We’ve rounded up some of the best and most effective tips and tricks you can work into your routine right now without any extra cost. Chewing your food slowly, drinking more water, and even getting more sleep time can make a big difference when trying to lose weight — no, really. Scroll through to read why.
1. Be Active All Day
No, you don’t have to pepper workouts through your day like an athlete, but taking 10-minute breaks to go for a brisk walk or do some strength exercises or yoga stretching can boost your fitness.
2. Pay Attention to Portions
3. Use Simple Substitutions When Cooking
4. Try a YouTube Workout
There are tons of tried-and-true workout videos on YouTube, including hundreds on our very own POPSUGAR Fitness channel, that are available for free. Instead of shelling out for that trendy new class at the gym, if you’re looking to save money, stay home and follow along with an awesome new yoga series or cardio workout.
5. Cut Fat and Sugar When Cooking
Almost every recipe calls for some sort of fat, like oil or butter. Something as simple as cutting back one-third to one-half of the fat (and the sugar) in your recipes can help chip away at your weight loss. It might take a few tries to find the right balance for your favorite recipes, but it’s a small step that can help you head towards big goals.
6. Stay Consistent
It’s tempting to jump on each new diet trend hoping that it’ll work to lose weight, but that can be hard on your body and your wallet. Avoid trendy, pricey diet foods and focus on consistency in basic things like keeping calories low and working out regularly.
7. Plan Meals in Advance
When you haven’t planned in advance, it’s a lot easier to be tempted to indulge in unhealthy eating choices. Have healthy meals and snacks planned and prepped in advance to stay on track – it’ll actually save you money too by not paying to eat out or order in.
8. Get Enough Sleep
Something that’s the exact opposite of physical activity might not seem important for weight loss, but it is. Studies have shown that people who don’t sleep enough eat more, and your body stores more fat when you’re poorly rested.
9. Use the Buddy System
While super effective, joining an official group like WW or a gym might cost you a fee, but there’s no payment attached to friends. Whether on the myriad of weight-loss communities found online or with your own friends, having a support system can help you stay motivated, excited, and accountable.
10. Eat Slowly
11. Stay Hydrated
12. Add Strength Training
