Have you been snacking more often since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic? If so, you are not alone. Many of us have taken to watching the news day in and day out, bag of chips in hand. But now it’s time to take back the waistline that should rightfully yours before another shutdown helps you pack on even more pounds. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to stay trim and toned that don’t involve breaking social distancing protocols or straining what might be an already tight budget.
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Beyond Physical Health
Before you begin your weight loss endeavor, it’s a good idea to review why, exactly, keeping a healthy weight is important. While there are plenty of physical benefits, including reducing your chances of getting high cholesterol, diabetes, and other health issues, eating well has mental and emotional benefits. The most important of these is that you’ll feel better about yourself, and that can give you a confidence boost. And having more confidence translates and a higher self-esteem, more productivity, and an overall happier existence.
Get Ready
It’s one thing to know how to lose weight. We are all aware that it’s a matter of eating healthy foods and keeping ourselves active. But if you want to lose weight effectively, a little research and planning can help. Fortunately, doing so is the best way to save money on the things you need to achieve weight loss success.
When you’re ready to get back in shape, it’s a good idea to invest in a few pieces of athletic apparel. There’s nothing wrong with jogging in your current sweatpants, but a new pair of Lululemon leggings is a great motivator. Despite the high price tag, you can usually find deals online.
You also want to look for inexpensive pieces of workout equipment. One of the least budget-busting of these is a weighted hula hoop. Hoop Empire explains that these multipurpose pieces of equipment can help you shed pounds while giving your body an excellent workout. You can pick one up for around $25. And if that’s too much of a stretch, keep in mind that simple bodyweight exercises can keep you in great shape!
Working With What You’ve Got
The other side of losing weight is to adjust your eating habits. And to that end, you probably have everything you need in your home already as you begin your weight management journey to lower your BMI.
Start by digging through the pantry. Although you want to keep the majority of your foods fresh and whole, you probably have plenty of ingredients to throw together things like a spinach tortellini soup or bean/legume quesadillas. Foodies Today even notes that you can make macaroni and cheese a little less guilt-inducing by upping the nutritional value with vegetables and lean proteins. The point here is that you can enjoy recipes that make use of what you have in your pantry, and they can often be tweaked to lighten calories and fat if necessary.
Perhaps more than working out and eating well, one of the most effective – and hands-down most affordable – ways to manage your weight is to simply drink more water. Gaiam explains that dropping sodas and juices for plain old H2O can fast-track you to a healthier lifestyle in just a few weeks.
Losing weight does not have to mean pricey memberships to the gym or a subscription to trendy food services. When you’re on a budget, a little creativity can go a long way. Use what you have, and don’t be afraid to make a few simple lifestyle changes, such as drinking water instead of soda. Remember, the numbers on the scale don’t dictate who you are, but watching them go down is a great way to enhance your physical and mental health.
Article provided by Jennifer Scott. Visit Jennifer at Spiritfinder.org for more information and articles.
Leave a comment in the box below if you have any budget-friendly ideas for loosing weight that you would like to share. Don’t forget to get on Ssouthernlifestyle’s email list before you leave and as always have a blessed day!
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Loved this! When are you next scheduling a post??