With all of the new technology and drugs that are supposed to help you lose weight, it's no wonder that the weight loss products industry is making millions of dollars every year. Fortunately, losing weight does not mean that you have to give up your whole savings account. As long as you follow these tips and techniques, you will be able to lose weight naturally without spending more than you need to do so.

Dieting

Many people think that healthy foods are expensive. However, when you choose the right foods during the right seasons, you will be able to purchase relatively inexpensive foods that will help you lose weight. Keep the following tips in mind:

- Purchase vegetables and fruits that are in season. Try to create a daily menu that integrates much of the fruits and vegetables that are in season. For example, in the fall, you may try eating sweet potatoes and apples.

- Portion your meals beforehand. Doing so will allow you to estimate the quantity of the ingredients you will need. You will also be able to reduce the amount of waste.

- Go to health food stores only when you cannot find the ingredient anywhere else. Although health food stores will have virtually everything that you will need to eat healthily, you may not be able to afford all of the products that you will find there. So, make sure to check your local grocery store before you head to your health food store.

- Moderate all of your meals. You can have one serving from each food group, but you still have to follow portion sizes. For instance, even though vegetables are healthy, you cannot have too many potatoes or too many carrots. Variety is the key when it comes to food and rounding out your diet.

Exercising

You don't have to join a gym in order to lose weight. Purchase the following exercise equipment and you will save hundreds of dollars.

- Dumbbells: These can be purchased for as little as $5 per dumbbell. Start with 5- or 10-pound dumbbells per arm. You can find exercise instructions on how to tone your arms online, or you can consult a magazine.

- Ab roller: To work your abs, you may not want to do regular crunches or sit-ups. An ab roller is a great way to tone your abs cheaply. You can find an ab roller for as little as $20.

- Toning bands: These will stretch and tone your muscles, making you look leaner and trimmer. These are inexpensive, too, and you can do a variety of exercises with them.

- Good running shoes: Purchase good running shoes that will absorb shock and cushion your feet. Running and jogging is an easy way to supplement your toning exercises.

As you can see, losing weight on a budget is easy to do when you know what kind of equipment and food will save you the most money.

Learn more about this author, Joan Inong.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about A budget guide to losing weight?
We want to hear your view. Write now!