Fairly Good Start

I have gotten my burst of motivation in the form of really planning some meals that I enjoy.  Being reasonable with my meals helped me save money while I was out of town this weekend.  There is a misconception that eating in a healthful manner costs more money.  But here is my experience.

1) Eating healthy actually saves money
2) Taking time to be physically active saves money
3) Eating for enjoyment helps meal time be more fun

Eating Healthy Actually Saves Money
This works in more than one way and can include saving money thru purchasing less food overall, going with lower cost unprocessed food options, eating foods within their natural season.  I have spent $10-20 on a cart full of fresh fruits and vegetables every 2-3 weeks.  I have the advantage of having a dehydrator that I pilfered from my mother’s stash of handy kitchen gadgets which helped me with managing the 10 pounds of onions I purchased for less than a dollar.  Even counting the fruits and vegetable that ended up feeding the animals and compost, that's still a pretty great deal.  I could have avoided discarding any fruits and vegetable by investing in a deep freeze or caning items but I haven't gotten organized enough to get shelf stable systems in place in my household.  I have also saved money by making my own Greek style yogurt (<30 cents per serving versus $1.20 per serving) and by making homemade bread.  Take a look at your purchases to decide which items would save you the most money and how you can make those healthier options.

Taking Time to be Physically Active Saves Money
Physical activity can be a great distraction.  Rather than giving in to eating out for dinner (which wasn't in line with my eating or budget plans) I went swimming after work.  I can also use physical activity as a low cost entertainment.  Many might find that they pay a monthly membership to a gym that they do not utilize.  I have a low cost annual membership that averages less than $20 per month.  If I only go to the pool THREE times then I've already come out ahead on my budget but the cost is low enough that I can still enjoy going hiking or riding my bicycle as my activity.  For some, a pay as you go option is more practical but for others, the act of paying for membership encourages them to be active and get their money's worth.  When I'm getting a craving that isn't a result of hunger, going for a walk not only benefits my weight but it gets my dog outside for some fun and it helps me avoid the distractions (such as shopping) that cost money.

Eating for Enjoyment
Today I enjoyed homemade tuna salad chock full of radishes, cucumber, tarragon and light mayo added for creaminess.  I find "diet" concepts to be a bit boring when they have a repetitive plan.  I like the options, yes they require more decision making but for me it makes it fun to have a plan with a lot of variety.  The greatest lesson I obtained from mindful eating exercises was that taking my time to eat with all of my senses (smell, sight, touch, taste.....) makes a meal more enjoyable.  If I don't want my senses involved then it's probably not a meal that I'm enjoying.  I had a win today with getting my diet drink and water rather than eating while I was socializing today.  I'm not usually a fan of carbonated beverages but that they had Dt. Dr. Pepper as an option rather than other diet drinks, it did make me feel a bit more included in the meal and it didn't throw my plan off balance.  Socializing isn't a free for all and should be planned into your calorie allowance.

So tonight, in order to make up for sleeping in today it will be running on the treadmill as part of my half marathon training followed by a swim because the swim is just what the dietitian ordered on a hot day.  So I can add more weight loss to the half pound lost in the last few days.  If you're not impressed then you may not understand healthful weight loss.