With New Year’s less than a month behind us, many of us are still focused on our resolutions. And one of the most popular resolutions is losing weight. On the surface we all know what we need to—eat less and exercise more. Simple? Yes. Hard? Most definitely!
Losing weight is big business. Diet pills and drinks, frozen dinners, Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers, gyms and personal trainers, exercise DVDs, books, exercise equipment…the list of things to buy is endless. Yet, most of them likely end up in the trash, in the basement gathering dust, or in a donation bin.
Instead of spending money on items you may not like and use, why not save money and loose weight at the same time?
Avoid restaurants. The servings are huge, the food is often loaded with a ton of calories and it’s expensive. Instead, make a satisfying and infinitely more healthy meal at home. Craving chicken nuggets? Make an oven-baked version instead of the deep-fried fat bombs you get at the drive-thru. Both your waistline and wallet will thank you!
No more convenience foods. If you have ever purchased a ‘diet frozen meal’ from the grocery store, you know what happens. That slice of 110 calorie pizza looks so large and satisfying on the box, but once you get it home you realize it is only slightly larger than a slice of white bread and not nearly as filling. $3 to $5 down the drain for that?! It leaves me more hungry after eating it which leads to some unhealthy choices. Instead, look online for healthy versions of your favorite meals and make them yourself. Allrecipes has a healthy cooking section loaded with low-calorie options.
Drop the membership. There is no need to pay dues, eat specially purchased foods, and try to work your schedule around weight-loss meetings. SparkPeople is an online community that offers a ton of stuff, all of it for free. I love, love, love SparkPeople! You get a personal food and exercise journal, access to the online weight-loss community, as well as targeted articles and information and free exercise videos you can watch and workout to on your computer. It is an excellent resource for those looking to loose some inches.
Get outside! Why walk on a treadmill for an hour, you aren’t getting anywhere? Instead, walk around the neighborhood, go play badminton in the yard or go jogging around a nearby park. Many cities have walking and biking trails that are both scenic and free to use—you’ve already paid for them with your tax dollars. When the weather is bad workout to a free online video or dance around the house, there’s no need to for a pricey gym membership.
Work out in a gym. I know, I said there was no need for a gym. But the truth is, in some areas of the country and in some living situations (such as a tiny apartment), a gym is a viable option. Avoid the pricey gyms and clubs though. Instead, check out small neighborhood gyms, the YMCA and community centers. Many of these have gym equipment or offer classes for a fee much less than the average gym membership. Avoid joining anything that requires a contract. Month to month memberships are best as you can easily cancel them with no repercussions if need be, or just sign up during the winter months when getting outside is hard.
Loosing weight is hard work, but it is one of the thriftiest things you can do. Frugal weight loss improves your health, which may lower your health care costs. You eat healthier, often lower-cost foods, can entertain yourself with free or inexpensive healthy activities, and you feel better which often leads to better choices and less stress.
Let me know some of your favorite ways to lose weight! I’m always in search of inspiration!
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