3 Tips to Lose Weight Cheaply

Let's face it: As Americans continue to grow larger (31% are now obese!) the need for losing weight is on a lot of people's minds. Unfortunately, many of these people begin their foray into losing weight by reaching into their wallets rather than stepping onto a scale.

Open any weight loss magazine and before you can even read a helpful article you'll have to turn through at least three pages of product adds proclaiming they have the secret ingredient to losing weight--whether it be the newest pair of running shoes or the next fad diet.

Contrary to popular trends, losing weight IS NOT about expensive running shoes and a matching outfit, buying expensive health food, or spending money at all.

Weight loss IS about changing your lifestyle, getting off the couch and moving, and eating less food. That's it.

Don't believe me? Just two months ago I weighed 230 lbs. In just six weeks I shrank down to 190 lbs. without joining a gym, buying one pair of clothes to work out in, and definitely not buying expensive health foods.

Here are the three steps I lived by to do so:

Losing weight doesn't mean having to buy a treadmill or weight bench. It means running around the block, mowing the lawn, or simply riding your bike to work (which also saves on gas money). You don't need to pay for that gym membership when anyone can go outside and run. The key is to move--aim for at least 30 minutes a day and make it productive and fun.

Losing weight also is not about wearing the most fashionable outfits. So often you read about the newest shoes that will increase performance when running or clothes that lets your body breathe. These are junk. Your goal is to be losing weight, not becoming the next Roger Federer. Open your drawers and find those paint-splashed sweats and that Aerosmith T-shirt you regret buying. When we excercise we sweat. Why pay top dollar for clothes that will stink and will get sweat stains?

No fast food and no pop. I guarantee you will see your wallet get fatter. I used to eat out at a fast food joint at least 3 times a week and drink at least 3 cans of pop a day. Simplify the eating. Water will cover your thirst with out providing those fattening calories (if water is not your thing, unsweetened coffee has zero calories as well!). Also avoid those speciality weight loss foods (Slim-Fast comes to mind). My local grocery store sells bananas at $0.39/lb. or about $0.18 for one banana. Eat that instead of your fries.

Remember, you're losing weight for your health (and to smile when looking at yourself in the mirror). If you have to run to the mall to find clothes to go to that pricey gym to work out, your not in this for the right reasons. Go outside, dress like a bum, and say no to McDonalds.