How to Lose Weight on a Tight Budget

When living on a tight budget, a healthy lifestyle often isn't a priority. Foods poor in nutritional value seem to be cheaper, and an expensive gym membership is out of the question. That doesn't mean weight loss on a tight budget is impossible. You can lose weight while watching your budget.

Instructions

Healthy Eating

1

Buy frozen produce. Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of weight loss. They're a healthy snack option and round out meals. The only downside is that fresh produce can be expensive. Thankfully, frozen produce can be purchased at a fraction of the cost. Frozen produce can be healthier than fresh, because it's frozen within hours of being harvested. Either option is healthier than canned produce.

2

Stock up when lean meats go on sale. A tight budget often doesn't allow for lean meats that cost over $4 per pound. That's why it pays to look for grocery sales. One week chicken breast may be on sale, and another week sirloin may be marked down. Watch for sales, and you'll always have lean meat on hand.

3

Prepare more meatless meals. Meatless meals are not only healthy, but they can also save you money. If you're worried about missing the flavor of meat, prepare meatless meals with portobello mushrooms. You'll get the flavor of meat, without the fat or the hefty price tag.

4

Stretch expensive ingredients with whole grains and beans. Adding whole grains and beans to expensive ingredients doesn't just save money, but it also promotes healthy weight loss. Healthy carbohydrates are essential for a healthy diet. Best of all, whole grains and beans cost a fraction of the price of meat and vegetables.

Exercise

5

Get creative with exercise equipment. You don't need the latest piece of exercise equipment. You can find free exercise equipment in your own home, if you get creative. After you finish a gallon of milk, rinse the jug out and fill it with water, and you've got a dumbbell.

6

Find free forms of exercise. An expensive gym membership is not essential for weight loss. Many areas have free gyms and free walking trails. Do a bit of research and see what is available in your area.

7

Take advantage of free online tools. The Internet is loaded with tips and strategies to make losing weight easier, when you're on a tight budget. You can find tools that make it easy to lose weight, including weight charts, BMI calculators, food diaries and weight-loss calculators.