6 Wallet-Friendly Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work

#1: PINPOINT THE ROOT OF WEIGHT GAIN

Weight gain can sometimes be linked to underlying health issues such as PCOS and Hypothyroidism. If you suspect this might be the case for you, it is wise to consult a doctor before starting any weight loss plan.

A medical professional can help identify potential health concerns, while a dietitian can craft a personalized meal plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

#2: CREATE A BALANCED PLATE

Aim for well-rounded meals that include protein, healthy fats, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. Protein is important as it helps maintain muscle mass during weight loss and keeps you feeling fuller for longer, reducing the temptation to snack.

Calorie-dense healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds can help when taken in moderation. You see, healthy fats contain about 9 calories per gram, compared to just 4 calories per gram for protein and carbohydrates. Thus, you have to be mindful of your intake of saturated and trans fats.

#3: BE ACTIVE

Combine cardiovascular exercises with strength training for optimal results. Cardio workouts such as walking, jogging, cycling, or running are excellent for enhancing overall health.

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Take advantage of the Park Connector Network as exercising here is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature and stay active without spending a cent!

#4: SHOP WITH A FULL STOMACH

Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulse buys that derail your healthy eating goals. A seemingly irresistible S$6 chocolate bar or S$5 bag of chips can quickly find its way into your cart when you are hungry.

To combat this, consider having a glass of water or a healthy snack before heading to the grocery store.

#5: STAY HYDRATED

Adequate hydration is essential for your body to function efficiently and eliminate waste. Fortunately, water not only keeps us hydrated but also supports our weight loss efforts.

Sipping water before meals can help you eat less, while staying hydrated boosts the fat-burning process. So, opt for water or other low-calorie beverages when dining out.

#6: ENJOY YOGURT

Whether you prefer Greek yogurt or traditional yogurt, both can be good additions to your diet. In fact, a Harvard study tracking over 120,000 people for a decade found a strong correlation between yogurt consumption and weight loss. While this does not imply that yogurt directly causes weight loss, it certainly stood out among other foods in the study.

For as little as S$3, you can enrich your diet with Greek yogurt from many local supermarkets and enjoy the benefits it offers.

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Add these budget-friendly tips into your routine to help manage your weight without straining your wallet. Remember that consistency is key! Therefore, combine exercise with a balanced diet and other weight loss interventions to ensure a holistic change.

Disclaimer: Always consult with a medical professional before starting any weight loss program, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Sources: 1 & 2

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8 Ways to Lose Weight and Still Keep Your Budget

Losing weight often comes with the concern of high costs. From expensive gym memberships to pricey diet foods, the financial burden can seem daunting. However, shedding pounds doesn’t have to make you broke.

Here are eight practical ways to lose weight while keeping your finances in check, especially for those living in Singapore.

EMBRACE HOME WORKOUTS

You don’t need a gym membership to get fit. There are countless free resources online, from YouTube workout videos to fitness apps that offer comprehensive routines.

COOK AT HOME

Eating out or buying pre-packaged diet meals can quickly become expensive. Cooking at home allows you to control ingredients and portions while saving money. Websites like Noob Cook offer recipes that are both healthy and budget-friendly.

PLAN YOUR MEALS

Meal planning helps you avoid impulse purchases and reduce food waste. Buy only what you need, which means fewer trips to NTUC and less temptation to buy snacks. You can keep a journal to plan your weekly meals.

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UTILIZE LOCAL PRODUCE

Buying fruits and vegetables in season from wet markets or local farms can be cheaper than purchasing out-of-season produce at the grocery store. Additionally, local produce is often fresher and more nutritious.

DRINK MORE WATER

Sometimes, hunger is confused with thirst. Drinking a glass of water before meals can help you feel fuller and prevent overeating. Plus, it’s free!

WALK OR CYCLE AROUND

Incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym. Try walking or cycling to work, or get off the bus or MRT one stop earlier to get those extra steps in.

JOIN FREE FITNESS COMMUNITIES

There are numerous online communities and local groups dedicated to fitness and health. These can offer support, motivation, and accountability without any cost. Check Eventbrite for free fitness events.

MAKE USE OF WHAT YOU HAVE

You don’t need fancy equipment to get a good workout. Use what you have at home – chairs for tricep dips, stairs for step-ups, or even canned goods as weights.

IN A NUTSHELL

Losing weight on a budget in Singapore is all about creativity and commitment. By making small, sustainable changes to your lifestyle, you can achieve your fitness goals without emptying your wallet.

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Share your own budget-friendly weight loss tips and stories in the comments!

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How To Lose Weight Gained During Pandemic

Change in eating habits is one of the evident changes that 2020 brought us. In fact, almost one-third of Singaporeans gained weight during the pandemic. The average increase in weight of 500 Singaporean respondents was 5 kilograms.

It is not difficult to realize why someone gained weight during the pandemic. For starters, we spent most of our time at home. From cooking our comfort food to having easy access to food delivery apps, COVID-19 created a perfect storm for people who struggle with weight.

Our lives have been disrupted in a massive way. Fitness studio closures have upended exercise routines and stress elevated for parents who suddenly had to work from home while teaching their kids. Some people had to postpone medical check-ups too. The stress brought by this challenging time influenced how we consume food. To change your eating habits for the better, you must start small. You do not need to break the bank for that!

TAKE SMALL STEPS

We are all stressed right now. Trying to overhaul your lifestyle completely will add more to the plate. Instead, ask yourself what small step you can take to change your eating habits. You may start by eliminating processed or junk food from your daily menu.

CREATE A DAILY ROUTINE

Eat on a schedule. Work from home means you have access to food 24/7. Your days are probably less structured too. Hence, you must plan for your lunch and breaks. Stick to this schedule and be aware of what you take in. If you wear loose-fitting clothes every day, it is easier to ignore the weight gain.

CONTROL YOUR PORTIONS

Trick your brain to eating less by using a smaller plate. You can also drink a big glass of water before you eat. You can eat proteins first, because they will make you feel fuller. Controlling your portions can help you lose weight.

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SCHEDULE TIME FOR EXERCISE

As you are mainly working from home, you may try other forms of physical activity such as online Yoga classes. Exercise is not the primary factor for weight loss, but it plays a role in keeping weight off once you lose it. It helps you maintain your current weight, boost your mood, and strengthen your body.

GET QUALITY SLEEP

Focus on healthy eating, regular exercises, and getting a good night’s sleep to foster weight loss. This means enjoying seven to eight hours of sleep a night. According to experts, “there is a lot of evidence that people who do not get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight or obese.” Sleep, to some extent, affects our physical and mental well-being.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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