Tips For Living The Fit Life On A Budget
Let’s face it, life is expensive, and when you are trying to embrace a healthy lifestyle it can all add up. Fresh produce, meat, gym memberships, exercise equipment, the list goes on… but I am here to provide you with some tips for keeping cost down without sacrificing your health and fitness goals!
1. WRITE IT DOWN
How many times do you go in the grocery store and get distracted and end up with foods you did not need because you did not have a plan? First things first: CREATE A BUDGET! Knowing how much you need to spend on essentials each month will help you to save for the future.
Write your grocery list before heading to the store (Click Here for Print N Go Grocery List). Stick to what you need and after checking out, add this number to your budget.
Cheap and healthy nutrient-dense grocery options:
Peanut Butter
Eggs
Canned Tuna
Oatmeal
Dried Beans
Brown Rice
Bananas
Rotisserie Chicken
2. SHOP IN SEASON AND BUY IN BULK
When you hit the grocery store, be sure to buy fresh produce when it is in season. This will lessen your grocery bill AND it will also ensure that you’re getting the best vitamins & minerals possible to fuel your body. Also, buy most of your grocery items in bulk when you can, and freeze the extra for later.
Costco, Sam's Club, and Aldi's are great options to choose from, when it comes to buying your groceries in bulk.
3. HIT UP THE FROZEN AISLE
In addition to freezing some produce on your own, it’s a great idea to buy already packaged frozen fruits and veggies. They are wallet friendly and they last much longer than fresh produce.
4. MEAL PREP
Take the time, about an hour or two on Sunday evenings, to prep and plan all your meals for the week. Having ready-to-go meals will keep you from eating out on a regular basis, which can add up real fast. Fail to plan, plan to fail!
5. DON’T NEGLECT YOUR SUPPS
Supplements, while expensive upfront, can ultimately save you a lot of money. A protein shake can act as a meal replacement shake and is a cheap/convenient protein source. While I don’t recommend completely disregarding whole meals, a meal replacement can be a great option for a busy schedule and can keep costs low. 1st Phorm's Level-1 is my go-to protein powder when I struggle to get a full meal in, or want a quick and easy snack!
I use Level-1 for protein pancakes, cupcakes, smoothies/shakes, mix a scoop with some hot or iced coffee (<-- save the sugar-filled creamer or flavor shots and add some protein powder to your coffee. Mocha, ice cream sandwich, vanilla ice cream, chocolate coconut, and chocolate all taste DELICIOUS with some hot or iced coffee).
6. GO WITH THE FLOW
Be flexible. If chicken breasts aren’t on sale one week but chicken thighs are, experiment and mix up what you’re eating. Plan your weekly meal prep and menu around sales so that you’re saving money, eating healthy and enjoying a little variety in your diet.
7. WORK WITH A PROFESSIONAL
Working with a professional can help assist you accomplishing your health and fitness goals by implementing a plan customized for you so you can live a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing your budget!
You do not have to workout at a gym with fancy equipment, hire a professional to build you a plan so you can workout at home or your local Snap Fitness, Planet Fitness, Fitness 19 etc. (gyms with cheap membership rates).
Purchasing, ordering or making healthier choices can be costly at times. Cost should not prevent you from achieving your fitness goals. This is why I started Amp Up Fitness—designing online training programs and 30-day challenges to help you strive for your goals!
My online training programs are affordable, convenient to use, and customized to YOU. Want to have one?
Connect with Haley:
Haley on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/HaleyAmpUpFit (Fitness)
www.Facebook.com/HaleyAmpUpFitness (Personal)
Haley on Instagram: www.instagram.com/HaleyAmpUpFit @HaleyAmpUpFit
Haley on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/HaleyAmpUpFit
Haley on Supplements: www.wwhd.1stphorm.com (FREE Shipping!)
Haley on email: Haley.ampupfitness@gmail.com
XOXO
Trainer Haley
