How can I get into shape with little or no money?

Question

I'm a 22 year old male who isn't fat, but wants to shed about 20 pounds so that I look lean and toned. I want to do both lifting weights and dieting. The part of lifting weights is solved because my college gives free access to it's gym. My problem is that I don't know what to do about dieting. I don't have much money to go get tons of veggies, health foods, etc. So what's a good way to eat and and help build muscle, but with not a lot of money?

Answer 1

One of the best exercises in the world is also free- or at least, it costs no more than a pair of shoes. It's walking. It's great that you can use your gym too, though.

Unless you're on a specialized diet, you don't really need the health foods. Though they're nice. However, if you get fruits and veggies instead of junk food, that will help tremendously.

Also, look at how you're cooking your food. If you're frying, that will add a ton of fat. And boiling (except maybe for rice or pasta) will leech nutrients out.

If you have a slow-cooker of some kind, it's very possible to make a nutritious soup that will feed you for some time. I've got a recipe that uses up leftovers, and is quite filling. It's this:

Leftover meat (any kind but fish), chopped
Onion, chopped
veggies (frozen preferred) to taste
1 pouch instant garlic mashed potatoes
1 can canned tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
More garlic
Sage, oregano, basil and bay leaf (mix or match)
water

Simmer on low during the day, and stir when you get home. It will be ready to eat.

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

Lifting weights is not going to help you much, except that you will get stronger, but your muscle mass will get bigger and you will gain some weight, but lean weight.
The best way of loosing weight is running 2 miles per day, 5 times per week. Eat a well balanced diet, watch your fat intake, do not eat an excessive amount of calories, and drink plenty of fluids. Be patient, loosing the weight is going to take some time. Concentrate on your running and your studies. You will loose the weight, just be patient.

Answer 3

I think you may be surprised to find that it is cheaper to eat helathier on fruit, veges, fibrous cereals and so than it is to buy pre-packaged or processed foods.

Hit your nearest market with a list, take a calculator and check out the $ difference

Answer 4

you're going to lose body fat even with determining or no longer. Ethiopians dont exercising consultation that a lot, and seem at them! So dont hardship about no longer being waiting to purchase a lot well being food, merely hardship about the whole abdomen-eating-itself ingredient.

Answer 5

there isn't people are going to try and tell you that it is cheaper to eat healthy or blah blah blah but if your as poor as i am it just cant be done. i have tried so hard to eat healthy and i buy healthy foods and then i run out and I'm out of money and I'm scraping up my quarters to go buy top ramen and mac and cheese.

Answer 6

Walk and eat lots of fruits and veggies.
Cook your own meals (not that boxed stuff either!)