Healthier options that do not break the bank

If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say “but eating healthy is so expensive…”, I would be able to retire. Because guess what? Being healthy is not expensive! In fact, it is oftentimes cheaper or more affordable than not living a “healthy” or “fit” life!

So today, I am going to spill the beans on what I would recommend if I were starting out. For example, what you need versus what you do not need to make long-lasting changes that benefit your health and optimize your life!

Recommendation #1: Join a Gym that is low-cost

• A lot of people would say that working out is free (and yes technically it is), but from my experience as both a coach and athlete, joining a gym is worth the money. For a myriad of reasons, but most importantly, it gets you out of the house and keeps you from getting bored. Because eventually, at home, you may be limited on what you can and cannot do because of little equipment or no motivation from external factors. I have coached many people to help them achieve their health and fitness goals in a timely fashion, but once they reach them, it gets easier to say “I’m done” when working out at home. But at a gym or fitness center, it is a lot harder to cancel your membership. Also, you may develop friendships and connections at the gym. This really helps your accountability as well. Now as far as gyms go, a planet fitness is typically $10/month and the most affordable option. But, look in your area to see what other gyms are available for a reasonable amount each month. Also, around holiday’s like Labor Day, New Year’s, etc., you can usually join with no sign-up fee. Bonus!!

Recommendation #2: Stick to a Weekly Grocery Budget and Eat At Home

• This one is going to really save you the most amount of money because if you choose to eat at home instead of going out to eat or even fast food or an iced coffee, you could save anywhere from $15 a week to $50 a week which can save you up to $200/month! Most people really struggle with a budget because they do not stick to it. And just like working out, when you do not follow through on something, it is a lot harder to reach it. Therefore, I would recommend sticking to a $100-$150/week grocery budget and really stick to it. This means, as you grocery shop, keep a calculator going so you do not go over budget. Also, look at your local grocery stores and see what they have on sale or Buy One Get One Free (BOGO). I do this at Publix and last week I got 2 packs of chicken drumsticks for only $4.99! Also, eating at home will not only save you money, but oftentimes, it is healthier because you do not have to guess on the calories such as added oils (fats) or sugars (carbs).

Recommendation #3: Keep a Weekly Grocery Staples List

• This one is SO helpful because it helps keep your fridge and pantry stocked with healthier options to take a lot of the guess-work out of shopping and also helps you stay on track in the kitchen when you’re feeling both snacky or bored. Now, do I always have these items in my house? No! I do not even buy all of these every week on my list. But, I do try to keep a majority of these items around so I do not have any excuses not to meet my health and fitness goals. Food is important, so let’s have fun with it and also stay on track! So, here are my recommendations that are relatively lower cost:

• Refrigerator/Freezer:

  • Sweet Potatoes

  • Apples

  • Bananas

  • Avocados

  • Hummus

  • Greek Yogurt

  • Lunch meat

  • Spring Mix or lettuce

  • Unsweetened Almond Milk

  • Skim or Fat Free Milk

  • Chicken Breast

  • 93-97% Ground Turkey

  • Shrimp

  • Cod

  • 93% Ground Beef

  • Salmon

  • Frozen Berries (I love Aldi’s frozen berries mix with Cherries)

  • Frozen Broccoli or Cauliflower

  • Sourdough Bread

  • Low Carb Tortilla Wraps

  • Multi-grain bread

  • Asparagus

  • Brussels sprouts

  • Sweet Onion

  • Mushrooms

  • Carrots

  • Zucchini

  • Eggs

  • Egg Whites

  • Coldbrew Coffee

  • Cottage Cheese

  • Sparkling Waters (0 sugar and a 12-pack is usually $4.00)

• Pantry:

  • Tuna packets

  • Unsweetened almond or peanut butter

  • Oatmeal

  • White or brown rice

  • Popcorn

  • Peanuts

  • Pecans

  • Meat sticks (Aldi has a very low-cost one by the brand “Simms”

  • Barilla protein pasta (found at Walmart/Publix)

  • Canned pumpkin

  • Canned black beans

  • Canned chili beans

I hope this blog helped you stay on track and motivated to reach your health and fitness goals! If you have an idea for a blog, do not hesitate to let me know! I am so proud of you, and I know you’re going to crush it this week, I can feel it!!