How to Lose Weight & Get Healthy on the Cheap!

My experience so far with losing weight has been an up and down struggle: literally. Along this journey I am discovering one key thing: weight loss is expensive. According to the University of Washington Alumni Magazine, Professor Adam Drewnowski, director of the UW Center for Public Health Nutrition, many times healthier foods are more expensive and out of reach for the poorer populations.

So how does one afford to purchase high quality, healthier products on a budget and is it even possible? Yes, it is. I am going to walk you through a few suggestions to shrink your waistline and fatten your wallet.

I know that at McDonald's, I can get a very filling and unhealthy meal for less than $4, but when I go to a local healthy deli, I'll leave $10 behind. I am not rich by any means, but in our family, we have two adults working full time to bring food to our table. For many, this is not an option and funds often go towards more bulk products that contain higher calories, fat and preservatives. My husband last evening picked up 4 apples...for $4: ridiculous. Despite the high cost at the grocery stores, there are other options to bring healthier food to your family's table.

Many towns in the United States are continuing or beginning the tradition of farmer's markets and produce stands. Our town is fortunate enough to have an amazing farmer's market where I can purchase 3 bell peppers for $2.00-a steal compared to the 3.99 a pound price tag at our regular supermarket. Many items are nearly 50% the cost of what I would pay at the local supermarket and are often fresher, and less fertilized. These are cash markets, so you'll have to hit the ATM before hand, so come prepared. Also-bring your own bags to be a bit more environmentally friendly along the way.

For some, produce markets are seasonal, but you can stock up when they are open! My mother is an expert canner, and you can be as well. A great website I stumbled across is homecanner.com which will walk you through exactly how and what you can preserve through canning to have great tasting vegetables and fruit all year long. It is also a great tradition to start with your kids who will love to get involved in this messy project.

Another option for cheaper produce, meats and vegetables, is your local SuperWalmart. Although my husband and I cringe at using this company, due to their controversial work ethics and business marketing, you cannot beat their prices. We are a family on a budget, and for many of us, a Walmart ss much more accessible than a farmer's market. So, head out, find a parking spot a mile away for the extra exercise, and indulge in their low prices and fresh fare.

I remember my husband and I having to quit our local gym for several months because we just could not afford the monthly fees. Many people do not join a gym for this very reason. A new waive of fitness is hitting your local town and it's called Planet Fitness (planetfitness.com). Our local Planet Fitness offers a plan for as low as $10, with a $59 start up fee. I have never been to Planet Fitness, but if you're looking to do some limited exercise on equipment you don't have at home, this is a great cost-wise start.

Another option is to stalk Ebay and your local want ads for exercise equipment. A great investment is some hand free weights and an exercise ball. Between these two items, you can discover some great toning exercises.

Log onto Sparkpeople.com for a completely free guide through all different toning and cardio exercises to get your heart pumping. Sparkpeople also offers their site for free nutritional counseling and support groups. I'm an addicted member of Sparkpeople, a site whose support and guidance has already helped me to lose 8 pounds.

Anyone can lose weight on the cheap, you just have to be creative and look for innovative ways to incorporate vegetables, fruit and exercise into your lifestyle. So get prepared, chop up and prep your fruit and veggies in those generic zip lock bags for your day at the office, and don't forget to walk home!