In these uncertain economic times many people are looking at all the ways they can cut the fat from their budgets (and possibly their waistlines), and in so doing they continue to ask themselves “Is it more money to buy fresh meat and produce and make meals with real food( i.e. lean meats and seafood)  versus buying pre-made and pre-packaged meals or driving thru a fast food joint?  And if so, is it ultimately healthy for me in the long run?”  Let’s break it down together to reveal the answer to these so often asked questions.
 
When you read about  foods and their cost, almost without exception you will read that it will cost you more money to eat fresh foods.  Since we began our personal training studio 8 years ago, we have worked hard on overturning these beliefs.  Even without the tough economic times we are currently experiencing, oftentimes many people believe that “healthy” food is too expensive.  So fresh produce, lean meats and seafood ARE therefore, way out of their budget. WRONG… lets take a closer look why.
 
Grab a piece of paper and jot down your daily and weekly food expenditures.  Did you get a coffee and donut in the morning?  How about lunch, was it a brown bag or did you go out with co-workers?  Did you drive thru a fast food restaurant or go home and make a chicken salad for dinner?  AND let’s continue on….how bout the vices?  Do you have any?  Like wines, beers or top shelf drinks?  How bout recreational drugs or smoking/chewing tobacco products and any or all other vices out there?  When you sit down and honestly list all things that you spend your money on daily and weekly, you will quickly realize that if and when you decide to LIVE and EAT healthy it is actually cheaper.  Yes, that is what you read, I said CHEAPER.  You will cut out your stops to Dunkin Donut’s ( didn’t say Starbucks because no one is going there anymore), McDees or whatever is your fav fast food, stop all recreational vices you may have and you will probably SAVE money. 
 
So you say, “but I don’t have any vices like alcohol, tobacco or drugs and therefore  it IS more expensive to eat/ live healthy”  – but and big BUT here – (no pun intended), do you eat junk as in chips and dips, ice cream, cakes, cookies, chicken wings, puddings and the list goes on…. Well, they have to go and then…it’s all cheaper…and healthier. You will end up spending more on your produce, lean meats and seafood but your overall weekly spending will remain the same if not decrease.
 
We have touched upon the actual daily and weekly costs of eating healthier foods and the outcome it can have on your wallet.  Of even bigger importance is the cost to you in the terms of your quality of life and the time you will be on this earth living it. You would have to be living in a closet not to be at least aware that what and how much you eat has a DIRECT affect on your health.  So, in the cost of your life, it would never be too expensive to eat more healthy foods, which will be a good indicator of the quality and quantity of your years on this beautiful earth.

                                   By Chrystal Ciodyk
  
What if you woke up one morning and your body was in the best shape of your life?  How would you feel?  What would you do? Seeing yourself there is the first step. Knowing that you CAN get there is the second. Now it’s time to ask for help. Hundreds of people over the last 10 years, myself included, have turned to Lynn and Evey at Fit Transformations for amazing, life changing results. I am now extremely honored to join their team and very much looking forward to helping hundreds more in their journey towards transforming and having a healthier life.
            It’s definitely a challenge to stay in shape when the grocery stores are filled with junk and there’s an unhealthy place to eat everywhere you turn. Knowing the right foods to eat and when to eat them will get you on track.  Food, family, or friends might be there to tempt you, but you have to stay focused. Only you control what you put into your mouth.  Adding exercise to your daily life can be a challenge as well. If you think you don’t have time, you might want to reexamine what you are doing with your time. It’s either being invested or wasted. Step away from the TV or computer for an hour or two. It’s okay…they’ll be there when you get back! Remember, life is a challenge. You’re not giving up on life, so don’t give up on your vessel that carries you through it. When you transform your body, it will transform your life.
            It’s an indescribable feeling when you and others start to notice your transformation. I know I wanted to tell my family and friends how amazing I feel and how easy it is to do. I wanted everyone to start changing their eating habits and exercising with me. I was surprised to learn that most of them were happy for me, but had their own reasons for not changing. Maybe they didn’t think they could do it or they weren’t motivated enough. As I refuse to give up on myself, I surely won’t give up on them. It is my personal goal to help everyone I know look and feel their best. If every person tried to help everyone they know, then those people helped people they know….We could change the world! RIGHT!!