I'm a little over two years out. I'm eating like crazy again. I've done this before and put on 12lbs. I'm up 8 so far and I can't get a grip!! I need a swift kick in the ass!!!

Have you tried the Master Gardeners Extensions?

http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/

http://extension.arizona.edu/maricopamg

http://www.phxgardening.com/grow-vegetables.html

http://www.phoenixtropicals.com/vegetables.html

http://www.azcentral.com/style/hfe/outdoors/articles/20100317arizona-spring-planting-guide.html

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/azgard/msg1116045925629.html

They all can show and help you to grow crops in the heat. I've used the ones here in Virginia. They're great. Some of them even will allow you to swap stuff with them or teach you things like dehydration, canning, etc.

Speaking of which, what about homesteading? Have you looked into that?

http://homesteading-arizona.blogspot.com/

http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/yavapai-county-zmaz87jfzgoe.aspx

http://thepaleomama.com/2013/10/urbanhomesteading/

http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/general-homesteading-forums/homesteading-questions/285458-az-homesteading.html

All of these are ways that you can save money and use less resources, conserve. Things you can do around the house. I know here there are groups that allow you to trade, swap and barter.

If you can get to a library also, there are ways of getting books on that, or info.

What else have you checked into like this?