convenience or sharing...but it still is what it is.

You need to decide an eating style for you...what works for your body...and what goals you want.
Hard part about it, you have your body you have to contend with at the same time. Hormones, moods, preferences, allergies, scents, etc...and so on.
It's a lifestyle choice while dealing with your body AND all the other distracting factors.

But I do know this...one meal a day isn't likely good.
And skipping a meal isn't likely good either.
Try it...but I bet you won't like the results...nor will your body.

 

Then I say go for it...I cannot. And I know others that can't either.

For the most part, I find that most just eat too much at one sitting...and don't get enough exercise/activity in comparison.
The rest is just semantics. Basically, do what's right for you.

 

If it makes you feel any better, I just ate 3/4's of a large pizza and 8 hot wings. 'Urp
I think it was the miserable weather outside.
But I had a nice healthy dinner last night...so it all balances out, RIGHT??

I know, I know...you don't have to tell me...
*grumble* friggin' Mother Nature rules.

 

Why?

It takes more than 2 weeks to make it a habit and to make a lasting change. Maybe consider Don't Break The Chain!

 

So, there are some thought exercises you can do to help yourself stay focused.

Make a list of pros and cons. What are the pros of sticking with eating well? What are the cons?

What do you have to gain? What do you have to lose?

Write down a physical list and hang it up somewhere where you can see it.

Is there a way for you to "gamify" your efforts? Essentially, build rewards into what you're doing, in coordination with the Don't Break the Chain method. Every two weeks that you stick to your plan, reward yourself. I would avoid food-based rewards until your habits are really habits; instead, focus on rewards that will help you further your goals or a unique experience (i.e. fitness gear).

Yes, you might be hungry at first. One of the problems we face in the United States is our ability to really feel hunger is off because of the overconsumption of food. Counting calories will tell you if you're eating enough. Honestly, I would not really cut calories at first but focus more on making good decisions with food first and foremost. There are plenty of examples in this thread as to what good decisions look like.

It might take you a while to figure out what compliance looks like for you. Some people can have a "cheat day", eat poorly, and continue on with good habits the next day. Some people can't. It might take some trial and error to figure out what works.

Oh, and one of my pet peeves--don't think of this as a diet. A diet is temporary! What you are trying to do here is permanent, and I think when you sit down and list the pros and cons, @ralphie250, you'll see why this should be permanent.

I have to ask, and maybe it's been mentioned elsewhere and I've forgotten or I missed it, but are you on any medications?

 

So pro: you might be able to change your BP medications in the future by changing what you eat now.

I would take a look at the DASH diet, and think about incorporating some of the changes it suggests into how you eat in order to deal with your hypertension. If you're sensitive to sodium, eating fast food and processed food is a big no-no. Cooking at home means you can control the amount of sodium, and frankly, cooking at home means your sodium intake goes down drastically, as home-cooked food generally has far less salt in it--even after adding seasoning to food!

You're young, so the changes you make now can be lasting and have a great impact on your quality of life for years to come.

Things that can control blood pressure at home, from High blood pressure: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:

Some links:

High blood pressure in young men - WebMD

DASH diet: Healthy eating to lower your blood pressure - Mayo Clinic


10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication - Mayo Clinic

High blood pressure and diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia