15. 10 Ways to Lose Weight on a Budget

People often think that eating healthy food costs way too much and losing weight on a budget is next to impossible. 

In this episode, I’m going to debunk those myths and give you 10 tips on how to lose weight on a budget. Food costs are one of the top expenses in every household. I’m here to help you bring down your expenses but still make healthy food choices on your next grocery run.

If you’re trying to lose weight but are conscious of the costs, this episode is for you! But even if you’re not trying to lose weight, you still might want to listen up as these tips will help cut money on your grocery bill while staying on top of your health goals.

• [03:11] Losing weight on budget is completely doable and eating healthy on a regular basis doesn’t have to cost significantly more. In fact, some research shows that it only costs $40 per month more to have a healthy diet.
• [03:48] It’s important to have a weight loss strategy. 
• [04:25] Know your budget before you begin to plan your menu and grocery list. Track your expenses to know where your money is going. 
• [05:26] Identify your specific weightloss goals. Having a clear idea will help you stay on track and determine where to put your spending money. 
• [06:25] There is no shame in asking for help and getting a health coach. It’s not a luxury but an investment on yourself. As Les Brown said, “ask for help not because you’re weak but because you want to remain strong.” Every successful person has had a coach. You will be able to reach your goals better if you have advice, support and accountability from a coach.
• [07:39] Make a grocery shopping list. This will help you stick to your budget, make a healthy meal plan and avoid impulse purchases on unhealthy items. You can even base your grocery list on items on sale.
• [09:34] Stock up on simple healthy staples like basic veggies, fruit, lean protein, canned beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains that you can mix and match to make a variety of meals.
• [10:14] Adding spices to your meals can spruce up your meal in seconds. 
• [11:07] Purchasing all organic produce is a lie and also very expensive. Just start with produce that has the highest pesticide residue for organic instead. 
• [12:45] Buy seasonal or frozen produce. Buying what’s in season is more flavourful, healthy and economical. While buying frozen produce gives you more time to consume the products.
• [15:00] Use budget friendly sources of protein.
• [16:50] Meal prep and cook at home. Preparing your own weight loss meals and snacks can do wonders for your body and bank account. Meal prep nutritious food for the week so that there’s always something ready to eat. 
• [18:54] Be creative with your leftovers. Always check your fridge and pantry to use whatever you have left.
• [22:05] Drink more water. Beverages contribute more calories, sugar, and artificial sweeteners to our diet than any other single consumable. Adding a few fruits and veggies will help jazz up your water and help flush out toxins for your water.
• [24:25] Drink a protein shake. It’s a quick high protein meal replacement.

Links:

• Trudy Stone Coaching
• Free guide - 7 Ways to Melt Your Muffin Top
• Mint
• PocketGuard 
• YNAB
• Flipp
• Mind Your Body Program
• EWG
• Flat Belly Detox Water Recipe