6 Ways to Lose Weight & Save Money

Each year, many Americans begin their weight-loss journey to achieve a higher level of physical attractiveness and live a healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately, remaining motivated throughout the beginning phase of the process can be quite difficult, but implementing a few tips into your daily regimen will help you achieve your fitness goals — and beef up your wallet, too.

Here are a few ways that losing weight can help you keep more money in your pocket:

1. Drink More Water

Beverages, such as juice, soda, coffee and specialty drinks, can really put a dent in your wallet. Many of them also pack on the calories due to the sugar content, making them counter-productive to weight-loss efforts.

Let’s assume you head over to your favorite coffee shop each morning to purchase an iced beverage that contains 400 calories and carries a price tag of $4. Simply replacing the beverage with water for one month will save you $120 and 12,000 calories, which gives you a slight boost in the pocketbook and cuts unnecessary calories.

2. Chew Gum

It always seems like you crave what you can’t have. When altering your diet to help accomplish your weight-loss objectives, the sudden urge to devour a sugary-filled treat from the vending machine may suddenly come over you mid-afternoon if you spot a cupcake or cookie on your co-worker’s desk. To tame that craving, chew gum to distract your taste buds.

3. Plan Your Meals

Eating out can add up rather quickly. Spending $10 per day at lunch on a large meal may not seem so bad until your crunch the numbers and realize that it adds up to $300 per month. These meals can also pack on the pounds if the contents are unhealthy.

Use a meal planner (and corresponding coupons if applicable) to control how much you spend on food and what you eat. A meal planner will also force you to be more disciplined and eliminate random snacking.

4. Leftovers

Whether you dine out or in the comforts of your own home, stretching each meal can be both cost-efficient and conducive to weight-loss. If you prepare your own meal, cook enough to last for two or more meals. For those times when you dine out, eat half of your meal at the restaurant and save the remainder for later.

5. Activities With Friends

Substitute girls’ or guys’ night out at the bar for an exercise class at the nearest parks and recreation center. Not only will you save on the cost of food and drinks, but you’ll also burn a few calories.

6. Walk

In 2012, Americans spent $2,912 on gas, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Since gas expenditures are at an all-time high, try adding walking to your exercise regimen — if the distance isn’t too far — when going to locations near your home, or commuting to and from work.

Image: iStockphoto

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