July Challenge: Losing weight while saving money!

Summer is here and yet again I don't feel brave enough to bare all in a bikini :rolleyes: .... but I have a big family celebration at the end of September and so I thought I would take advantage of the next few months to try to lose some weight and get fit... but I want to do it all while spending as little as possible!

I know there is a seperate weight loss thread, but I've started this one, beacuse, rather than ask for support and encouragement towards a particular weight loss goal (although I do have one!), I wanted to ask for Old Style tips and help with the process of losing weight and becoming fitter ... on a shoestring.

What I particularly want to do is not give up on eating delicious food - I've learned so much from these boards that I just want to adapt the recipes and things I've learned, rather than feel deprived because I am trying to eat less

My Week 1 targets are:

1 Find the cheapest gym membership possible
I know that walking and running etc are free, but have decided that I will join a gym as a quick win, because I know that this has worked for me in the past.

So: does anyone have tips about which health club chains are running special offers/low joining fee/ no comitment deals at the moment? Any tips on how to barter?


2 Adapt 3 Old Style recipes to make fabulous low-calorie alternatives.
I like big, exotic meals and so want to find low-calorie versions of my favourites (italian, asian and spanish are particular favourites)

So: Does anyone have any tried and tested favourite recipes to share?


3 Take a cheap but exciting low-cal lunch to work each day

All we have is a kettle and a fridge - no cooking facilities are available

So: Does anyone have any lunch-bag ideas to share?


And, just as important - does anyone else want to join in and post their own challenges here so others can help? :T


Hope to hear from you soon! :j

Annie