Everyone always talks about how expensive it is to eat healthier and to get fit. I think it's important to think about how much you save when getting healthy! I was thinking about some of my choices over the last year.
In 2010, I smoked an average of a pack of cigerettes a day. At $5 x 365, that is $1825. So, If you figure I smoked more sometimes and less sometimes...we can average that up to $2000 a year in cigerettes!
I love my Starbuck's. And, my favorite is a Venti Sugar Free Breva Latte. Breva is half and half and supposedly, this is the lower carb version for starbucks. This is almost 600 calories a drink. And...sometimes I had more than 1! At a little less than $5 a drink...I just spent another $2000 at Starbuck's.
So, the way I look at it, I just made a profit by quitting smoking and by cutting out Starbuck's. Now, is it more more expensive to buy healthy alternatives in the grocery? Yes...but it is worth it. And, if you shop wisely, you can come pretty close on cost. For example, when I shop at Whole Foods, I always review their specials, mailer and look for yellow tags. Many times they have "per item" vs "per lb" in the meat section. This is a great way to save money!
And, if you are like me, I have a hard time buying in advance. I just never know what I will have time to cook or what I will feel like cooking. So, I have to be careful not to just buy food that I put in the fridgerator then throw away because we don't eat it. Stock up on Turkey Burgers, Frozen Chicken, Vege Steamers to have on hand for quick dinners. And, I am a huge fan of Khashi items. Buy on sale! Target frequently has specials on these items.
Part of my commitment in changing my diet does cost me. I am using the Shakeology as a meal replacement either in the mornings or for dinner...and I may do it more than once a day if I need to. Shakeology is $120 for a 30 day supply, $4 a serving. No more than Starbuck's! And, it is healthy, nutriet rich and fills me up. I will share some of my favorite recipes as I go along. So, for today, I will share my favorite breakfast!
I still need my coffee to get up and go. So, my breakfast with Shakeology is 1 scoop chocolate Shakeology shake mix, 8 oz sugar free almond milk, 4 oz water, 1 via instant coffee from Starbuck's ( DO NOT GET THE FLAVORED VIA, THEY ARE VERY HIGH IN SUGAR), and a splash of vanilla or almond extract for a flavor kick. I blend with ice and walk out the door!
In closing, there is a cost to getting fit...but there is also a savings associated. Not just financial savings, but saving your life.
Get fit, get healthy! I will be fit, Fabulous and Flirty for Forty!
Also, don't forget the cost of NOT getting fit. For example, there are the extra trips to the doctor, the cost of prescription and OTC medications, and sometimes, even the trips to the ER. In my family alone, there is diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. In my case specifically, congenital heart disease. So not being fit can be very costly from a financial standpoint, and also in ways that you just can't put a monetary value on.
ReplyDeleteVery well said, both of you. I love our attitudes! That shake, do you blend it in the blender? Sounds great.I have some Sugar Free A&W Root Beer,going to add some heavy cream to it, taste like a float!!! yummy! love you!
ReplyDeleteYMOSM
The shake is a product called shakeology. It is a complete meal replacement and is full of nutrients. I am trying to avoid anything with havy cream in it due to the fat content. I'm hoping to minimize carbs and eat a balanced healthy diet with exercise. MOSM, we are going to get there. Doesn't matter how...just gotta get there.
ReplyDelete