What are some ways to lose weight on a budget?

Question

I am a single mother looking to lose weight. I am trying to exercise and watch what I eat, but it isn't helping. What are some tips to help me lose weight that are low cost effective? Any good recipes to add??

Answer 1

I love this qstn: My advice is to make a list of what to eat, and before u do this, empty out your kitchen of the food u cant eat anymore. U have to be around positive food to make this happen. When u say it's not helping (then something you doing is incorrect) make the list: do your homework: Tons of fruits, tons of veggies, no processed anything, no white breads, no sugars, none of that crap, u want to be big then eat sugar and u will blow up, no white rices, no pastas: Eat some small fish (6oz) or eat albacore from the package into a bowl, get bread out of your mind for good. Eat a small breakfast ( u have 60 min to eat after u awake) 3 hrs later u eat a mid morning snack: U will do this every 3rd hr, Its easy. But when you wake up, you are going to excercise before anything else, U will eaither walk slowly or treadmill for 50 min: if u have no access, u will do it in your friggen living room ( no excuses hun ) none!! Do your exercise, then eat your breakfast, every 3rd hr, you eat something ( TINY ) no cheating, none of that crap, get excited and get tough. This is your life your talking about: Once you have your shopping list, thats the only thing u eat all year round. No pizza, no pastries, no sweets, none of that crap, U will eat the LIST only, do your homework before hand on what to eat: U have to cut calories period. I dont care how hungry u are at night, drink some h2o, eat a cellery stick, but dont eat. This is a former drill instructor talking to you. U got to go get this for yourself, and u will do it. I had a woman last year that i trained, she had 48" hips and was a size 16. I got her down to a size 6 with a size 26" waist. She looked like a new woman. U have to workout everyday. If u have access to a POOL, get in it and start swimming. U find what works for you, and do it all the time. Have fun with what u like, but be smart w/what u eat. Tony

Answer 2

If you're able to invest even a small bit of money the Cambridge Diet is an excellent and safe way to lose weight. I've lost over 30 lbs on it so far (my before and after photo is the first photo displayed at the website below) and we're a 1 1/2 income family. A 5 day supply only costs $22 and you'd be amazed at how much better you feel from the nutrition received. The website also has recipe books you can order to go with the products as well as a few original recipes posted that work with the Cambridge Products. Otherwise, perhaps you might consider Atkins or Southbeach. Neither worked well for me but I've known people who've done well with both diets. I just found Cambridge to be more cost effective considering the amount of weight I wanted to lose and the products I could choose from. Hope this helps and good luck to you in whatever you decide!

Answer 3

Having fought the weight battle myself the only thing that ever worked for me was a low carb diet along with plenty of exercise. Exercise is the key. If your not willing to get out and walk, jog or run for an hour every night you will be spinning your wheels. I personally had success with help from a book called Managing the Zone. Just remember you didn't put the weight on in a day so don't get discouraged if it takes time for it to come off. It took my almost a year to lose mine.

Good Luck to ya!

Answer 4

For exercise, if you can, play tag or basketball with your child (or other sports) for an hour a day. If the child is too young, then take him or her for walks in the stroller.
For food recipes, first, check the ads and see what's on sale. Then, for recipes, http://vegweb.com/ (Add meat if you'd like.) There are thousands of users who rate recipes on this site, so I recommend the 5-star recipes.
When you can, cook extra servings and freeze them and use for lunch.
Also, cut out the fast food!!!!!! That money adds up quickly! A dollar here and a dollar there is $2.00 which could pay for a gallon of water you should be drinking.
Good luck.

Answer 5

Well, exercise more, and be more conscious about what you eat. Cut your calories to 1300 - 1500 a day. Exercise (or work up to) at least an hour a day, 5 days a week (get in some good fat-burning cardio).

During your day take the stairs instead of elevator...park far away and walk to the store or office...get up to change the tv channel (don't use the remote)...drink lots of water...

Good luck!

Answer 6

I also have battled my weight my whole life. I am on a new path which I am hoping will work. I started walking for 30 minutes a night, eating smaller healthier meals and drinking lots of water. I know what you are going through and it is a battle every day!! Just be strong and believe in yourself and you will be just fine!! Good Luck to you!! Remember walking is free!! It will not cost you anything but a little time. Do what I do and bring your child with you. My son rides his bike while I walk. It is a great time for both of us.
Best of Luck!!

Answer 7

Eat small balanced meals (a lean protein, good carb, and good fat) every 3 to 4 hours and do some kind of cardio exercise at least 3 times a day for 30 minutes. You could even just walk...just be sure you are walking fast enough that you get your heart rate up and keep it up. You should be able to breathe, but you need to be working hard enough that its a little difficult to carry a conversation

Answer 8

Stomach crunches are your best option, they don't even cost a penny, and you can get buff abs off doing them 20 min. a day/ 3 days a week. Trust me I shed my mini beer belly each spring w/ them. It's sounds pretty fairy-like, but, a yoga ball works great for your abs/stomach. Then you could do simple arm exercises w/ a weight, or something fairly heavy in each arm. These are cheap, effective ways to tone up at home, even w/ the t.v. on. Good Luck

Answer 9

Drink lots and lots of water, eat smaller frequent portions, don't expect dramatic results in little time. Walk ALOT, try green tea mixed with coconut water (not milk) for a refreshing pick me up during the day when you can't stand the sight of water anymore. buy fresh fruits and veggies . I have lost 60 lbs on my own and I am never going back. It's hard at first - especially with the smaller meals, but you get the hang of it. Make your own food at home (low cost and healthier than fast food) eat lots of grains and beans and milk. It helps me maybe it'll help you.

Answer 10

This is very, very cheap!! Wal-Mart has the lowest prices...

Try the Fiber One Diet:
1 bowl of Fiber One cereal 3 x day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) with skim milk (I use fat free Lactaid)
1 tv dinner (400 calories or less) for dinner
Drink 64 ozs water (drink plenty water or the fiber will constipate you)
Exercise 30 minutes each day
Note: This diet keeps you very regular (bms)

GOOD LUCK!