13 Ways To Lose Weight Without Blowing Your Budget

The weight loss industry is rigged with budget traps and health gimmicks at every turn, but there's no reason to put your finances at risk for a healthier lifestyle.

Just go back to basics.

That means skipping the flashy new workout equipment, sky-high gym membership and splurging on luxury foods.

We tapped a few wellness experts for simple ways you can start losing weight without blowing your budget.

With these tips, the only thing slimming down this year will be your waistline. 

Ditch the beef

Going meatless one night a week is a surefire way to knock off pounds and save money, says nutritionist Rania Batayneh of Essential Nutrition for You.

Skip the butcher and look for hearty and healthy meat substitutes like beans and mushrooms.

"A can of chickpeas might cost a dollar, whereas deli meat is much more expensive," Batayneh says.

Hint: Buying dried beans that you rehydrate yourself is a great way to save at the grocery store. You'll also knock all the added sodium that comes with canned beans.

Buy healthy foods in bulk

There are pros and cons to buying in bulk, but it can be a great way to budget for long-term savings and weight loss. 

For example, try buying a whole chicken.

"Buy a whole chicken and throw a portion of it together one night with steamed veggies," says Nicole Chase, a registered and licensed dietitian. "Throw the leftover chicken on top of a salad with light dressing the next day for a quick and healthy meal."

At the grocery store, try getting a massive container of oatmeal rather than sugar-laden individual packs. The same goes for buying big bags of rice and frozen veggies versus individual containers. 

Stick to the perimeter at the grocery store

Chase recommends shopping around the perimeter of stores as an easy way to avoid the expensive convenience foods that are usually stocked front and center.

"Middle aisles contain packaged and processed foods which tend to be higher in sodium and have a tendency to be more expensive due to the costs associated with packaging," Chase says. 

That leaves the produce and frozen foods sections, which both offer great low-cost and healthy alternatives. 

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