Although healthy food might be more costly than junk food, you can still inexpensively eat healthy food. In fact, there are many ways to eat nutritionally dense food as well as lose weight. Here are 25 guidelines to accomplish this.
1. Large Quantities
Cook in large quantities. Cooking at home means you know everything that goes into your meal, and cooking in large quantities means you will have food for multiple meals. Plus this is a huge opportunity for meal preparation, which makes it easier throughout the week. Almost like having a meal system, without the associated Nutrisystem cost.
2. Motivation for Exercise
Sign up for a race. The fees for these are generally low and preparing for race day will lose weight by itself. All you need is running shoes and probably a training program.
3. Eat Eggs
Eggs are cheap and considered the most bioavailable source of protein. This means the protein is digested, absorbed, and used more efficiently than protein in anything else.
4. Research What is in Season
Learn what produce is in season. In-season produce is cheaper than out-of-season produce. Researching this will reduce the costliness of staying healthy.
5. Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are as healthy as fresh and cheaper. However, there are some frozen vegetables to avoid; so research what to avoid.
6. Junk Food
While getting ready-to-eat food can be convenient, it is costly and not healthy. Abandon such food and buy real, healthy food.
7. Healthy Snacks
Having large quantities of healthy snacks is ideal. While snacks can be purchased different places, grocers are likely going to be cheaper.
8. Only Drink Water
Water is the ideal drink. Drinking water benefits your cells and eliminates toxins.
9. Plant-Centered Diet
A plant centered diet helps your health and can extend your life. Monetary savings can total over $2,000 per year which can help with other needs.
10. No Meat Monday
Fiber in black beans helps to keep you full. They also have antioxidants, and protein. If eating meat on Monday, reduce meat intake by mixing in mushrooms to still have fiber.
11. Workout Anywhere
Potentially costly gym memberships are not needed for exercise. It can be done at home. Exercise like running can be done most places.
12. Good Deals
Find out what is marked down. Once you have acquired the best deals, plan out what you will be cooking.
13. Forsake Supplements
Don’t buy supplements for weight loss. They are expensive and might not even work. Certain weight-loss teas are a not-so-expensive alternative.
14. Buy Local
Local food saves many dollars. A farmers market at the end of the day when farmers want rid of what is left is a great way to save.
15. Do-It-Yourself Protein Shakes
Protein shakes and bars can be costly. However, making your own will likely be healthier and cheaper.
16. Don’t Waste
Do not throw away money in the form of leftovers. Whatever isn’t eaten can be another meal or part of another meal.
17. Emulations
You don’t need to go to a vendor for a special drink. Find copycat recipes online. They can keep you trimmer and save many dollars.
18. YouTube
Helpful YouTube videos of others’ success stories cost nothing. There are also many weight-loss programs.
19. Sleep
Sleeping is definitely a zero cost help in weight loss. Not sleeping enough causes the hormone leptin to go down, causing increased appetite.
20. Appetizers
A study showed an average restaurant meal has 1,128 calories. To cut the cost and caloric intake of a meal, get an appetizer. Also, you can split something with another person.
21. Lists
Make a list of why you want to lose weight and improve your health. This can help you make better decisions.
22. Read Ingredients
Ignore prices-increasing advertising labels. Rather read the ingredients to know what is worth buying.
23. Snack Expense
Many snacks can cost a few dollars. However, fruit can only cost half a dollar. Choose wisely and save money.
24. Canned Goods
Canned goods can be inexpensive. Something non-canned might cost several dollars whereas canned alternatives can be noticeably cheaper.
25. Don’t Use Your Natural Hand
Your brain takes a little time to realize you’re full. Therefore, use your non-natural hand. This will likely make meal time last longer, but over eating is reduced.
