Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
How To Eat Healthy... On A Budget
One of my friends recently asked me how to eat healthy when you have a small food budget. I realized that a lot of the people who follow me on Facebook are going through the same things I am, so why not share with everyone?
-Read!
I recently purchased a book called America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right On The Money. The authors tell you how they manage to feed and cloth their family of seven while still saving money. While it doesn't talk specifically about health foods, it does provide amazing tips about getting the most out of your money.
-Buy In Season
Produce is going to be more expensive if it is out of season. It is harder to come by, and the transportation and preservation costs show up in the price. Find out when produce is in season here.
-Make A List & Stick To It
This may seem like a simple thing, but I have found myself slipping from time to time. When you make a list, you don't have to worry about other items being on sale, or those impulse buys that end up costing you way more than you intended to spend.
-Shop Around Part 1
Do not buy the first thing you notice in the supermarket. I have noticed that some stores split up their produce so that you see the most expensive items first. Walk through the whole department before touching anything. That way you can see sale prices and compare.
-Shop Around Part 2
I have found that Target and Save-A-Lot have amazing produce departments with decent pricing. I used to shop at Shoprite and Walmart. Shoprite has fresh produce with steep prices, Walmart has limited selection (and not as fresh) for okay prices. This may be different depending on your locality, so shop around, and don't be afraid to buy from a few different stores. It may take a little more time, but the savings will be worth it.
-Shop Sales
Most supermarkets will send sales fliers out every week. LOOK AT THEM. Make your list based off of who has the best prices for each product. Also, invest in coupons. You don't have to be an "extreme couponer" to save money. Many places will allow you to use a coupon even if the item is on sale. Check your local stores for their rules. Here is a video that helps you learn more about couponing. (I love Sara's videos. If you have time, check out some of her other ones, she's awesome)
-Blogs??
There are so many people who have blogs about saving money and eating right. You just have to know where to search. One of my favorites is Blissful and Domestic. She talks about meal planning, couponing, as well as buying in bulk. You can also do a Google search for "saving money blog", "healthy eating blog", etc.
-Buy In Bulk
I highly recommend becoming a member at a wholesale club. You can buy produce in bulk and freeze it or can it to make it last. I buy meat, milk, bread, and freeze it all for later use.
-Shop The Perimeter
Avoid the inner aisles as much as possible. They are loaded with junk and impulse items.
-Search For Recipes
Buy things on sale or in bulk, then find recipes to fit what you have. Don't shop for specific recipes, or you will end up buying stuff for only one meal
-Do Not Indulge a Picky Eater
I know numerous parents who will make separate meals for their family because they don't like certain things. STOP IT!! It's a waste of money, and not helping anyone. My daughter eats what everyone else eats. I try to make things she will enjoy, but if I find something on sale, her butt will eat it. (To be fair, she's only really picky about mushrooms... I fed her EVERYTHING at a young age.)
I hope this list helps at least a little. Please check out the links, they have way more than just shopping advice.
-Read!
I recently purchased a book called America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right On The Money. The authors tell you how they manage to feed and cloth their family of seven while still saving money. While it doesn't talk specifically about health foods, it does provide amazing tips about getting the most out of your money.
-Buy In Season
Produce is going to be more expensive if it is out of season. It is harder to come by, and the transportation and preservation costs show up in the price. Find out when produce is in season here.
-Make A List & Stick To It
This may seem like a simple thing, but I have found myself slipping from time to time. When you make a list, you don't have to worry about other items being on sale, or those impulse buys that end up costing you way more than you intended to spend.
-Shop Around Part 1
Do not buy the first thing you notice in the supermarket. I have noticed that some stores split up their produce so that you see the most expensive items first. Walk through the whole department before touching anything. That way you can see sale prices and compare.
-Shop Around Part 2
I have found that Target and Save-A-Lot have amazing produce departments with decent pricing. I used to shop at Shoprite and Walmart. Shoprite has fresh produce with steep prices, Walmart has limited selection (and not as fresh) for okay prices. This may be different depending on your locality, so shop around, and don't be afraid to buy from a few different stores. It may take a little more time, but the savings will be worth it.
-Shop Sales
Most supermarkets will send sales fliers out every week. LOOK AT THEM. Make your list based off of who has the best prices for each product. Also, invest in coupons. You don't have to be an "extreme couponer" to save money. Many places will allow you to use a coupon even if the item is on sale. Check your local stores for their rules. Here is a video that helps you learn more about couponing. (I love Sara's videos. If you have time, check out some of her other ones, she's awesome)
-Blogs??
There are so many people who have blogs about saving money and eating right. You just have to know where to search. One of my favorites is Blissful and Domestic. She talks about meal planning, couponing, as well as buying in bulk. You can also do a Google search for "saving money blog", "healthy eating blog", etc.
-Buy In Bulk
I highly recommend becoming a member at a wholesale club. You can buy produce in bulk and freeze it or can it to make it last. I buy meat, milk, bread, and freeze it all for later use.
-Shop The Perimeter
Avoid the inner aisles as much as possible. They are loaded with junk and impulse items.
-Search For Recipes
Buy things on sale or in bulk, then find recipes to fit what you have. Don't shop for specific recipes, or you will end up buying stuff for only one meal
-Do Not Indulge a Picky Eater
I know numerous parents who will make separate meals for their family because they don't like certain things. STOP IT!! It's a waste of money, and not helping anyone. My daughter eats what everyone else eats. I try to make things she will enjoy, but if I find something on sale, her butt will eat it. (To be fair, she's only really picky about mushrooms... I fed her EVERYTHING at a young age.)
I hope this list helps at least a little. Please check out the links, they have way more than just shopping advice.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Work, work, work!
Today is my day off from my "for now" job. So what am I doing? WORKING! But in this case, working is fun and awesome.
Here's how my day has gone so far:
1. Wake up
2. Eat while watching the best webinar ever
3. Touch base with people in my accountability group
4. Post to Instagram
5. Eat lunch while posting of Facebook
6. Surf the web for fitness related posts
7. Look up recipes (yum!)
8. Contact a few friends I haven't talked to in a while
9.Look for workout videos for my customers
10. Write blog entry!!!
Later, I will work out and talk to a few more people.
And I get paid to do this? Really?!?!
I love my job, I love my business, and I love my coworkers. I could not be more blessed to have been given this opportunity, and be able to share it with others. Plus, I get to help people lose weight and eat healthier.
I CHANGE LIVES.
That is amazing. Beyond amazing. It is a beautiful gift. I change lives, but I also have been driven to change my own. I have goals and dreams now, which before I would have never thought possible. In my mind, I was stuck where I was, and might as well not even try to move forward. With the help of Beachbody. I have discovered the potential to grow, and learn, and be truly happy. Now, I get to offer that same possibility to you, my readers.
Do you want to change your life? Do you want to help others do the same? Email me, and I will tell you how.
Here's how my day has gone so far:
1. Wake up
2. Eat while watching the best webinar ever
3. Touch base with people in my accountability group
4. Post to Instagram
5. Eat lunch while posting of Facebook
6. Surf the web for fitness related posts
7. Look up recipes (yum!)
8. Contact a few friends I haven't talked to in a while
9.Look for workout videos for my customers
10. Write blog entry!!!
Later, I will work out and talk to a few more people.
And I get paid to do this? Really?!?!
I love my job, I love my business, and I love my coworkers. I could not be more blessed to have been given this opportunity, and be able to share it with others. Plus, I get to help people lose weight and eat healthier.
I CHANGE LIVES.
That is amazing. Beyond amazing. It is a beautiful gift. I change lives, but I also have been driven to change my own. I have goals and dreams now, which before I would have never thought possible. In my mind, I was stuck where I was, and might as well not even try to move forward. With the help of Beachbody. I have discovered the potential to grow, and learn, and be truly happy. Now, I get to offer that same possibility to you, my readers.
Do you want to change your life? Do you want to help others do the same? Email me, and I will tell you how.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Giveaway Time!!!!
Good morning everyone!!!! I am so excited today, because....
It's time for my giveaway!!!
For those who are not on my Facebook page, my goal was to get 100 likes. Once I did that I would have a giveaway. Well, I reached it yesterday! YAY!!!
So, without further ado, the awesomeness.
For this giveaway, you will have a choice of to Beachbody programs. If you are trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or even maintain what you have now, this is the best giveaway ever for you!
Here are the choices:
21 Day Fix
This is a BRAND NEW program. It's coming out in early February. It is created by a brand new trainer to the company, and is completely different than any of the other programs we offer. It is only 21 days long (hence the name). Unlike our other programs, instead of a meal plan, it comes with color coded portion control boxes. If it fits, you can eat it!
Les Mills Combat
Combat is a GET UP AND FIGHT kind of workout. If you are trying to get some frustration out, this is the way to go. It's like kickboxing on steroids. It's hardcore, just like your body will be when you are done!
(The links are so that you can see the videos and info for the programs. If you are interested in ordering a program or Shakeology, please contact me directly.)
Requirements: You must be subscribed to my blog, as well as like my Facebook page. Please go through the Rafflecopter box to do so.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway ends on February 5th. Please leave a comment below saying which steps you have done, as well as which program you would prefer.
It's time for my giveaway!!!
For those who are not on my Facebook page, my goal was to get 100 likes. Once I did that I would have a giveaway. Well, I reached it yesterday! YAY!!!
So, without further ado, the awesomeness.
For this giveaway, you will have a choice of to Beachbody programs. If you are trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or even maintain what you have now, this is the best giveaway ever for you!
Here are the choices:
21 Day Fix
This is a BRAND NEW program. It's coming out in early February. It is created by a brand new trainer to the company, and is completely different than any of the other programs we offer. It is only 21 days long (hence the name). Unlike our other programs, instead of a meal plan, it comes with color coded portion control boxes. If it fits, you can eat it!
Les Mills Combat
Combat is a GET UP AND FIGHT kind of workout. If you are trying to get some frustration out, this is the way to go. It's like kickboxing on steroids. It's hardcore, just like your body will be when you are done!
(The links are so that you can see the videos and info for the programs. If you are interested in ordering a program or Shakeology, please contact me directly.)
Requirements: You must be subscribed to my blog, as well as like my Facebook page. Please go through the Rafflecopter box to do so.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway ends on February 5th. Please leave a comment below saying which steps you have done, as well as which program you would prefer.
Monday, January 6, 2014
My 2014
Happy new year!!!! Yes, I know, it's already the 6th. Better late than never. Which seems to be my new motto.
I am a horrible procrastinator. I have been putting tons of things off lately. I was supposed to start an early morning workout routine today. I pressed snooze and said I'll do it tomorrow. Same thing with my sugar detox. And cleaning. Not a good thing for me to do. So I decided that as extra accountability, I will list my goals for 2014, as well as a few small things I should be doing. This way, any of you can email me (pcruse55@gmail.com), hit me up on Facebook or on my page and yell at me for not doing what I am supposed to.
For my small things, I want to start my early morning exercise regimen, do my sugar detox, and reorganize my game room. I will check in daily on my fb page with my progress, and post pictures on instagram.
Now the list of my yearly goals!
-make Beachbody my main income source
-become personal trainer certified
-pay off student loans
-pay off credit card
-consistently make $4000 a month
-become Piyo or P90X certified
-get another tattoo
-create a working budget
-renew my Shakeology autoshipment
-complete Focus T25
-pay off gas and electric bill
-learn to hoop with one leg
-go to 5 new restaurants
-go to NYC
Obviously some of my goals are easier than others. However, if you only set small goals, you will only get small results. As I make it through this list, I will post updates. Hopefully I will inspire at least one person to push harder towards their dreams!
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