Money might be as tight as your waistband just after Christmas, but it doesn’t have to stop you from fulfilling your New Year promise to yourself. It’s easy to get fitter without breaking the bank. You can eat well, exercise and save money all at the same time. Just follow these few weight loss tips for a trimmer shape and budget.
Water and Wellbeing
The first tip is easy and free - drink plenty of water. Experts suggest that the average person should drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Drinking water helps with digestion, improves skin condition, and prevents dehydration. Tiredness and headaches often come from not drinking enough water, so you will improve your general condition if you rehydrate more frequently. Bottled water is fine, but tap water is less expensive and should do the same job, depending on your location.
Antioxidants and Fresh Fruit
Stock up on apples, oranges, bananas and common vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and spinach. Brussels sprouts are delicious chopped finely and added to salads for a crispier crunch and texture. Nutritionists tell us that fruit and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and protect body cells against damage from free radicals.
Some of the symptoms of aging, such as atherosclerosis, are also attributed to free-radical induced oxidation of many of the chemicals making up the body. Many forms of cancer are thought to be the result of reactions between free radicals and DNA, resulting in mutations that can adversely affect the cell cycle and potentially lead to malignancy.
Diet Food
Fresh fruit and vegetables help boost the immune system and can help prevent many cancers and heart disease. Apples contain pectin, which can help to reduce blood cholesterol. Bananas are packed with potassium which helps to lower blood pressure, and vitamin B6 which promotes healthy skin and hair.
Beans and pulses are good sources of fibre, protein, iron and calcium. Oatmeal is great for breakfast, and there are plenty of tinned oily fish like mackerel, salmon, tuna and sardines that are often cheaper than fresh products. They are a good supply of omega-3 fats and good for your heart.
Weight Loss and Exercise
Dieting can’t do all the work for the new, fitter you. To burn off those excess calories, exercise is a must. But you don’t have to take out expensive gym memberships or buy sophisticated body toning equipment.
Walking at a brisk pace for at least half an hour every day can burn calories, and provide an effective cardiovascular work out at the same time. It’s not necessary to go for the "full burn" – this can often have the opposite effect and discourage even the best intentioned.
After a few months of following these weight loss tips, you may want to upscale your fitness activities by joining a sports club or activity group and have a more social experience. Why not? You can now afford it. By following these simple tips you will have saved money and become more confident about your appearance and health.
Alister Gillies - Alister's background is in project development. He is trained in counselling and personal development, although his academic background is ...
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