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If you want to lose weight in 2009 without spending a fortune, consider embracing the theme of USA TODAY's sixth annual Weight-Loss Challenge: Dieting on a Dime.
Everyone is painfully aware of the cost of eating out — not to mention the expense of buying fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat, fresh fish and many other healthful foods at the grocery store. It's difficult to lose weight under the best of circumstances, and now many Americans' budgets are stretched so thin they may be tempted by cheaper foods that are not as healthful.

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But it's possible to melt down physically without melting down financially, according to many of the successful readers who have been profiled in the diet series. The challenge was created in 2004 to offer nutrition and fitness guidance in the newspaper and at USATODAY.com.

"I'm all about eating on a budget," says Kelly Rhoads, 50, of Bowie, Md., who weighs 165 pounds, down from 330 pounds. She walks regularly and follows the Weight Watchers program religiously.

She estimates she and her husband, Chip, spend $400 a month on groceries, including toiletries. "I go through the grocery store circulars and look for what's on sale, and that's what we eat. My husband and I set a budget every year, and we try to stick with it. The cost of a lot things has really gone up, and I am trying to cut corners on food."

The key for Rhoads and many others is making nutritious, cost-effective changes.

•Heather Burczynski, 33, of Nashville, who weighs 148 pounds, down from 280, cooks more than she used to and has found ways to stretch her dollars. "An easy meatloaf recipe can last me for a few days. I like getting frozen veggies because fresh ones tend to go bad before I have a chance to use them."

She also watches her portions at home and at restaurants. "I tend to choose side dishes for meals when I do go out to eat — a side salad and a side item work well. Of course, there are times to splurge, but I just do it wisely."

•Tory Thomas, 31, of Lewisville, Texas, who weighs 130 pounds, down from 155, cooks frequently and packs her lunch for work rather than dining out often. "If I go out, I always order water with my entree. I went somewhere recently and paid $2.99 for a glass of tea. I could buy a box of tea for that."

•Lee Claypoole, 43, head pastor at a new church in Lexington, Ky., weighs 184 pounds, down from 284, after following a high-protein, high-fiber plan of 1,800 to 1,900 calories a day and working out at the gym regularly. He likes organic foods, but they can be expensive, so he shops for deals and buys in bulk. "My wife uses coupons, and we're continually looking for specials and buy-one-get-one-free deals."

Keeping home-cooked meals effortless is key. "We do a lot of baked and grilled foods. We almost never eat fried foods. We are simple cooks."