How to Lose Weight & Save Money

Have your New Year's resolutions to get fit, lose weight or live better already been shelved?

It's hard to get motivated when daily life is busy and demanding - making a major life change doesn't always pair well with work, home, and trying to have some free time.

But there are ways to make life easier and make it affordable to achieve the goal of shedding a few pounds and keeping the wallet happy.

According to registered dietician Tara Dellolacono Thies, there's no need to spend big dollars on achieving your weight goals; it's all about making a few different decisions.Dellolacono Thies, who works with Clif Bar as a nutrition strategist, knows that a busy life is de rigeur for most of us, especially women. So here are her five tips for making life easier, saving a few dollars and hopefully, losing a few pounds:

1. Cook, eat, repeat. Make enough for two meals. Use leftover roast chicken in tomorrow's sandwich for lunch, or an asparagus dish from dinner last night sliced in salad the next day. You'll stretch your meals and your dollars at the same time.
2. Get creative. For dessert, crumble crunchy granola bars (for example, Clif Crunch which is made with organic ingredients and whole grains) with Greek yogurt, fresh berries and drizzled honey, instead of buying cake or ice cream.
3. Involve everyone. While it can be tempting to purchase pre-cut fruit and veggies, they can be more expensive. Instead involve family and friends in food prep and get them cutting, slicing and dicing.
4. A twist. Instead of pop or sugary juices, serve water with slices of lime, lemon and orange at meals. You'll not only stay hydrated but also save money.
5. Let it grow. Take advantage of the growing seasons in your province and plant hearty vegetables and delicious fruit. Herbs grow year-round indoors and are perfect for small spaces like condos.