Life
12 Weight Loss Hacks – That Don’t Cost Anything
Trim your waistline - not your bank account!
Catherine Marucci
06.14.18

Everyone who has ever gone on a diet knows there is nothing easy in the process. And that is particularly true when you can’t (or don’t want to) spend too much on it. Not everyone wants to spend money on special diet foods, protein bars and shakes, and gym memberships.

Fortunately, being on a budget isn’t a death sentence for your weight loss. There are a lot of things you can do to improve your routine and start losing weight today – at no cost.

Check out these free and effective hacks to help you achieve your goal weight.

#1 Portions matter

portion
Ross Ballinger via Flickr
Source:
Ross Ballinger via Flickr

Everyone says you should eat healthy food, and they’re right. But that’s not enough. If you want to lose weight, you should choose smaller portions that will improve your nutrition. Prioritize vegetables and protein and turn away from fatty snacks.

#2 Stay active

exercise
Buccianti Photo via Flickr
Source:
Buccianti Photo via Flickr

Just taking some minutes to go for a walk or do some stretching every now and then will really help. You don’t have to work like an athlete to improve your fitness but sitting in your chair all day long will bring you no results.

#3 Stick to the basics

vegetables
Brent Hofacker via Flickr
Source:
Brent Hofacker via Flickr

Don’t go for any new diet trend that promises you wonderful results. Stay focused on the basics: keep calories low and keep your workout routine up. Your body (and your wallet) will thank you.

#4 Simple substitutions work wonders

plate
James Lacey Westlake via Flickr
Source:
James Lacey Westlake via Flickr

Substitutions are always a good call if you want to reduce fat and sugar in your diet. When cooking dinner, replace potatoes with mashed cauliflower. When baking a cake, replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce. There are no limits to what you can substitute.

#5 Don’t ignore Strength Training

weights
Homedust via Flickr
Source:
Homedust via Flickr

Everyone knows cardio is good for burning fat, but that’s not enough. For those aiming for the perfect form, strength training is very important. Building muscles help get your body into great shape (and it also burns fat).

#6 Support from friends is important

friends
Kurd Photos via Flickr
Source:
Kurd Photos via Flickr

Having someone to give you support is essential. When it comes to weight loss, you can always use some additional motivation to keep going. It can be incredibly more fun to work out when you have your friends around.

#7 Check workout videos on YouTube

aerobics
Buccianti Photo via Flickr
Source:
Buccianti Photo via Flickr

YouTube can be your best friend if you know how to use it. There is almost an infinite selection of good workout videos there for you to try. Some of them require no equipment at all.

#8 Plan your meals

salad
raisalachoque via Flickr
Source:
raisalachoque via Flickr

I know this one is hard, especially if you don’t have much time. Just keep in mind that planning in advance prevents you from giving in to unhealthy eating choices and sabotaging your progress.

#9 Cut back on fat

cheese
BobPetUK via Flickr
Source:
BobPetUK via Flickr

Fat is present is practically every recipe. And although sometimes you can’t just cut it out completely, you can actually reduce it to a smaller portion. This will boost your weight loss and doesn’t cost a thing.

#10 Sleep well

nap
ekorolev via Flickr
Source:
ekorolev via Flickr

Did you know that not having enough sleep leads you to eat more? That’s what numerous studies have shown. And there’s more – your body also keeps more fat if you’re not properly rested. The best part is that sleep is cost-free!

#11 Don’t rush your eating

eating
lifestic via Flickr
Source:
lifestic via Flickr

Your body doesn’t always follow your eating rhythm. If you eat too fast, chances are it won’t receive the signal that you’re already full, and you will end up eating more than necessary. Enjoy your meals and eat slowly. Your body will thank you and you will still feel full when the meal is done.

#12 Drink water

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water
wingerjohanne via Flickr
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wingerjohanne via Flickr

Drink water regularly. It’s as simple as that. Not only it will keep you healthy, but it can actually kick your metabolism up and make you eat less. It’s also one of the cheapest beverages available!

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