Diet Tips That Save You Money...

With summer fast approaching, a girl's mind goes to one thing. Get bikini body ready and looking freakin' hot at all those summer events (weddings, parties, bbq's, etc.)

I have never been much of a dieter, due mainly to a lack of discipline (might explain the debt problem too), so I just try to trim and make better choices instead of following a specific diet. From this strategy I've noted a couple diet tips that will keep off the calories, and keep the cash in your wallet.

1. Order water. Many diets suggest not "drinking your calories," by drinking water at meals. Not only is this an easy calorie reducer, it will save you a ton of cash. Assuming the average person eats at a restaurant once a week (yeah- a little conservative I know), and a beverage cost an average of $1.50, then you would save you $78 a year. Times this by the amount of times you actually eat out and see the savings increase.

2. Shrink your "fix." Some people have coffee, I'm a slurpee and iced cappucino junkie. One thing I've tried is to buy the smallest size. This still allows me to have what I want, curbs the craving, reduces my calroie intake from these treats, and saves money as the small costs less. Sure it might only be twenty cents, but figure that out by how many times you actually have these things and it could be a modest dinner out by the end of the year.

3. Be a kid again. One way to save money and help with portion control is to order the kids meal. Portions are more reasonable, and you these meals generally cost less (some are even cheaper if you decline the toy). Disclaimer: Check your pricing. Sometimes fast food restaurant value items can be cheaper and about the same size as a kids meal.

4. Walk. This goes without saying, but exercise will always help you lose weight, but it can also be a great money saver. One summer I decided to walk home from work (too sweaty to walk to work) every day that I could. Based on the amount of money I spent on the bus, I saved $150 in 3 months, and with the 1 hour and 15 minute walk (only 5 minutes longer than my bus ride), I dropped a couple pounds and had a great a**. This also cuts down on gas and parking if you drive. Granted this is not reasonable for every location, but you can always walk to the store, out to restaurants, or anywhere else that is within walking distance.

These may only be a few little pointers, but a little goes a long way.Use your savings to by some new clothes when you drop a few pounds.