Last week I gave you some ideas to help you keep your finances healthy through the New Year, and this week I’ve got some tips to keep your body humming along and getting fit.
A full 30% of Americans resolve to lose weight in the New Year. If keeping that resolution were easy, we wouldn’t be at the top of the list in worldwide obesity. Let’s throw out those worn out excuses, and find some inexpensive options to help you keep your resolve this year.
I don’t have the money for healthy food. Yep, I know things are tight. And I do know that organic, fresh food can sometimes seem out of reach. But there are some economic alternatives for the frugal consumer.
* Check your local farmer’s market. Not only do you find local harvest there, but they oftentimes have a bumps and bruises section in the market where they keep items that are still consumable, but just not as attractive as the other produce. It might be the apple with a slight bruise or the funny-looking bell pepper, but these items are super deals that allow you to eat frugally and well.
* Be willing to work a little with your produce. Buying your items in the hull or with the peels still on (in the case of carrots) will cost you a little time, but you’ll save big bucks at the checkout. Already prepped produce is a super time-saver, but by putting in a little elbow grease and time yourself, you’ll save money.
* Eat what’s in season. Apples are great right now, oranges too. All kinds of greens can be found for reasonable prices. Winter squash won’t bust your budget either. And don’t be afraid to try something new. There are some great recipes on HotCouponWorld.com for preparing your new find, and if you don’t see something that whets your appetite, ask away! With close to 110,000 members, HotCouponWorld folks are happy to help you prepare those new veggies and fruits.
Ok, so we’ve got the fruits and veggies, but what about meat? No way can I afford $5 a pound for meat! Here is where investing a little time in you comes in again. You are worth it! Put your frugal hat on, and get cracking, checking sale ads. If you don’t get the newspaper or your ads aren’t delivered in your mailbox before the sales start, don’t worry. You can access store ads and good deal alerts on HotCouponWorld.com!
* Boneless skinless chicken is a great meat to eat on your diet. It’s so versatile; you can prepare it a ton of different ways. This time of year, savvy stores will run buy one, get one specials to get you in the store. But here’s where we take it a step further – and these tips apply to all fresh meat products you’ll need.
* Find out what brands of meat your store carries. These companies may put out coupons for their products! Check out the HotCouponWorld Coupon Database. Enter the brand that you’re looking for to see what coupons are available. Combine your coupons with a buy-one-get-one sale, and you’ve got a super meal at a rock-bottom price. When you find the deal, stock up!
* Check to see when your store marks down meats. These meats are still good for consumption, but they are nearing their ‘sell-by’ date. Meat IS still good after that date, but you must eat it immediately or freeze for later use. It’s not uncommon to see packages of meat marked down by $2 or more, making them a super deal!
Hey, these are good ideas! Is there a way to cut prices on bread too? Absolutely, there are coupons out most of the time for whole grain sliced bread, so check the coupon database at HotCouponWorld.com for your favorite brands. If you’re an artisan bread fan, check your local bakeries and the bakeries in the grocery for marked down items. Again, these are still good for consumption; they may have been a leftover package from the day before, or perhaps they were in the oven a bit too long. But they’ll normally be anywhere from 50-75% off the regular price. When you find something you like, stock up on it. Bread freezes wonderfully.
Like I said before, I know times are tough for many of you right now. But that’s no excuse not to treat your body and your family right, feeding them with good healthy food to nourish them, body and soul. On a limited budget, and with a little effort and forethought, you can afford those healthy foods that will help you and your family to keep those weight loss resolutions. Get shopping, and good luck!
Weis Markets announced it has lowered prices on thousands of its staple items effective Jan. 2 and that it has implemented a 90-day price freeze on these items. This price freeze is effective through April 1, 2009.
Did you make a resolution this year? If you did, how’s it working for you? I made one, and I’m going to keep it! I’ve got a secret – it’s the same resolution I’ve made for the last five years, and I’ve kept it every year. 
