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10 Ways to Slim Down on a Budget

Leading a healthy lifestyle shouldn't mean having to take out a second mortgage. But with so many exercise plans, diet books and weight loss fads out on the market, it's no wonder many people say finances keep them from getting fit. With a little planning and resourcefulness, you can eat healthy and slim down without breaking the bank.

  1. Stock the Freezer

    • Fruits and vegetables do not lose their nutritional value in frozen form. Stock up on frozen alternatives of your favorite veggies for quick inclusion in healthy stir fries, soups and stews. Likewise, frozen fruits such as berries make the perfect addition to healthy desserts and smoothies.

    Buy Fresh Produce Frequently

    • Buying fresh fruits and vegetables is a great way to start eating right. But a crisper full of rotten produce is just as big of a blow to the wallet as well as the diet. Plan your menu for the week, then buy only the fruits and vegetables you need every two to three days to ensure your money isn't wasted.

    Tap the Tap

    • Water (at least eight glasses per day) is an essential part of every diet plan. It's understandable to want to buy the purest, freshest water, but that expense adds up fast. Buy a water filter for your faucet, and a portable water bottle. The investment will pay for itself in no time.

    Buy in Bulk

    • Buying lean meats and whole grains in bulk can help you save cash on meals. Try buying "family packs" of different meats, then freeze them in portions. Stock up on oatmeal, whole wheat pasta and other healthy grains that you can keep in the pantry for a quick, healthy meal.

    Trim Your Own Chicken

    • Boneless, skinless chicken is healthier than its skin-on counterpart, but it's also more expensive. Buy skin-on, untrimmed chicken and trim the skin and fat yourself to reveal the healthy lean meat underneath.

    Walk

    • Walking is one of the safest exercises for steady weight loss. The best part: No gym membership is required. Make walking part of your daily routine by taking an hour to walk around the neighborhood.

    Eat in More Often

    • Going out to eat is convenient, but it's also costly and filled with too many temptations to cheat on your diet. Simply reducing the number of times you eat out each month can help you boost your budget.

    Portion Your Meals

    • Many dieters are surprised to discover how much extra food they are actually eating when they begin portioning their food. Cook food and portion your meals ahead of time to ensure you are only eating what you need.

    Clip Coupons

    • Take advantage of supermarket sales on the healthy items you need for proper nutrition. Clip coupons or visit coupon websites before grocery shopping to take advantage of discounts.

    Stick to the List

    • Impulse buys at the supermarket add to your grocery bill as well as your waistline. Make a food list each week based on a planned food menu for your week -- and stick to it.

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