Looking around the shelves of any supermarket, and it is easy to get scared by the high price tag of healthy food. In fact, one of the main complaints of overweight people is that cheap options are often the least healthy. A microwaveable burger costs virtually nothing, whilst a power green salad is about four times the price… that is, if we buy it in a shop. But there are so many easy ways to lose weight on a budget.
Before anyone says to simply not eat as that is cheaper, let’s admit there is definitely merit in leaving out treats and frapuccinos, not just in terms of their caloric count but also on our wallets. Heading to a coffee shop and buying an ice cream milkshake is going to mount up over time. Put that money in a jar, opt for a naturally flavoured spring water instead, and you are on your way to paying for your next holiday by this time next year as well as losing out on thousands of unwanted calories. The same applies with running out for brunch or having a monstrous office breakfast. Seek out and opt for the healthier option, and be imaginative so that it does not feel like you are missing out on tasty, flavoursome food and drink.
Hunting down vegetables and fruit is always going to be cheaper than buying prepared meals with the same ingredients. Even buying frozen vegetables is healthier than no veg at all. And with supermarkets moving towards reducing waste, heading in at the end of the day to grab a basketful of reduced price fruit and veg is an excellent way to lose weight, save pennies and do your bit for the environment.
Of course, we also need to be able to treat ourselves once in awhile. But instead, opt for a low fat or non-dairy ice cream (supermarket own brands are often cheaper) or consider grilling or air frying vegetables to make your own healthy, tasty chips.
A limited budget does not mean reduced options; it opens up a whole world of challenges and options for imaginative, healthy cooking and weight loss.
