Burning Fat on the Cheap

Make no mistake; the diet industry does NOT want you to read this article. In fact, this article may make me the Salman Rushdie of Fat Burning. The diet industry makes 15 to 20 billion dollars a year – they don’t play. Except with your money, that is.

Why? Because losing fat does not have to cost money. Indeed, you should be able to lose fat – not necessarily weight – and actually save money if you’re the frugal type.

Here’s how:

First off, forget the diet aids and most supplements – not only do they do nothing in the long run except drain your wallet, they can actually be harmful. Plus, you save big bucks in the process. You can even skip the fancy multivitamins – the food you eat is a much better source of the nutrients you need. Check this video from Steve Turano:

Second, you don’t need to join an expensive gym to burn fat – you don’t even have to join a gym at all. Calisthenics like pushups & pull ups, abdominal crunches, chair dips, body squats are plenty. Stair climbing and fast walking cost zip. A gym is a little better, but it’s not a make or break item for your fat burning program – especially when you’re just starting out. If you do join a gym, look for a small neighborhood place – not only are they cheaper, you may even be able get somebody to help you with your routines.

Forget about the expensive workout clothing – tennis shoes, a pair of shorts and an old T-shirt is all you need. Why buy an outfit that costs $300 when it’s not going to fit in a few months anyway when you lose all that fat?

Ever notice how fat food is expensive? How Prime Rib costs three times that of a lean sirloin? Cakes, butter, sour cream, cookies and premium ice cream – it’s all expensive and, surprise – no good at all for your fat burning program. Just cutting the expensive red meat and gourmet cheeses from the grocery list can save you a bundle. What to replace it with? Natural, whole grain breads – which are admittedly little more than regular white bread, fruits and vegetables, fish, chicken breasts and other naturally low fat foods – see our top ten list Here:

Be cheap and learn how to cook. That’s right – making your own food is not only much leaner than eating out, but its way cheaper. In my humble opinion, it even tastes better. But I cook for myself, so why shouldn’t it? Don’t start with “I don’t have time” – make the time or stay fat, it’s up to you - it really only takes a few minutes to whip up something tasty with little effort. Plus, you control the salt, fat and carb content of every meal – save and eat better.

Did you know you can eat just rice and beans and get all the proteins you need? A 5lb. bag of brown rice costs next to nothing and dried beans – take your pick – are also dirt cheap. The combinations are endless and with a little help from the Internet you can make even these simple, filling foods into gourmet treats without spending a fortune.

Avoid prepackaged “diet food” like the plague. Not only does it cost a fortune, it is often full of preservatives, weird chemicals and not that much lower in fat than the dishes they emulate. That they generally taste like cardboard is beside the point.

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