Finding it a little hard to get into that "New Year, New You" state of mind? We're all expected to "bounce back" immediately after the holidays - but it seems nearly impossible to get back into the swing of things when we've all overspent AND overeaten. Put simply, we've over-holidayed. Instead of returning to work with a spring in our step, we're clouded by anxiety (economic stimulus package, anyone?) and bogged down by unwanted extra pounds to boot.
So it's time for a
Body Bailout! Eating right and exercising regularly shouldn't mean extra financial headaches - quite the contrary. Here are some simple tips to help make this the month you jumpstart your diet and fitness regimens - while sparing your bank account at the same time.
Wake Up & Smell the Whatever. All right, I confess: I've been known to enjoy a cup of green tea every now and then (read: every day). So whether you're a tea-lover or a java junkie, if you can't imagine charging up for the New Year without a hit of caffeine first thing in the morning, don't worry: I'm not telling you to quit now. But it might be time to change your routine. Standing in line every morning to order a fanciful, whipped and flavored concoction at your favorite coffee shop might cost you an extra $30 to $40 a week, not to mention a heap of hidden calories, fats, and sugars. Instead, invest in a pound of fine coffee or tea that you'll enjoy brewing from home each day. It's a much cheaper way to feed your habit without feeding your gut.
Shake It Up. You've heard it before: you should eat every three to four hours to keep you metabolism revved and your blood sugar levels in check. But no one's got time to cook a full meal or put together an elaborate healthy snack four to five times daily. But don't fret: there's no need to stock up on pricey "diet food" bars or powders. Instead, invest in one high-quality protein powder, and use it as a regular substitute for one of those snacks. I whip up a protein shake at least once a day to satisfy my hunger while avoiding that "overly full" feeling, whether it's for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack. My favorite recipe? Mix a scoop of
Rainbow Light's Vanilla Protein Energizer with some soy milk, frozen blueberries, and a small squirt of flaxseed oil. Blend, pour, and enjoy. It's a tasty, energizing snack with no fuss, no muss, packed with protein and fiber, and it's cost-effective, too. And here's the best part: It also comes in
chocolate!
Skip the Gym. Not so fast -
I'm not recommending that you skip your workout altogether. And if you've got a gym membership, by all means: use it! But if a new gym or personal trainer are out of your budget, you can still jumpstart your system with a new exercise routine, right from the comfort of your home. My
Get Summer Ready package takes out all the guesswork with a complete diet program, four workout DVDs, and much more - all for only $39.98. That's a $25 savings! Wondering if it's too soon to "Get Summer Ready"? Think about how quickly the holidays came and went this year. There's no doubt about it - the price is right, and the time is now.
Fill Up On Fiber. Not ready to embark on an entirely new diet program? Start small. One of the most important changes you can make is to begin increasing your daily fiber intake. It helps you feel fuller longer, and actually helps your body absorb fewer calories. Of course, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are your best sources - but you don't have to spend a fortune on organic produce every day.
Here's a cheap and easy trick for increasing fiber on a budget: Start with a pack of "low-carb" tortillas, like the kind made by La Tortilla Factory. They're called low-carb because their whole wheat flour content gives you a much higher dose of fiber than regular bread . . . truly more bang for your buck! Fill them up with some lean deli turkey slices, add your favorite green/veggie ingredients, roll 'em up, and voila - it's a wrap!
Another fiber favorite of mine is what I call "Quick-Fix Cereal": Mix one cup of your favorite high-fiber cereal (I like Kashi, Uncle Sam, and Special K's Protein Plus) with a scoop of protein powder, and add a teaspoon of peanut butter or 1/4 cup of walnuts. Just another easy way to be fiber-full and frugal.
The New Year is always a time to reel in our spending - especially in this economic climate. But your health? That's the one area you don't want to shortchange yourself. It's the wisest investment you'll make all year.
