We all know how easy it is to swing through the drive-through window after a long day at work, but if you want to save some money while cutting back on unnecessary calories, then eating at home is your best bet.
Adopting weight loss strategies on a budget can be hard, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Read below for a few tips on how to lose weight and transform your life with minimal cost.
Consider Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting can help you shed extra weight without spending a single dime. The idea behind intermittent fasting is that you only eat during a certain time window, enabling you to eat fewer calories and lose more weight.
This simple dieting strategy doesn't require you to change what you eat, just when you eat. This way, you consume fewer calories and save money. Not only that, but intermittent fasting can help you boost your metabolism too.
Source Budget-Friendly Protein
Protein is one of the main aspects of any diet, but one that can cost you a great deal. Fortunately, protein does not have to come from meat and can easily be found in budget-friendly foods such as eggs, chickpeas, tofu, quinoa, cottage cheese, yogurt, fava beans, lima beans, mung beans, and many other foods.
Not only does it help you cut down on your budget, but it is a great way to balance your meat intake. These protein options are also an absolute blessing for vegans.
Buy Food In Bulk
Buying in bulk is cheaper than buying small amounts at a time and will help keep your portion sizes under control. If you buy vegetables or meat in bulk, chop them up and freeze them as soon as you get home.
You can even cook the meat in advance before freezing so that they're ready to go when you need them. If you like fruits, cut them into bite-sized pieces and put them in freezer bags or containers so they’ll last longer. This way, you can easily grab just what you need when prepping your meals.
Avoid the Salad Bar
If you're trying to lose weight, you've probably realized that salads are your friend. They're a great way to get a lot of vegetables in one sitting, and they fill up your stomach without adding a ton of calories.
Salad bars are great convenient options when you are in a rush, but they can be costly. Not only is buying pre-made salads expensive but there is no guarantee on how fresh the ingredients are.
On the other hand, if you make your own salads at home, you can buy fresh ingredients and mix your own dressings for much less. By making your own salad, you can save money and eat healthier at the same time.
Make Use Of Leftovers
When you're cooking or preparing food at home, always be sure to make enough for leftovers. You can then use them in subsequent meals during the week. This way, you get more meals out of the same ingredients and don't waste anything.
For example, if you're making a big pot of soup, prepare enough for two days and eat it one day and save the other half for another day. The same goes for lean meats like chicken breasts and lean beef steaks.
If you have leftover meat, save them and add them to a salad or make a sandwich the next day. You can also cook bulk batches of grains like quinoa or brown rice and use them throughout the week.
Planning is essential when trying to lose weight and stick to a budget. Make a weekly menu that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner for each day of the week, and think about what leftovers you might be able to use for another meal or two.
Make a grocery list based on that menu so that you know exactly how much you're going to spend. Creating a healthy lifestyle is not easy, but it can be done one step at a time. Remember to start small and stick with what works for you.
Westmount at Forest Oaks Apartments in Arlington, TX