How To Lose Weight On A Budget

By Kat Fuschillo
Writer for FEP International

Losing weight is difficult enough, without having to worry about money. Unfortunately, eating a healthy balanced organic diet can be very expensive these days. But, don't worry, if you're overweight or obese there are a number of ways you can change your diet and eat healthy food on a budget. Read on to find out how you can learn to diet without having to break the bank.

Why does it cost more to eat healthy?

The dieting industry is a billion dollar business. Companies know that many folks are desperate to lose weight, so they continue to push up their prices and make even more money. The next time you take a trip to the supermarket, take a look at just how expensive the organic and health foods ranges are, compared to regular foods. You'll often find that the higher fat and more junk style foods are far cheaper than the low fat alternatives. This pricing of food is now thought to be one of the main reasons behind the sharp increase of obesity in the USA.

In these times of financial uncertainty, many people don't have money to waste on over priced diet foods, and instead turn to the less expensive junk food alternatives. But, don't worry. There are many ways you can eat a healthy diet, without having to pay an arm and a leg [1-2].

Know your calorie in take...

If you're obese, then you're probably eating far more food than you need each day. In order for you to reduce your daily intake of food, you need to learn about calories. Men need ~2000 calories a day, and women need ~1500 calories daily. You may even find that you're eating more than double your recommended daily allowance. It'll be hard at first to cut down on your food intake, but think of how much money you'll be saving each and every day. Your stomach will gradually reduce in size, and you won't feel the need to eat as much food to feel full. Try to reduce snacking in between meals, soda drinks and fattening deserts. Replace these with fruit and water, which are a much cheaper alternative.

Cheap healthy meal alternatives...

Here are some quick tips for planning a low cost obesity diet -
- Plan meals – don't impulse buy.
- Make larger meals from scratch and freeze half.
- Always make use of your leftovers.
- Look for discount buys.
- Try growing your own fruit and vegetables at home [1 & 3].

Exercise costs nothing...

One of the best ways to beat obesity and aid your weight loss program is to exercise every day. The great thing about exercising is... it doesn't cost anything to do. You don't have to join an expensive gym or pay for exercise classes to get in shape. You just have to stay active. If you're obese you need to start slowly. Try walking to work, riding a bike or playing sports with your kids. These are all great ways you can stay active, without having to spend a single penny.

References

1. Recession thwarts healthy efforts.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7934242.stm. Accessed Aug 17, 2009.

2. Eating healthy can cost more, but doesn't have to, experts say.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2009-07-14-nutrition-food-costs_N.htm. Accessed Aug 17, 2009.

3. Eat well on the cheap.
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Onabudget/Pages/Eatwellcheap.aspx. Accessed Aug 17, 2009.

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