August 24, 2009

4 Weight Loss Programs on a Dime

Weight Loss Programs

As much as I love Marie Osmond and Valerie Bertinelli, I can't help but wonder how much easier it must be to lose weight with a little extra cash. Sure the Biggest Losers weigh in sub-20 pounds each week, but who wouldn't with personal dietitians and trainers? We common folk have to do the hard work on our own without the sponsors and fancy before and after shots. Here's a quick run-down of the most popular diets on a price-per-month basis:

The support group-based Weight Watchers program focuses on weekly meetings and also offers an online option (although the members who attend live meetings are three times more successful). Average costs per month for the program only are about $47, depending upon your area.
Slimfast relies on replacement shakes and supplements to aid in weight reduction. Although the nutritional program is free, replacing even one meal a day with a supplement will inch your monthly bill up to $60.
Jenny Craig offers a comprehensive diet plan. You'll pay a whopping $16-$26 in food per day which is nearly $350 a month. The cost of food is charged in addition to a $300 initiation fee and $18 monthly program cost.
Nutrisystem is comparable to Jenny Craig but doesn't include membership nor startup fees.

One quick crunch of monthly finances reveals how tough it is to work in program costs. Always look for a system that focuses on a lifestyle change rather than a temporary alteration in habits to lose weight. I wouldn't begin a program that isn't a permanent diet. If you plan to use replacement shakes, be ready to continue that even after your weight loss goals are met. Also aim for support that teaches you to eat in the real world. If I never had to deal with cooking for a family or eating out, then I could easily survive in my single portion bubble. Start as you mean to go.

There are several other options for you to choose from that aren't as costly. You'll need to muster up more discipline, though--part of the success in the big weight loss gigs listed above is they provide extensive support.

1. Lose It! iPhone App
This take-it-with-you application is super easy to follow. Input some basic information (weight, height, goals) and add what you eat throughout the day. Lose It! has a comprehensive list of calorie counts for popular brands, meats, vegetables, and dairy products. Weigh in every few days to follow your progress on a chart. For a free and ultra portable program, you can't beat it.

2. Wii Active
Sorry, ladies, this isn't an open invitation to plunk down a couple hundred for a new game system. But if your kids have a Wii, it's time you get to enjoy it. For about $55 you can purchase Active, the next level in gaming fitness. Having navigated both the Wii Fit and Active I can firmly say as someone who likes to sweat that the Active provides a genuinely good workout. Players can customize players and track progress as well as choose from a variety of intensity levels and activities.

3. Best Bets at your Local Library
Do your research--literally! The library offers the latest books on healthy living for no charge. Women's Health Magazine recommends the following titles for a well-rounded look at diet:

Food Matters by Mark Bittman focuses on eating whole foods and help the environment at the same time.
The Instinct Diet by Susan B. Roberts, Ph.D. highlights five critical factors that keep your tummy flabby.
The Complete Beck Diet for Life by Judith S. Beck Ph.D. looks at using cognitive-therapy techniques to combat that evil voice that says one more won't hurt.
Move a Little, Lose a Lot by Levine and Yeager incorporates movement throughout your day rather than killer gym workouts. The small changes will add up.

4. Seminars at Health Clinics and Hospitals
Several hospitals frequently offer free classes and seminars on diet maintenance and exercise. Taught by certified dieticians and trainers, these classes provide a basic understanding of healthy living for free. Check with your health insurance company as well--several will even cover a paid seminar for preventative health, much like the ever-popular defensive drive class.

Ashley Grimaldo is obsessed with finding free stuff, whether she needs it or not. She loves playing with words, crunching ice, and is convinced she missed her calling as a professional ice skater. In between changing diapers and pureeing baby food, Ashley is launching an official campaign to make maternity pants an apparel industry standard.

Categories: Healthy Living Tips

30 Comments

Vinny
Thank yu for such a wonderful and informative blog. Losing weight can be depressing, right from the start. This could be from knowing which type of program to follow, sticking to the schedule etc. That is why there are people like you, to help others start on a good footing and give them hope. Personally I think exercise and diet play a major role in losing or maintaining weight. You will never go wrong. As much as there are so many weight loss programs out there it is very important to do your research first before you plunge into any of them.

Vinny
Thank you for such a wonderful and informative blog. Losing weight can be depressing, right from the start. This could be from knowing which type of program to follow, sticking to the schedule etc. That is why there are people like you, to help others start on a good footing and give them hope. Personally I think exercise and diet play a major role in losing or maintaining weight. You will never go wrong. As much as there are so many weight loss programs out there it is very important to do your research first before you plunge into any of them. To do this you can start of with this site: http://www.personalweightlossprograms.com/best-weight-loss-programs Make an informed decision for a weight loss program, AND STICK TO IT!

Healthy Weight Loss
I think the mos important point you have made in your article is the 4th point. Proper diet management will help you live longer and illness free. Great read.

Angela

Weight loss has been made far too complicated when it is actually simple. it's not easy but it is simple. Eat less and exercise. If you eat too many calories than your body is using then you will gain weight. You need to eat a nutritional balanced diet. If you live a sedentary lifestyle you will not only gain weight but you will have poor muscle tone. If you exercise and use your muscles thus improving muscle tone your body will naturally use more calories helping to burn the fat.

randell allen
There is specific difference between weight loss and fat loss. There is only one protocol for fat loss and the program is extremely individualized to the the body type of the person. Losing weight is a matter of eating less and moving, but there is no guarantee that you are not losing muscle mass, which sets one up for a rebound in weight

Dina Ruth

Hello! I agree that a weight losing program is very important, but it also goes hand in hand with personal development courses, learning to set goals and staying motivated. Good luck! Dina Ruth

Peter Stockwell

To lose weight all you need to do is cut out the junk food, cookies, sweets and fizzy drinks and eat a diet of fresh fruit, vegetables, lean meat, fish and wholegrain pulses. The Mediterranean diet is just that and costs no more than the junk food you have given up. You will need half an hour's jogging or brisk walking each day. But that is free.

Michael

I like your style. You're so right about these stars advertising these weight loss plans. Although money can buy a lot but it can't buy determination. Although they could pay a personal trainer for that. Us common folks need to find what's practical. I had really good success with p90x. It's intense but gives you fast results and you feel great. Once you own the DVD's you can work out and use them forever. Michael http://weight-loss-center.us/beach-body

Anne
Thanks for this post. I think a lot of us don't have the money to pay for some of the more expensive weight loss programs. Kind of wish I had an iPhone now :P

Christina Moxley

The one thing I've learned from being on the dieting train for years is that dieting should not be a financial burden. I really like your suggestions and I totally agree that there is no quick fix in the dieting world. I made a lifestyle change which included a healthy diet and an exercise program. And no I did not join an expensive gym nor did I hire a personal trainer (although some of them aren't hard on the eyes). Love your post! Chris

Mechelle Hartman
Hey Great Blog! I agree with John too, drink lots of water, but also make sure you are getting your daily fiber. Very important.

Carina

Weigh in every few days to follow your progress on a chart. For a free and ultra portable program, you can't beat it.

chris@healthyweightloss
Get a good book about nutrition and get moving! A program like weight watchers might be a good point to start off but in the end it is you who takes the decisions about your life! If you want to spend money, get some good fitness equipment!

Stephanie
The Lose It! iPhone app is a great tool. Two of my coworkers have been using it to track their weight and calorie intakes throughout a 6 month "Biggest Loser" competition. One has lost 52 pounds so far and the other is down 29. They have used this app religiously and it has been great for them. It's super easy to use and you can totally customize it.

Weight Loss Program
Yes, I went to the library and could not believe how much about weight loss programs I have found. I am going to have a good read over the weekend.

Mark
I agree with John the best way to lose weight is to increase your water intake 1 oz per 2 lbs body weight or more cut out processed sugars and find a good eating program like I found at the weight loss resource center

Walt
Another alternative, although an expensive one, is a medical procedure like liposuction. The technologies associated with liposuction have evolved to the point that they are safe. Many people try serious diet and exercise regimes and just can't lose much fat. This is especially true for older people. One should find an experienced and competent medical professional to speak with an objectively evaluate this alternative.

David
To lose weight diets are of great target of everyone. There are lots of weight loss diets offered here and there but to lose weight is to be patient and perseverance as well as looking for products that is right for us.

Mari
It is best to have dietitians or trainers for your weight loss program but if you can't afford, there are lots of online weight loss program that will provide you all necessary tips and tricks to overcome your weight problem. Be determined and discipline yourself if you are in a weight loss challenge!

Michael
I have a totally free way to lose weight that I have successfully used in the past. Get your mindset right with positive affirmations until you believe you will succeed. Regularly take some low-impact exercise such as yoga, cycling, rowing, or swimming. Don't go on a diet! Simply change your eating habits to reduce the stress on your digestive system - eat no more than you can hold in your cupped hands - don't combine carbohydrates and protein foods on the same plate - breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dine like a pauper. The word diet has a negative effect on the mind, so don't use it :)

Louise
I think that weight loss is really difficult the more stress you have in your life so I agree - I am sure that it is much easier to lose weight when you have plenty of money and maybe even a personal chef!

john
Problem is there is a vast industry making billions of dollars on weight loss products. Not really in their interests for us to lose weight. Truth is it can be done without gimmics just sensible nutrition and exercise - and a healthy dose of nutrition

roncurtis
Having struggled with my weight for years, and trying many different weight loss programs, things only changed for me once I made the shift to changing my lifestyle. Exercise and managing the quality of foods we eat are important. Weight Loss for some is easy, others it will require constant effort to make it happen. Love the Wii Fit. Exercise and fun for the entire family!

Matt
I really like the premise of this post. I think it is important to understand that before anyone decides to take on any of the above solutions, they must be prepared to continue them for an extremely long if not indefinite period of time in order to achieve lasting results. As a result, price and day to day are extremely important. The one point that I would like to add is that many experts agree that any number of imbalances in the body can cause weight loss. As a result, any diet or activity that will shift the caloric balance may be successful in producing weight loss, but usually not effective for the long term. Essentially the body is fighting itself because drastically shifting the caloric balance addresses the symptom instead of the actual problem. Sort of like a cough drop to a cold. Sorry if this is sort of unclear, but I hope it is helpful to someone.

Jay Jenkins
Weight loss, especially for those of us over 50, sometimes take a little "brain time" before jumping into any program. You really have to have the "want to" before you get to the doing. Study all of sales material that comes with whatever program you're looking at and don't be afraid to ask for references. There are a lot of good books on the subject of exercise and weight loss and they do go hand in hand.

Free Weight Watchers Recipes
My family has a Wii and I bought the Wii Active about a week ago. This is an intense workout and I am trying to be faithful and do the program for 30 day's to see what progress I have made. I am also a member of Weight Watchers so I have been eating healthy also. My goal is to lose 20-30 pounds in 30 days before our vacation. Wish me luck!

Flo the bathroom scale gal
Glad to see you recommend the Wii Active game. I currently get an ok workout with the Wii Fit but was looking at the Active game to keep things fresh. Boredom seems to be my main problem with any exercise routine.

Arlene Chase
You may be right. If I was offered a lot of money I could lose weight and body fat too.

Amy
The best free thing, is your own mind. The most successful diets are about portion control. If you get your calories down to a manageable level, you will see the weight come off and stay off. Of course, diet isn't everything. You must have some sort of workout program along with it. Most of a workout and weightloss program is in your mind. Conquer that, and nothing can stop you

Weight Loss Programs
A weight loss program is an increasingly popular option for people who just want to get rid of a large number of pounds quickly in a fairly safe way.

4 Weight Loss Programs on a Dime

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