Frugal Fridays: Frugal weight loss
For something different today, I'm tackling a recent question from reader, Hope, on frugality and weight loss. She asks:
If you're interested and willing, would you write a post regarding frugality and weight loss/health? I know you're losing baby weight and you may have other knowledge to share, too. My story is that like so many, I'm overweight AND in debt. The two seem to go together and it seems to at least partly be from the inability to say no to yourself. Anyway, I'm on Dave Ramsey's plan (thanks to you!) and I'm trying to cut back all things that are a non-necessity. Currently I have lost 25 lbs in the last 3 months by doing Weight Watchers ($39.95 per month) and exercising. I have a $42 a month gym membership but I haven't used it in months since I've been exercising at home. I have about 100 lbs more to lose. These two things would be easy to cut out of my budget and I would save $62 per month. However, I need the accountability of a weigh-in to continue to lose the weight so I'm hesitant to cut Weight Watchers. I've been working out at home all summer but once the rain hits I may need to go to the gym. Do you have any advice?Hope, first off, I just wanted to say that I'm so impressed at your motivation and determination to become more disciplined! My mom always says that discipline in one area of your life invariably spills out into discipline in other areas of your life, too. So, way to go!
Since the only weight loss I've ever dealt with before is losing pregnancy weight, I'm not sure that I am the most knowledgeable on helping with this question. I do know that determination and discipline go a long way, as does accountability.
Here are a few thoughts I had for you and then I'll open up the floor for others to share:
I would first examine what it is about Weight Watchers that is helping you lose weight. I am guessing it is the accountability. I've never been to a Weight Watchers meeting before, but I've heard that you have to weigh in and I know that if I knew I had to weigh in in front of someone else every week, that would be a big motivation to me! I also think you have to track points and they keep track of that as well, am I right? Both things are basically that you are just paying for accountability.
You could easily accomplish this same thing without paying the money by asking an acquaintance or two to be your accountability partners. But, you would need to make sure that anyone who is going to be your accountability partner is going to be a "slave driver." By that I mean, you don't want to weigh in front of someone who is too positive and is going to respond "Oh honey, you're doing a great job. I'm so proud of you for your hard work, even if you gained five pounds this week." No, you want someone who will really and truly keep you accountable for the long haul and won't let you be a slacker.
However, if you can't find someone who will be this sort of persistent, force-you-to-be -disciplined accountability partner, then I say that paying for Weight Watchers until you reach your goal weight and maintain it, might very well be the way to go. In the long run, losing the weight and keeping it off will not only make you feel so much better and give you so much more energy, it will also invariably save you a lot of health problems in the future. And sometimes, paying for something means you are attributing value to it and thus will follow through with it.
As far as a gym membership goes, I'm not sure what sort of exercising you've been doing, but there are many cheaper alternatives to paying full-price for a gym membership. I've heard from some that you can often swap a few hours of nursery services each week at the gym for a paid membership. That might be something to look into. Don't be afraid to be creative and think outside the box. Call around to different gyms in your area and see if they have any discounted rates for those who can't afford a full-price membership. Ask for a deal. Who knows what they might say? After all, it never hurts to ask!
If you are walking as part of your exercise, you could find an indoor place to go and walk on rainy days. What about a large store, or mall, or church or school with a gym? Again, think outside the box here and see what you might come up with.
Since the weather is nice, I've been running or walking everyday, which has been great! I also enjoy a few exercise DVDs and found it's much more effective for me than trying to just do my own calisthenics or pilates routine.
Also, this doesn't help with the rain thing, but it's another thinking-outside-the-box way to guarantee some regular exercise - sign up for a walking newspaper route! We recently took two walking routes on as an entrepreneurial thing to do as a family. The pay isn't that great, but the exercise is fabulous and when you've contracted to do the job, you have to do it whether you feel like it or not!
Now, for a few of my own personal weight-loss ideas:
Moderation is key. Only eat when you are hungry and then, do not overeat. I repeat, do not overeat. This will go a long way in curbing the pounds. If you feel somewhat hungry, try drinking a big glass of water and see if your hunger goes away. Sometimes that's all it takes to tide you over for awhile. If you have a habit of eating while you are on the computer or sitting in front of the TV, slice up an apple or two to eat or a bag of carrots instead of that bag of chips or package of Oreos. Not only will you get in some great nutrients without much thinking about it, you'll also save yourself a lot of calories. As an aside, limit vegging or lounging in front of any kind of screen as much as possible - this will also help keep the pounds off!
Avoid processed foods. Not only are they not good for you, they are usually loaded with calories and artificial stuff. Rid your cupboards of anything artificial and then don't buy any more of it. Along the same lines, avoid anything that says "Reduced fat, reduced calories, reduced sugar..." these types of foods are usually crawling with artificial junk and do not help your health in the long-run. Instead of eating artificial foods, learn to enjoy made-from-scratch goodness. Make it yourself, if at all possible, and your pocketbook will thank you!
Avoid sugar. This is a big one for me and probably my very hardest since I admit to having a sweet tooth. I do allow myself a few desserts per week, but since I'm trying to lose my last few pounds of pregnancy weight, I'm really cutting back. And it's amazing the difference it makes. What has helped me is to just not have sweets in the house as much as possible. Also, when I'm craving something sweet, I will eat a piece of fruit instead or bake some whole-wheat bread and then eat it fresh with honey and butter!
Drink water. Cut the caffeine addiction and you'll cut a lot of calories. Instead, drink lots of water. I also drink some fresh homemade juice and herbal teas. As much as I love drinking coffee every now and then, I've resigned myself to avoid it until I've finished losing the last of this baby weight. I have a huge mug that I fill up with ice water and carry around with me all day. Having it nearby me throughout the day means that I drink more. I try to drink the equivalent of at least eight glasses of water a day when not nursing and at least 12 glasses of water when nursing. For extra zest, I'll often squeeze a little lemon in the water, or make healthy lemonade.
Always be looking for ways to incorporate more exercise into your life. Park farther from the door of a store and briskly walk. Take the stairs whenever you can. Stand instead of sitting. Jog instead of walking.
Don't eat after 8:00 p.m. This might seem like a strange one, but it works. If you are really hungry after 8:00 p.m., eat some veggies or a piece of fruit to curb your hunger.
Take on a new hobby or interest. It's not my usual thing here to tell you to add something new to your plate (um, no pun intended), but if eating is a sort of "hobby" to you, branch out and try some new things to get your mind elsewhere! Volunteer, organize your closets, plant a garden, do some in-depth cleaning project, learn a new domestic skill, go clean someone's home, take a class, start a business... do anything you can do that gets you away from food and keeps you busy! Pretty soon, you'll realize that you're so busy doing other things, you've forgotten to eat! (Please note: I'm not advocating we just cram our life full or that we live a life so busy that we often forget to eat. But sometimes, we need to get out and get distracted so that we can get over addictions - which is really what over-eating is.)
Those are some of my thoughts on the subject. I'd love to hear others "weigh in" with advice, personal testimonies, or tips for losing weight without breaking your budget. Also, if anyone has any advice or experience with Weight Watchers, gym memberships, or other weight loss programs or helps, please do share in the comments section.
Related: French Women Don't Get Fat
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Have a frugal tip or a post on any subject pertaining to saving money? Post your link below so we can glean from you! Remember: Please link to your actual post, not to your homepage. If you are unsure how to do that, please email me and I'll be glad to help. Duplicate links or links having nothing to do with frugality will be deleted. Keep if family-friendly! Thanks so much for participating!
posted by Crystal Paine at 7:00 AM
27 Comments:
Thanks for hosting Frugal Fridays Crystal. You're a jewel!
Hey I love Frugal Fridays! Thanks for hosting. :)
On my blog Families Against Feminism, we are running a series on frugality--saving money, especially if you want to be a SAHM...We have three parts so far...be sure to check them all!
http://heartsforfamily.blogspot.com/2007/09/you-can-stay-home-part-3-great-web.html
On the weight loss issue you had some great ideas for the commenter. If you happen to have an organization around you like TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) it is much cheaper but similar to WW in the accountability and weighing in side of it. Try to think ahead in your day as to what you will eat and maybe spread it out into 6 smaller meals so that you are not ravenous and overeat. I agree with the moderation idea, too. Lisa
This is an interesting story! I'm sure that many will relate to it since many women do struggle to stay fit.
You can cut your weight watchers bill in half by doing it online. I think its only $15.00 a month. I lost 30 lbs doing it online.
There's a very genuine love for the heart of a wife who knows her struggles and yet desires to be a godly wife here on your blog Crystal! Though Frugal Friday is primarily a day of great practical finds and tips your post today reminded me that we all struggle and that when God's heavenly perspective leads us, he'll add all the blessings- even wisdom in being frugal and good physical care of our bodies to us.
Thanks for being transparent and pointing us all in a heavenly direction!
I have to mention One-Weigh-Or-Another.com, a Christian weight-loss community and accountability group. I'm not a member, but I've long read the site for my own accountability and admire the women for their dedication.
Also, as I'm sure many of your commentors already know, GirlTalk (girltalk.blogs.com) is gearing up for a series on food, eating, and weight.
greetings from the inn.. I find grazing really works for me.... also exercise (do something, anything ) at 5,6 times a week.
Whether it's running, hiking or riding horses... my motto's always been, "a short tour beats no tour":)
Blessings all
gp in montana
Yeah, I love frugal Fridays, too!
My husband and I started WW before I got pregnant last year and lost 35 lbs in 3 months. We bought the books through eBay (through a legitimate WW group leader), and then I just got into chatting on the online community on WW (there isn't a fee for that) in order to keep accountable and get ideas and recipes. We are nearing the end of the pregnancy, so we will be starting it back up postpartum in order to lose our weight (we each have over a 100 lb goal weight loss). Maybe you could look into an online community with people who are trying to lose weight to help with accountability. I agree with Crystal that there are cheaper or free ways to be kept accountable without going to meetings...it worked for us! Good luck, Hope!
Kelli
One way to lose a few extra pounds quickly and healthfully is to do adopt the very frugal practice of only eating raw foods after 5:00 in the evening- an apple, a small salad, or some carrot sticks. You'll be amazed...
Hi,
Thanks for your great web-site and blog.
I work pretty much full-time and my two daughters live at home and attend a local college. Overspeanding is a real temptation in our over busy life styles. I recently purchased Supermarket savings 101 and it's been a real inspiration to all of us. Thanks!
On the weight loss side, you offered really great advice. I'd like to add a tip: Do Not eat at night. Evening snacking adds calories that are not quickly used. As a result they are stored as fat cells. This is like putting your money in a trust fund. It's pretty hard to get it back out. When we eat earlier in the day we have time to burn it off. It can be hard to give up that bedtime snack but it's worth it.
Eating and then lying down is also just generally bad for your health. It is a mjor cause of GERD (reflux) and hiatal hernias as well as some types of asthma. Children do fine with it,but adults don't.
Try to keep the largest meal as early as possible. Noon is best, but most of us can't do that. And don't eat and flop. Take time to play with your family, go for a walk or even do some cleaning. Burn those calories up before they make a major deposit!
Thanks again,
Joanne
I also just love all the great money saving ideas...thank you so much for hosting this :o)
~simply stork~
my best weight loss tip thats frugal is that I dont eat after 5 pm when trying to loose weight. I eat A huge healthy breakfast, LARGE! then snack, then good sized lunch, snack and medium dinner. You have all day to burn the most calories, etc.
no $ to do it
I drink lots of water and eat fruit first and alone 30 minutes before anything and let it settle in... I try to drink a cup of coffee (regular) to jump start my day and for me it seems to help my metabolism... dont watch TV! i take a walk about 3-4 times a week or run...
make a blog to post your weight to the world, for a free weigh in :)
that would take some guts though...
i have all this to look forward to after baby is born
I've lost almost 13 pounds just using a dessert plate at meals. My doctor told me smaller portions are best. I already cook healthy meals...I was just eating too much of it.
Crystal - what does drinking no coffee have to do with weight loss? Coffee doesn't have calories unless you add sugar and cream, at least that's what I've observed.
Am I missing some secret to weight loss - coffee and caffeine makes you keep on the lbs?
Thanks!
It is so hard to eat healthy and to be frugal because everything that is good for you is expensive!
Crystal, thank you so much for blogging about this topic! I struggled with eating disorders for much of the time that I was a teenager, and into my mid-twenties (the result of being too far from the Lord and too wrapped up in an industry that I thank Him for leading me away from.) To this day, I battle the temptation to fall back on old habits, so I always appreciate your posts on eating well and living a healthy lifestyle.
Anonymous: Drinking any type of caffeinated beverage as opposed to water is not as good for you as water - at least in my opinion. :) Coffee, pop (or soda - whatever you call it where you live!), etc. dehydrates your body and also can cause your body to not digest food or be properly cleansed as quickly which can result in weight gain of difficulty with weight loss. It's not always calories that count so much as how you body absorbs and digests those calories!
Bev: It can be done, though it takes some extra creativity! There are lots of great posts this time around on eating fresh fruits and veggies frugally. I'm hoping to share on the topic soon, too!
Crystal, this was a wonderful post! I "amen" so much of what you said. I pray often that I will make choices (with food and exercise) that are beneficial for me, not just permissible (1 Corinthians 10:23). May we choose God's best for the bodies he's blessed us with!
I've never posted a comment, although I've been reading for awhile. I just wanted to mention www.SparkPeople.com as a way to journal foods, get a menu planner and even suggested exercises. It's hard to find something that is this good for FREE. I highly recommend it, as it helps me tremendously!
Weight Watchers Online is just $16.95 per month. She should try that, IMO, before she leaves the program completely.
I began having many health issues in the last 2 years I went to a registered dietician. The first thing I did was to drink only water. No soda, coffee, tea. The caffene and artificial sweetners tell your brain that you are not full and that trigger your desire to eat. The next thing I did was cut out all fast foods. I am very aware of portion size. I walk outside, do the treadmill or bike for at least 20 min. Mon-Fri. I have lost 18 lbs. in 3 months. These are all choices I can live with. I still occassionaly have an icecream cone or a brownie, that was I don't feel deprived.....but occassionaly means once a week NOT once a day.
I'm going to second the emotion to "avoid processed foods." I started doing this by necessity a few years ago, due to illness. Now I can't even fathom eating 98% of the 'processed' food out there. I frankly like to know what's in my food. It's a hard thing to start, but if you do it little by little, you suddenly find you don't even miss it. I don't even feel deprived, because I get to eat things that are yummier, healthier...and less mysterious, LOL!
I want to add something else to the weight loss thing that doesn't cost you a dime.
I have suffered from obesity for the last several years (it all went on in a matter of 3 months after a reaction with some meds messed up my pituitary gland, making my metabolism stop functioning properly for a time--what a bother!)...anyway...it hasn't come off quite so quickly LOL. Too bad, huh?
But, I've lost 53 of the 100 lbs I gained...and I have done all of the above plus my secret exercise plan. I wear a pedometer to get a feel for what sort of distances I am walking in my everyday life. When I go to the mega mart, I park in the very back corner of the parking lot, then walk diagonally across the parking lot to the far door of the store (1/4 mile, ladies!!!), and then when I get into the store, I walk around the inside perimeter of the store briskly (1 full mile). Next, I walk down every single aisle in the grocery section, whether I am buying something or not, and I try to always be on the move (1 mile if you zig zag down each aisle, more if you have to get things other than groceries). When I am done checking out, I walk diagonally across the parking lot to the van (1/4 mile), where I unload the cart, then walk it all the way back to the store instead of the cart corral (1/4 mile), and back again to my van (1/4 mile). Add that up!!! 3 miles of walking!!!
In my own home, as a homeschooling mom, everyone works at the table and I walk around the table working with each of them instead of just sitting down. I walk up and down the stairs about 10 times, and I also walk around the outside of the house a few times in good weather (10 rounds = 1 mile), and around the basement in bad weather (when it's clean LOL).
You don't need to have a club membership to "work out" and you don't even need exercise "programs"...JUST MOVE MORE! Think about the absurdity of people wanting the closest parking spot at the store, but then paying money to go to the gym. My epiphany moment came when I was back home in Austria a few years ago, and I lost 16 lbs in 2 weeks despite eating some of the most rich and unhealthy food you can imagine, yet walking about 10 miles per day simply because of the lifestyle over there. I think that is why they don't have a plus size department in most of their stores there, like they do here :-) I live rurally so going carless is not possible or practical for us (Everything is a 20 minute drive), but I can walk as much as possible anyway...and measure it with a pedometer from the Dollar store. Walk, walk, walk.
hope this helps someone!
blessings,
Kimberly
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