Keeping in shape is essential for not only looking good but feeling good. Best of all, it doesn't have to cost a lot. Here are some top tips for staying fit even without an expensive gym membership, fancy equipment or expensive diet foods and vitamins.
Try the YMCA Gym
The local YMCA will have inexpensive gym memberships for people of all ages. Ask for student or senior rates or other discounts that may be applicable. Buddy up with a friend as well. Membership will often come with free guest passes that can be used throughout the year.
Always Make a Shopping List, and Check it Twice
Healthy eating is an essential part of overall health and fitness, but the temptations of the junk food teeming in every aisle may be more than many people can bear. Create a master list of absolute essentials and if possible, arrange the list according to the aisle in the local store. It will cut down on the danger of browsing or wandering into an area full of unhealthy snacks.
When waiting at the checkout, check the list again, weeding out any naughty items with empty calories that somehow crept their way into the cart. This is a must for shoppers with children.
Never Shop When Hungry
Everything looks delicious to a hungry person, so the danger of overspending at the supermarket triples. So does the danger of picking up unhealthy snacks. Between the list strategy and eating before going shopping, people can trim the cost of their eating habits in terms of both cash and calories.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables to Stay Healthy
Fruits and vegetables are high in nutrients and low in fat. They are also high in water and help people feel more full, causing them to eat less. Head to the local farmer's market or vegetable wholesaler and get the best bargains on fresh fruit and vegetables in a range of colors. If buying in bulk, plan meals around the fresh produce, such as dessert, jam or homemade sorbet for fruits, soups and stews for vegetables.
Plan Meals to Make the Most of the Ingredients
Plan out a week's worth of menus to be sure to use up all fresh produce and any leftovers from each meal. For example, the leftovers of a whole roast chicken cooked on Sunday can also be turned into sandwiches, chicken salad, for soup, tacos or stew.
Start Every Meal With Soup and Salad
Homemade soup and salad with a non-creamy dressing are great ways to get vitamins and nutrients and fill up on inexpensive foods at the same time. It will also feel more festive, like eating out.
Make Dessert at Home
Avoid all packaged cakes, cookies and muffins, which can be high in fat, trans fats and salt as well as artificial flavorings, colorings and preservatives. With so many great recipes available for free online and flour so cheap, get back to basics and bake at home.
Then set aside a small portion to enjoy that day and the next and store the rest in the freezer. Take out and thaw on the day needed to enjoy ultra-fresh baked goods any time. This will help keep calories under control but still allow for treats from time to time.
Kick the Bottled Water Habit
Bottled water costs money and creates plastic mountains in landfills everywhere. An inexpensive filter on the sink tap or a jug with a water filter costs pennies and helps protect the environment. Get a sturdy reusable water container without the dangerous chemical BPA in it and take it everywhere for smart savings.
Kick the Latte Habit
For people who are spending a ton on coffee from the local corner hangout, the bad news is they are spending more than just $5 a drink. They're also expending their daily calorie, carbohydrate and fat allowance. Invest instead in a good cappuccino machine or even a disc-based coffee machine and non-fat creamers in a variety of flavors. It will save money, calories and also coffee, since there is little danger of making a whole pot and leaving it to sit and then throwing it away.
Use the Local Library for Books and DVDs
Use the local library for keep fit ideas. Only buy the books or workout DVDs certain to be favorites for a long time to come. A membership to Netflix can also help break up the monotony of workout routines and allow people to try before they buy.
Walk or Cycle Every Day
Walk as much as possible to save money and burn calories. Walk to the store instead of taking the car or bus. It will save money on gas or transportation costs too. A bicycle is a great way to stay fit and lose weight. It can also help save money on travel.
Check Out Local Listings for Fitness Bargains and Freebies
Check the local newspaper or Craigslist for items people no longer use or want. There are great bargains to be hand on often little-used fitness equipment, books and DVDs.
Evelyn Trimborn - Evelyn Trimborn is a freelance writer who frequently contributes to a number of blogs, including: healthful-goddess.com, ...
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