7 Tips for Living Fit on a Budget

Often times we think of being healthy and fit requires a lot of time and money - especially times a money we don't have. This can also often be completely untrue! Here are 10 ways to get/stay healthy without living beyond your means!

7. Budget: This should be like numbers 1-10, honestly. Budgeting can be an ugly curse word that strikes fear in the hearts of many. Actually, making and keeping a budget is freeing! (But, that is all for another post.) When you are making your monthly budget, make sure you incorporate your gym fees, the cost of your supplements, or healthy foods. If you make your budget and stick to it, then that will be an extra bit of accountability - both financially and in your health. 

6. Gym memberships: There are so many ways you can slash costs for gym memberships. Some gyms have different levels of memberships. Ask yourself, are you really using the gym for the amount you are paying for? Also, maybe you live in an apartment that has a free gym. Bingo! Also, some health insurances offer discounts at certain gyms. 

5. Free apps: I am currently loving the NTC (Nike Training Club) app. The app is free and it has free workout plans. You can customize your plan to your equipment, current fitness levels, goals, time you have to work out, etc. There is such a wide variety of workouts that you won't get bored! Also, did I mention it's free?

4. Meal planning: Meal planning is something you hear about a lot to stay on budget, but it can often seem like a daunting task. My family has started using a service called eMeals. The cost of the service is nominal, and each week that send us a list of meals. I can even have the grocery list I need sent straight to ClickList. You can choose meal plans depending on your goals or tastes - they even have paleo and gluten-free plans! It's a win-win on so many levels!

3. Grocery services: This is sort of piggybacking on #7.  A lot of stores like Walmart and Kroger offer grocery services. Personally, I am a fan of Kroger's ClickList. You can reduce the risk of impulse buying, and you can see your order total. Since you can see your order total, it can keep you on budget. 

2. Coupons: Coupons can often get a bad rap, but they are really a money-saver. I have often left the grocery story saving over $40 just with coupons. 

1. Prioritize: A lot of living a healthy lifestyle is about prioritizing. I don't see my supplements as "in addition" to my grocery budget, but as a part of my budget. I make protein shakes for lunches and/or breakfasts. It may seem to some like protein powders, like Arbonne are expensive. But, Arbonne for example, comes down to about $2.50 a shake. $2.50 for a meal packed with delicious, filling protein is a no-brainer! 

National Women's Health & Fitness Day + New Recipe!

Happy National Women’s Health & Fitness Day!

I love all of the National Days. I subscribe to the emails from National Day Calendar, and post them in my classroom for my kids. Sometimes I pull them in to my lesson plans, but mostly I just think they are fun and interesting. I was super excited to find out today is National WOmen’s Health and Fitness Day! Coincidentally, it is also one of my best friends' birthdays! Toady is her Golden Birthday - meaning she's 27 on the 27th! I didn't even know about Golden Birthdays were a thing until a couple of years ago. My Golden Birthday was 14 years ago - oh, well! :)

Additionally, I'm amping up my healthy eating (in preps for my wedding + it is just a necessity). With this, tonight's dinner was Chicken and Rice Soup.  It makes a huge batch! I'm pretty sure you could feed an army with it!

Chicken & Rice Soup

Ingredients

2/3 Rotisserie Chicken (diced)
1/2 large yellow onion, diced
2-3 stalks celery, diced
2-3 carrots, diced
2 cups brown rice, cooked
32 oz low sodium chicken broth
2-3 cups water
Sprig of fresh rosemary (optional)
Salt/Pepper to taste

Directions

Cook rice according to package instructions. Dice chicken and all veggies. Place in a 2+ quart pot with broth, water, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low medium, add rice, and cook until veggies are tender (usually 1-1.5 hours). Or throw all ingredients in your crockpot on low all day. Make sure to precook the rice, so it doesn't absorb all of the liquid. 

Turbofire: Day 1

I know I've raved about Turbo Fire for a couple of years now, because I've got incredible results in the past. Well, I'm back at it! I have decided to go through the full Turbo Fire program, again. Today was the first day, and I've got to say I feel AWESOME!

Over the past year, I made the decision to nix the scale. I've read a lot of blogs where women swore off the scale and have never felt better. They felt so attached to the number on the scale and the regular weigh-ins. Last year, I thought that just might be a great fit for me. So, over the year I've been slightly conscious of my foods and blissfully unaware of my weight. My clothes felt a bit tighter, but I wasn't quite sure if it was all in my head. After all, I had no frame of reference since I literally tossed my scale out the door. (Okay, I didn't literally toss it. I did, however, give it away.)

All of the questions about my weight and if this method "worked" well for me came to a head last night. Before beginning a Beach Body program (or a program of any type), it's best to take before photos, measurements, and your beginning weight. I had taken my "before" pictures and then stepped on the scale. Low and behold, over the past year I've gained about 15 lbs. That's so not cool and so not healthy. While some may see the scale is a ball and chain, I see it as accountability. Not only did my regular weigh-ins keep my in check with my progress, but it also probably (definitely) made me more conscious of the the kinds and amounts of foods I was eating.

That being said, I also think the past year of me just focusing on how I felt and not stressing as much was a good thing for me. I gained a healthier mindset about my body. Seeing a weight gain at any other point in life would have probably sent me to tears and in to mini-meltdown mode. Last night, there was not a tear in sight! I decided to just take the bull by the horns.

All of that brings me to today... at 5:15 my alarm went off. I dragged myself out of bed and grabbed my coffee. Yes, I drink (black) coffee before my workouts. :) I have to tell you, I hammered out the schedule workout today. It was awesome! I had to stop a few times, because I've been sick lately. I haven't worked out in a week and I had a chest cold that hit me pretty hard. Aside from starting Turbo Fire today, I also started a low carb/high protein meal plan. Weight loss is 80% diet, and 20% exercise (I've also heard 70/30, but you get the picture). "Abs are made in the kitchen." I am a girl that LOVES her some carbs. Granola, oatmeal, fruit, trail mix, muffins, more granola, etc etc. I don't believe in banishing the food group, but I do believe it's role in my diet needs to be downplayed.

So far today, everything has gone well. And I'm not tired from having far less carbs. I'm pretty pumped, actually.



Today's Workout

Turbo Fire: Fire 30
Turbo Fire: Stretch 10

Today's Meals

Pre-workout: Coffee
Breakfast: Coffee Protein Shake
Snack: Hardboiled eggs
Lunch: Baked chicken and veggies
Snack: Green monster protein shake
Dinner: Turkey chili and eggs
Snack: Sausage (took some off my son's plate... it hit the spot!)

The 21 Day Fix

I am crazy excited about the 21 Day Fix, a new program from Beachbody that is available ONLY through your Beachbody coach starting Feb 3rd. Here's the lowdown on the program:

• 21 days of fitness in 30-min workouts, 7 days a week
• 21 days of learning proper portion control
• 21 days to fix your old habits and create HEALTHY new ones!

What is the 21 Day Fix?

The 21 Day Fix is a nutrition/fitness program that simplifies weight loss with easy portion control and 30-minute workouts. You can actually lose up to 15 pounds in 21 days! It's simple, it's fast, it works.

Beachbody trainer, Autumn Calabrese (trainer, single/busy mom, and a national-level bikini competitor) designed this program. She was inspired after seeing a client consume an entire 1,300-calorie salad in a single sitting. Nowadays, our portions are super-sized and hurting our weight loss and health. We often overeat and eat the wrong things, without knowing it. As a single mom, she knows how hard it is to eat right and exercise. So, she designed the 21 Day Fix with 30-min workouts and a simple eating plan. 

How does it work?

Everything is laid out for you; use the portion-control containers and complete your daily workout during your 21-day commitment. You can lose up to 15 lb in 21 days!

The Container System

The 21 Day Fix comes with a container system to teach you how to create healthy portions - simply and intuitively. Just put your choice of food in the color-coded container - if it fits, you can eat it! There's no guessing or calorie counting. I still struggle with proper portion control and I know so many others do, too. That's why I'm SO excited about this program.

The Workouts

The 21 Day Fix workouts will have you burning calories in a 30-minute session. The workouts are designed for someone at ANY level of fitness from beginners to advanced. 

Is it effective?

Beachbody really BRINGS IT with this new program. It's the only program that combines portion-control containers and exceptional workouts that Beachbody is known for. Equal emphasis is placed on fitness and nutrition to help anyone lose weight and keep it off. Effective plans are sustainable plans! 

You can achieve your weight loss goals with this program. Whether it's 10 lb or 100 lb, you can do it with the 21 Day Fix. 

Who is it for?

Let's get personal...

I love that this program tackles real and serious issues that people face. As a single mom, I struggle with fitting in time for fitness and time to be mom. Because of this, I get up before the break of dawn to workout. I don't want to lose this precious time with my sweet boy, but I know being healthy is important to me and him.

Also - I've said it over and over that you can't outrun a bad diet. You just end up erasing all of your effort and sweat that you poured out at the gym (or living room!) There's nothing wrong with food - food is fuel! But, there is a huge difference in how you fuel your body and results. I used to think exercise meant I could eat what I wanted - until I realized after months of training for my first half-marathon that my weight hadn't budged, except maybe 5 lb. 5 lb IS a lot, but keep in mind I wasn't always active. 4 years ago I HATED running. It was so hard for me. I was a walker, but at least I was a fast walker! When I was going through my divorce in 2011, I got it in my head I wanted to run, then train for a 5k just for fun. Eventually, I started training for distance races. I began running around May of 2011 (as a bigger size 12) and well in to my half-marathon training in January of 2012, I was a solid size 12.  I saw this lack of change, and it was quite upsetting considering my accomplishments and hard work. I was one of those girls that thought, "this is just how I'm made."  Long story short, I started to adjust my diet and the pounds starting melting off.

The Commitment

Are you ready to commit to 21 days with me and the Fix? If you are serious about committing and reshaping your life, then join my "The FIX" challenge group! All I ask for is your 21-day commitment, and you'll love your results! The FIX Challenge Group Starts February 17th!

Follow these steps to join:

1. Sign up! Visit www.beachbodycoach.com/erinlynchfitness to join Beachbody AND get me as your Coach for FREE!
2. Get your Challenge Pack! The 21 Day Fix Challenge Pack is on SUPER SALE for just a few weeks. Order your Challenge Pack when once you have listed me as your Beachbody Coach.
3. Contact me! Contact me to join The FIX Challenge Group or if you have any questions. 

You give me 21 days - I'll give you my best support, encouragement, and accountability to see you through. 

2014 Resolution: Increased Health and Fitness

I love the new year, as it often is a time for people to focus on their health.This is wonderful, but sometimes I wish people had the right mindset about it. I wish people would focus on their health as a WHOLE and their fitness as a WHOLE instead of looking at the numbers on the scale.  Of course weight can be affected by a person's fitness level, but it is not a telltale measurement of health. For me, it's easier to focus when I don't worry about the clothing sizes and numbers. When I remind myself that food is fuel and I think about my cells, muscles, lungs, bones and other aspects of me that are all affected by my health. When your journey to fitness is put into perspective; where you are looking at your physical, mental, and emotional health, then you are building the groundwork for long-term changes. 

As you start out, remember each body is made differently. Do not compare your physical attributes and capabilities to that of another person. Aside from the fact that this isn't healthy, it also isn't realistic. It is difficult at times not to compare yourself, especially if you are a competitive person. If you find yourself in the comparison junkyard, then turn your mindset around! Turn that comparison into an inspiration. Instead of beating yourself up because you can't do the same amount of push-ups as your friend, set a goal for yourself to be able to do X number of push-ups. Instead of looking at fitness models and feeling awful about yourself, use that as inspiration and a reminder as to why you are focusing on your own fitness goals. We all have to start somewhere, so don't be upset if you are first beginning this journey. Each person has a different level of fitness and your goal is to increase yours. Focus on you. You are who YOU are and that's what makes you special. Simply strive to be YOUR best.

If you are interested in starting your own journey and don't know were to start. Or maybe you simply want to change up your current routine - then I would love to be your personal fitness coach with Beach Body. I have several challenge groups beginning in 2014 - Turbo Fire, P90X3, and T25. Contact me or go ahead and pick your program and I'll be in contact with you!

Today is the last day for the P90X3 special - perfect timing for my challenge groups starting Jan 6th!

Turbo Girl

I have been missing my Turbo Fire program, lately. As you know, I have been doing a P90X and Turbo Fire Hybrid. I've decided I might just be a Turbo Girl at heart, because I've missed my dancey workouts every day! So, I decided to start Turbo Fire ALL over again from Day 1. I've got my BEST results from Turbo Fire. It's a lot of cardio, HIIT workouts, and it definitely builds and tones your muscles. Yesterday was Day 1 with Fire 30 and Stretch 10. I also tacked on Ab Ignitor, which was a bonus DVD that came with my program. I woke up this morning and I couldn't wait to roll out of bed for my HIIT workout. That's what I love so much about these programs - you aren't doing the same workout over and over. So, forget muscle memory! Programs like Turbo Fire will keep your muscles guessing and your metabolism on fire! Also, like many people, workouts can be largely a mental battle. That's why I went back to the full Turbo Fire program, because it's so fun to me!

Aside from effectiveness, people often ask me about cost associated with programs. These programs are something you can do over and over again - just like I am! Aside from the convenience and results, you don't have to worry about monthly fees or memberships expiring at your local club. 

 Chalene Johnson, who is the creator of Turbo Fire, has a line of workout attire called "Turbo Wear." I must have this shirt!

2014 is right around the corner...

so here is to a new year and a NEW YOU! At the end of each year, I find myself looking back at the events over the year and wondering what the upcoming one has in store for me. I'm sure many people do this, but it is still awe inspiring to look at our struggles and triumphs and how He has seen us through it all. Last year, I was in Dubai and reflecting over my mom's sickness through the years and the loss of her in 2012. This year I find myself looking at how strong my family has become and our faith has endured the storms, and also how drastically my life has changed in the past 12 months. I went from being a technical writing in corporate America to a school teacher in 2013. In 2013, I also found myself in the best shape of my life - literally. None of it has been easy, but all of the babysteps were a part of a long journey. I couldn't be happier than I am right now, my career, my family, etc are all where God wants us (right now). 

In 2014, I aim to focus quite a bit more on my overall health. Does that mean losing weight? Yes, but that's not my primary goal. I just want to be FIT and HEALTHY. I learned my son may have some more food intolerances, so that pushes me even further to be the best role model for him I can be. This focus is also not just for me, but for helping others. All of that being said, I am excited to have SEVERAL challenge groups starting January 2nd! I am SUPER excited one of these is P90X3 - which is released TODAY! I love P90X, but sometimes I don't have time for an hour-long workout. P90X3 is 30 minutes! I also will have a T25 and Turbo Fire group, too. You can JOIN my groups and workout from the comfort of your home. That's one thing I love about Beach Body progress, the recent winter weather did NOT deter my workouts. Gym, shym! :) 

Sign-up up for a FREE membership with me as your coach on my site, http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/pieceloveandpb. Send me a message, if you would like, or I will contact you about my upcoming groups! :)

A Clean Thanksgiving

I don't think I can say how much I love Pinterest enough. This is my second year with a gluten free Thanksgiving, and I am ALL kinds of prepared. I remember last year taking short cuts (hello, canned cranberry sauce) because I was so overwhelmed about what to cook and eat because of my diet changes. This year, I am totally prepared. How prepared am I? Enough to not wince at the thought of making cream of mushroom soup from scratch. Now that's impressive!

Here is a glimpse into what I'll be slaving away at on Thanksgiving, thanks to a few other clean bloggers!

• Turkey
• Clean Eating Cranberry Sauce from The Gracious Pantry. 
• Clean Eating Green Bean Casserole from The Gracious Pantry. 
• Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole from He and She Eat Clean
• Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing from Better Homes and Gardens (My mom always used this recipe)
• Mashed Potatoes (my Dad loves them)

I might tweak these recipes, some. If so, I'll post them!

Core workouts

Since beginning Turbo Fire I've discovered I have muscles! I've got compliments on my calves and I've got guns (not REAL guns, I mean my arms... :) ) I looked in their mirror one day and said, "WOW! Where did those come from!?" How does that happen? Weight gain and weight loss both just sneak up on you! Thankfully mine wasn't the latter of the 2!

Nowadays I'm doing a P90X / Turbo Fire Hybrid. My FAVORITE workouts are the core workouts. Core 20 (Turbo Fire) and Core Synergistics (P90X) both strengthen my core so much. It's always an amazing feeling when you are just riding in the car and realize your core is engaged without even thinking about it! Like many women, I tend to carry more weight in my core - tummy, sides, etc. These workouts really have helped me wittle down those areas.

For October only - you can get a P90X Challenge Pack at a crazy discount. Just click on the pic below for info. Remember - this ends the 31st! :)

Blueberry Protein Muffins **corrected

This post starts off the same way so many do - as I was perusing Pinterest, I found a recipe for these hot little numbers. Introducing - the Blueberry Protein Muffins. I tweaked the recipe I found a bit, but they turned out amazing! These little muffins are jam packed full of protein and carbs (starchy and complex).

Enough yammering - here's the recipe. So take it and run - to the kitchen. :)

Nutrition:

Serving: 1 muffin
Calories: 80
Fat: 1
Protein: 7
Fiber: 2
Carbs: 11
Sugar: 4

Sick Day

I'm home with a sick little one today. I wasn't expecting to be, so I got up at 4:30 as usual to work out. Consistency is a good thing, right? I recently got the TurboFire workouts. I REALLY like them, but apparently I ordered the wrong disk set. Apparently what I ordered was an add-on to the program, not a program on it's own. I was hoping to do a P90X/TurboFire hybrid.

I first tried my TurboFire disk last week and I did the HIIT workout. It. Was. Awesome. Seriously, this was a 30-minute workout that left my hair soaked! Since I'm still recovering from the Little Rock Marathon, I did a shaping session today. When your arms are shaking, you know you're working! That's my first workout since the race. My hips have been pretty sore, and my IT band has been pretty tight. I've been focusing on stretching, using "The Stick" (my muscle roller), and re-igniting my love affair with Aleve.

I got a few comments on my chick peas/garbonzo beans snack the other day, so I thought I'd give the recipe! It's really easy and something that my parents made often when I was growing up.
Chick Peas (1 can, unsalted, drained OR 1 bag, dried, prepared according to directions)

2-4 TB  Red Wine Vinegar
1-2 TB  EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
1/2 tsp   Salt
1 tsp      Black Pepper
1 tsp      Garlic Powder

In a bowl, add chick peas. According to taste, and amount of chick peas used, add vinegar and oil. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Then it's ready to eat! I like it warm from freshly boiled peas, but they are good cold, too. Enjoy!

There is a special giveaway coming up soon. Don't miss out!! :)


Daily Encouragement

 

 TurboFire - Tone 30 

Breakfast

Steel Cut Oats, topped with 1/2 banana, 1 apple, 1 TB almond butter, and 1/2 TB ground flax

I simply cooked the oats according to the direction. I prefer more liquid to mine, so I cooked them in 1 part water, 2 parts almond milk (unsweetened, vanilla).

I sliced/cored an apple, and cooked that in the microwave for 1 minute. I did eat a couple of the slices before it got in the microwave. Hey, it happens!

Then I topped the oats with the sliced banana, soft warm apple, and other goodies. :) AH-mazing and insanely filling.

Lunch

Lunch today was super quick and easy. Taking care of a little one is a job on its own!

Arbonne Chocolate Protein Shake, mixed with Arbonne Fiber Boost, 1 TB of PB2, the other 1/2 of the banana from breakfast.

Dinner

TBA :) - only because I really don't know yet!