Being overweight and out of shape isn't healthy for anyone. Seniors are often faced with other challenges as well, including controlling expenses and maintaining good nutritional habits. Fortunately, you don't have to pay for an expensive gym membership or exercise equipment in order to lose weight. You can also lose weight without resorting to pricey frozen meals that contain large amounts of sodium and sugar. The best way to lose weight inexpensively is a combination of free activities and fresh foods.
Step 1
Walk for at least 45 minutes a day. Walking can be an effective way to lose weight, and it can be done in a variety of locations. Go to a local park or college and walk on paths or tracks. If the weather isn't suitable for outdoor walking, many colleges now have indoor tracks that are available for public use when vacant. You can also walk inside a local shopping mall. Many malls have small groups of senior walkers who meet every morning to walk around the mall for exercise. Call your local college or mall for information about walking paths and groups. The best thing about walking is that it's free, no matter where you do it.
Step 2
Buy your produce at local farmer's markets instead of grocery stores. Produce that is homegrown and in season is very inexpensive and can be found in just about every town. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables as a part of every meal and for snacks for a healthy and thrifty way to lose weight. Freeze some of the seasonal produce for use in the winter and spring and enjoy the tastes of summer without buying expensive frozen produce.
Step 3
Cook whole grain pasta and add low-fat pasta sauce, low-fat cheese and fresh vegetables for an inexpensive, but healthy, dinner. Whole grain pasta contains fiber, which helps aid your digestive process and keeps your metabolism going strong. This is also a low-fat way to get vitamins and protein and stretch a meal. You can even freeze your pasta dish and have it for lunches and dinner every few days.
Step 4
Don't buy processed foods like cakes and cookies, and cut out soft drinks. These kinds of foods are full of empty calories that cause you to gain weight, and even though many can be found somewhat inexpensively, you're risking spending money on health care as a result. Drink water, which the body uses to promote digestion and metabolism without adding weight or expense.
Step 5
Share a meal at a local restaurant. Have lunch or dinner together and split a single meal between you. Most restaurant meals contain more than enough calories for two people. Bring half your meal home with you to enjoy later. Be sure to order a meal that isn't fried or drowning in sauces. Most restaurants offer dishes that are low in fat, so you can enjoy a meal at half the cost without gaining weight.
Member Comments