Low-Cost Ways to Lose Weight, Burn Fat, and Sleep Better

This blog was written by Sheila Johnson you can find more of her writing at wellsheila.net!

So many of us want to lose weight and tone up, but it often feels like too many barriers stand in the way. From a lack of energy and motivation to being on a tight budget, the hardest part is overcoming those barriers to take the first step. As hard as that step can be, it may help to know that overcoming one barrier can help you with all the others. That’s why we’re starting with your budget—because when you find low-cost ways to lose weight, the motivation and energy will follow. What’s even better is that you will not only like the results you see, but you’ll also sleep better and get healthier overall.

Make Exercise Affordable and Enjoyable

If you want to do more than just drop some pounds, and instead focus on actually getting healthier, the solution is to have a diet and exercise routine that is sustainable. What makes an exercise routine sustainable? Ultimately, you have to find exercise you enjoy and that’s also affordable. 

This is one reason why many people who are successful at getting fit do so through sports and outdoor activities. There’s nothing wrong with going to a gym. In fact, strength and interval training are some of the best ways to build muscle and burn fat. However, you’ll be more likely to keep up with your weight-loss routine if you find a sport that motivates you to stay active. Even if your new activity requires gear and apparel to get started, don’t assume it has to be expensive. On websites like Rakuten, you can find deals and even cash back for retailers that carry all the best sporting goods, which makes it more affordable to invest in what you need to successfully start up and stick with your fitness routine.

Make Healthy Eating Easier

Regular exercise is essential for reducing fat and living healthier, but eating a balanced diet is equally important. Just like exercise, this needs to be something you do consistently, which is why you need a plan for making it easier and more affordable. 

Keep a Food Journal

One of the best ways to get more intentional about what you eat is to start a food journal. Good Housekeeping recommends using pen and paper to keep a food journal, but you could also use a free or inexpensive app. Even if this seems like more work initially, the payoff is in the clarity it provides. Not only will you get a better picture of exactly what you’re eating, but you can also see how food you buy gets wasted. The result is that you can target habits that are unhealthy and overly expensive.

Stock Your Pantry

Perhaps the hardest part about eating a balanced diet is shopping for ingredients. One way to make this easier is to shop in bulk, especially with coupons and sales, for healthy pantry staples. Be sure to include good fats like olive oil, along with whole grains and healthy snacks. And while fresh fruits and vegetables are ideal, frozen produce is just as good for you, and stocking your freezer is an inexpensive way to keep healthy meal options on hand.

Meal Prep

Making any change successfully takes planning, which is why meal prepping works so well. If you need inspiration, the internet is full of ideas, like the weight-loss meal plans from Eating Well. Just as you do when stocking your pantry, shop for fresh ingredients by finding sales and using coupons. This will save you money, plus having good meals prepped and ready to eat will keep you from shelling out for unhealthy takeout midweek.

We know that change is hard, which is why it’s normal to let barriers keep us from taking action. The good news is that it doesn’t take long to see the results of your efforts. While the number on the scale may not change tomorrow, the health effects are instant. Start today, and we promise, not only will you be spending less money, but you’ll also feel healthier and sleep better right away.

---

Podcasts you might enjoy:

Recent blogs: