USA Today Share Tips, Challenges Readers to Start 'Dieting on a Dime'

By , SparkPeople Blogger
Losing weight and getting in shape are not lifestyle changes limited to the rich and famous. Even on the tightest budget, with no tools except willpower and determination, you can reach your goals.

SparkPeople tells you that all the time--after all, we're 100% free, so we believe in weight loss for less--but plenty of others agree with us. USA
Today health reporter Nanci Hellmich recently shared the stories of readers who have lost hundreds of pounds for just pennies. From walking laps in the backyard to lifting weights a friend discarded or just running outside, real people--on real budgets--saw real results.

Hellmich shares some great tips and encourages readers to participate in USA TODAY's sixth annual Weight-Loss Challenge: Dieting on a Dime.
Here are a handful of her best tips for losing weight and getting healthy on a budget.

Cooking:
  • Plan ahead and create a menu of at least five dinners a week so you're not tempted to head for the drive through. The cost of a crockpot or casserole meal is less than a fast food value meal.

  • Make "planned-overs." Use the same food in several ways. Cook several chicken breasts and "use them to make different meals, such as a tossed salad with chicken, casserole, chicken noodle soup or other favorite chicken dishes."

    Shopping
  • "Shop with a grocery list and watch for sales. Studies show that people who go to the store without a list spend about twice as much."

  • "Cut portions, especially meat, which will trim costs. Keep in mind a serving of meat is about 3 ounces, which is the size of the palm of a woman's hand or a deck of cards. Many people are eating healthful foods — they are just eating too much of them."

    Eating out
  • Split entrées with a friend or partner or order an appetizer.

  • Fill up on broth-based, low-calorie soups.

  • Take home half of your entrée to have for lunch the next day.

    Feeding kids
  • "Recommend that everyone start eating a more healthful breakfast, the easiest and cheapest meal of the day."

  • "Take advantage of the child's positive eating habits. Most children like five to 10 fruits and vegetables, and parents should offer those foods more often."

    Read the rest of her sage healthy cooking, eating and shopping tips.

    And be sure to check out the profiles of readers who've lost 100 pounds or more--especially Diane Reuter, aka SparkPeople member BAMOM19.

    Do you have a money-saving eating, shopping or workout tip? Share it in the comments below.