How to Lose Weight Without Breaking the Bank

You don't need expensive nutritional supplements, fitness equipment or fancy gym memberships to accomplish your health and fitness goals. Losing weight merely means abandoning unhealthy habits and replacing them with healthier ones. Losing weight doesn't have to empty your wallet, and it may actually save you money. With the right attitude, determination, and some very basic fitness equipment, you can successfully lose weight and stay well within your budget.

Instructions

Set Goals

1

Determine your goal weight. An easy way to determine a healthy weight is to calculate your body mass index (BMI). Use a BMI table to determine how much weight you need to lose to be considered in a healthy weight range. There are several BMI calculators and tables available for free on the internet.

2

Write down every reason that losing weight is important to you, in a notebook. Be thorough, detailed and keep this notebook readily accessible for the moments when you're tempted to skip your daily workout or to overindulge. Glancing at your well-thought-out reasons will empower you to make healthier decisions.

3

Write down and analyze your current calorie intake. Those frequent trips to the vending machine or the fast food drive-through may be a major barrier to your weight loss goals -- and they also cost money. An honest assessment of the amount of calories you consume daily, from these sources, could benefit your waistline and your wallet.

4

Set a weekly weight loss goal. In order to lose weight you must burn more calories than you consume. According to MedlinePlus, one pound of fat contains about 3,500 calories. Therefore, in order to lose one pound a week, you must reduce your daily calorie intake by 500 calories. It's best to set a reasonable goal of 1 to 2 pounds per week.

Take Action

5

Make a healthy shopping list and stick to it. This will help you avoid the impulse to purchase processed foods high in fat and carbohydrates.

6

Bring healthy snacks to work. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain food products and nuts will boost your energy, keep you full, and help keep you away from those bad vending machines.

7

Exercise daily. You don't need to purchase a gym membership to take a daily brisk walk or jog. If the weather isn't conducive to outdoor activity, go for a walk in the mall, and be sure to take advantage of all the staircases available to you. If you seek more structure or variety, check out the exercise videos at your public library.

8

Reduce your stress level. Scientific studies have shown that stress levels can affect levels of certain hormones in your body and contribute to weight gain. Make time for yourself a priority and try out activities such as meditation.