Maintaining a healthy weight and building fitness and strength are crucial elements of a healthy lifestyle. People who are a healthy weight and work out regularly are more likely to live for longer and less likely to suffer from serious health conditions in later life. Exercise and healthy eating can also contribute to better mental health and happiness.
But at the moment, life is very expensive, and unfortunately, it’s often things that help to keep us fit and healthy that rise in price the most. Healthy food options are typically more expensive than junk food, and less likely to be on offer, and if you are on a budget, your gym membership might be the first thing to go. Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight on a budget isn’t easy, but it is possible. Here are some tips to help.
Try Meal Replacement Shakes
If you struggle with healthy eating, find calorie counting difficult, and have a hard time coping with your nutritional needs while trying to eat well, then meal replacement shakes might be a great option for you. Meal replacement shakes from Shake That Weight can help you to lose or manage your weight while meeting all of your nutritional needs. Shake That Weight shakes can also make it easier to budget, as you’ll always know what you need to buy.
Walk More
Walking is one of the most underrated ways to both lose weight and gain fitness. It’s something that we do every day and rarely think of as exercise. But simply increasing your step count every day can start to have an impact on your health, well-being, weight, and strength.
Start by tracking your steps during a normal week. You can do this with an activity tracker, smartwatch, or just an app on your phone. Then, try to increase it as much as you can.
This might mean making small changes like getting off the bus a stop earlier, using the stairs instead of the elevator, and walking around while you wait for the kettle to boil, as well as bigger changes, like going out for a walk after dinner every day.
As you start to build fitness, try to walk up hills, over varied terrain, and at a faster pace for better results.
Try Home Workouts
You don’t need to go to the gym to gain fitness and lose weight. Walking and jogging outdoors, and home workouts can be just as effective if you are motivated enough to stick with them.
There are countless videos on YouTube targeting different goals and areas of your body. Try a few styles and coaches to find a program that suits you and get into a good routine.
Meal Plan and Prep
Meal planning is always an effective way to save money on your food shopping. It means that you only buy what you need. But it can also be a way to eat more healthily. When you meal plan, you can see your meals for the week written down in front of you. This makes it much easier to make sure you are meeting your nutritional needs, not overeating and getting plenty of variety in your diet.
If you are short on time and money and want to eat well, prepping meals and even snacks for the week can help too.
Bulk Meals Out with Veg and Beans
Vegetables, beans, and other grains and pulses are very healthy, filling, low in calories, and high in protein. They are also cheap. Bulk out meals like pasta dishes and chilli with frozen vegetables and tinned beans. This will make them healthier and help you to save money by stretching your meals.
Cook from Scratch and Eat at Home
Cooking from scratch is cheaper than buying readymade meals and eating at home is always better than eating out. If you are going out for the day, packing a picnic will help you to stick to your calorific goals while saving money.
Prioritise Protein
Protein is filling and nutritious. When we eat meals that are high in protein, we’re more likely to feel full and less likely to snack later in the day. Many foods that are high in protein, like eggs and chicken, are also cheaper than other options.
Make the Most of Tinned and Frozen Food
Fresh fruit and vegetables are important for weight loss and good health. But they can be expensive and don’t have long shelf lives. The good news is that tinned and frozen versions are much cheaper, last for far longer, and in some cases have even more nutritional value. If you are looking to lose weight and your budget is tight, stocking up on frozen and tinned produce is a great idea.
With careful planning and preparation, and a little creative cooking, eating well can actually be a great way to save money while helping you to lose weight and stay healthy.
