I usually have a list a mile long of New Years resolutions. One thing that hasn’t been on my list until this year was that dreaded resolution… lose weight. I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older and my metabolism is slowing down or because I ate WAY more than I should have this holiday season; but looking in the mirror earlier this week I knew I needed to change something.
I don’t have a target weight goal I just have a way I want to look. I found a picture from a few years back when I was really happy with what my body looked like and stuck that on my bathroom mirror. Yes, I know that my body will (probably) never be the same since I’ve had children and getting back to my high school weight is unrealistic, however it is a good motivator for me to see every day. And that’s the first step.; Set a realistic goal. It doesn’t have to be a certain weight, but it can be. It can also be a certain part of your body you want to trim down, or a way you want to look in your favorite jeans. The point is to be realistic; if you’ve gained 50 pounds since high school fifteen years ago you’re not going to lose than in a year (It took 15 years to get there, it’s going to take some time to go away too!)
There are more articles, posts, reviews, reports than I can even count on how to lose weight or stay healthy. Today I’m not here to share any new ideas with you or claim that I know the secret to losing weight. I’m going to share with you what I am going to do in 2015 to be happy with my body and how I’m going to do it on a budget. Have you ever noticed how losing weight can be costly? Gym memberships are expensive and healthy food options cost more than un-healthier options. Trying to live a better life is even harder if you don’t have extra money to throw around. So what do you do? Here’s a few tips and tricks to help get you started:
Start with something small. Don’t commit yourself to signing up for a gym membership or rigorous exercise program. How about start by parking at the end of the parking lot when you go to the store or mall. Choose to walk for half of your lunch break vs. sitting at your desk browsing the web. Get the kids out of the house every morning and walk to the park or down to the end of the street. Being active doesn’t have to be hard and it doesn’t have to cost money either.
Shop the ads. One of the biggest parts about getting fit is eating healthy; but a lot of times that can be expensive. How come fruit and veggies cost more than junk food? Whole wheat bread costs more than white. Organic food double the cost of non-organic. Start shopping your weekly grocery store ads. Fruits and vegetables are always less expensive when they are in season and usually once a month or so lean meats go on sale as well. There is always a healthier option than chips on sale. For an inexpensive, healthy swap for white bread shop your local bakery outlet. We shop at the Franz Outlet and they sell whole grain loaves for $.79 each!
Cut down on eating out. Easier said than done right?! Keep your home and office stocked with snacks that are filling, things like almonds, oatmeal, apples, dried fruit. Then instead of running to Mickey D’s when hunger strikes you can pull out a snack that can hold you over until your next meal. For more healthy snack ideas check out my healthy snacks Pinterest board.
Water, water and more water. Drink more water. Water is free AND good for you. You can’t go wrong with water.
Join a challenge group. Things are always easier to accomplish when you have someone helping you stay on track and keeping you motivated. One of my blogging buddies, Tiffany, hosts an eight week program called Feel Great In 8. It’s an 8 week challenge where points are gained and lost for healthy eating choices, fitness, sleep and even family time. Tiffany is there every step of the way to help you achieve your goals and keep you on track. And if that wasn’t enough there is a cash prize at the end of the challenge to the person with the most points! To learn more and to sign up for the next challenge head over here. Not quite ready to join a challenge? 
Tiffany also has a great e-book that you can read to jump start your healthy lifestyle choices or as a companion to the 8 week challenge.
What are you going to do to kick start your healthy 2015? I’d love to hear your ideas and what has and hasn’t worked for you!
Great post! Healthy food does cost more, but I’ve found that when I eat the right foods, I don’t eat as much. Junk food is cheap, but not satisfying. Stopping by from Hump Day Happenings, Happy New Year!
Great post Sydney! The budget piece is what I struggle with most- love these tips 🙂
Thanks Rebecca! It’s always hard to stay on budget AND eat healthy.
I totally agree with you Anne! Thanks for visiting!!
Thanks I need to do this to.
Great list! Small actionable goals are always the best way to go, I joined the Fit For Life group for that added accountability, it’s amazing the difference it makes to have a group that you connect with and get support, encouragement, and the kick in the butt you need!
Thank you Nicole. I’m going to have to check out the Fir for Life group.
This is great! We are committed to healthier living and it is expensive, especially organics. Another idea is to get a pedometer. Nothing fancy but it really is motivation!
Thanks Christy! A pedometer is a GREAT idea! I won a Fitbit in a giveaway and I just started using it and it is a great motivator and keeps me accountable.
Good tips! I like the idea of a picture on the bathroom mirror, that would be motivating. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Sarah! It really is a good motivator to see that several times a day
I think people always overlook the importance of water! It makes a huge difference!
It really does!
Great post- I am the worst at following through with my New Years resolutions and being helthy in general (that’s probably why these last 10 ls. of baby weight are holding on for dear life!). This is definitely helpful info!
I hear ya…it’s always those last ten pounds. I finally got back to my pre-pre baby weight (having 2 babies within 14 months of each other is a killer) and then gained those ten pounds back over the holidays.
Great tips! I know I have gained a lot of weight but mostly since I hit menopause. I gave up trying to be the weight I was in high school . I don’t care anymore about being a certain a weight I just want to eat healthier. I really do need to start shopping the sales ads for healthy food . Thank you for sharing. Awesome post!
I totally agree with you Kim; it’s not about the number it’s about how you feel.
Great post! Drinking more water has been and will always be something I work to have more of. I feel like the more I drink it, my skin seems to clear up and I have a lot more energy! The Ads part is something I know and fully realize will help me cut costs a ton on my grocery bill, but man it takes a lot of planning ahead of time. I can shamefully admit I’m terrible at this part…..definitely an area I’d like to focus on more 🙂
Thanks so much Mel! I totally agree with you; I love how I feel when I drink water! I don’t have a problem drinking enough in the summer but in the winter and when it’s colder I, for some reason, have a hard time drinking enough. I need to get better at shopping ads consistantly too… I do it probably 3/4 of the time but sometimes I get lazy and just meal plan what sounds good.
Great tips! I need to start using ad match at Walmart. I’m sure I could save a TON doing that!
That is one of the only reasons I shop at Walmart is because of their ad match? Do you have a Sprouts by you? They have GREAT pricing on produce.
Thank you for the reminders! This year will definitely be the year of health!
For our family as well Danica!
Healthy food is always more expensive, but there are always great ways to save. Frozen fruits and veggies are usually cheaper than fresh as well – so I got for those when I can! Good luck with your journey!
That is a good tip Meghan… Frozen is always more affordable…and tastes better in smoothies!
Oh my! What a great post. Pinned and tweeted. Thank you so much for being a part of our party. We really appreciate you! I hope to see you on tonight at 7 pm. Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
Thanks so much ladies! I’ll be there!!
ITS VERY HELP FUL AND VERY INFORMATIVE POST.THANK YOU.