How To Get Fit On A Budget

Hi, it’s Kathy Smith. With the hefty cost of gym memberships, personal trainers, and fancy workout equipment,s it possible to live a healthy and happy life without spending too much money, time and effort?  The answer is…DEFINITELY, YES! Here are a few ways to get started:

1. Incorporate activity into your daily life

When it comes to exercise, you don’t need a gym or fancy equipment to stay active. One way to work activity into your life is to have equipment underneath your bed or desk. Nothing fancy…nothing big, nothing too expensive…just a few pieces of equipment like some hand weights, resistance tube, a mat and a ball. When you have an area of your home dedicated to some small pieces of fitness equipment that are on display, you have a constant reminder that they’re right there, ready to go. And that makes it even easier for YOU to be ready to go, too.

2. Make working out fun!

There’s no need to go to cardio equipment in the gym if you’re dreading it! Instead, take a walk or hike with friends or play at the park with your kids. And of course, choose movement patterns that align with your personality. If you enjoy listening to music and moving with the groove, then crank up your favorite playlist and dance in your kitchen! On the other hand, if your idea of a good time is a game of basketball, set a goal to improve your vertical jump and stay in shape throughout the week so you can be a weekend warrior and enjoy your weekend past-time.

3. Plan Out Your Menu

When you plan out your menu, you bring your food expenses down. Stock your pantry with healthy fare, and use Sundays as your food planning day for the week. Prepare your chicken breasts, mason jar salads, or soups that can be frozen or pulled out later in the week for healthy and easy-on-the go options. Not only will you have a nutritious meal, but you’ll save money along the way. Remember to shoot for 5-9 daily servings of daily vegetables, and eat all colors of the rainbow to incorporate a variety of nutrients.

4. Use your blender

A simple way to whip up a quick, inexpensive and nutritious meal is to blend together a fruit and vegetable smoothie. Between spinach, blueberries, celery, and array of fruits and vegetables, create your own signature drinks that are filling and nutritious. These can be cost-effective if you buy your vegetables in bulk.

There are a few steps to create your protein shake. First of all, choose your base (8 oz) of either:

  • Unsweetened coconut milk
  • Unsweetened cashew milk
  • Unsweetened almond milk
  • Unsweetened green tea

Then, choose your form of fiber and omegas (1-2 Tbsp) of either:

  • Chia seeds
  • Hemp seeds
  • Freshly ground flaxseeds

And next, the most important part…choose your protein (1 serving of either):

  • Whey (vanilla or chocolate)
  • Pea (vanilla or chocolate)
  • Paleo made from beef (vanilla or chocolate)

And finally, choose your flavor from any of the following:

  • 1/2 C. mixed berries
  • 1/2 C. high-volume fruits (refer to list here)
  • 1 C. high-volume vegetables (refer to list here)
  • 1 C. mixed greens

Remember, when you prepare you meals, you control what goes into them! This allows you to make the best food choices for YOU.

Here’s to your health!