How to eat clean on a tight budget

As I've posted in the past, I am always on a tight budget. Eating clean can be a challenge when moneys tight. If I had an expendable income I would buy grass fed beef, hormone free chicken, organic fruits and veggies, and many varieties of expensive nut butters. Buuuut I don't so unfortunately I can't buy that kind of stuff! One day I will be able to purchase those things but for now I make due and try to be as healthy as I can.

I do NOT however purchase frozen meals, boxed snacks, or any other cheap convenience foods.

Here are my top 3 tips to shop on a budget:

1.Go shopping when you have time and a plan.
Going to the store when you're in a rush can result in spending more money on things you don't need and forgetting the things you do.
 Make a list of the things you need and what stores you need to go to. When you go to the store try not to buy anything extra. Have a dollar amount in mind when you go shopping. I usually try to stay under $50 a week for Robbie and I.

2. Look for sales and deals. I usually always get produce on sale. Another great place for produce is a farmers market. You can also take part in bountiful baskets. You can sign up online and for about $15 get a large amount of produce. You can pay extra for organic as well.

I always get sales on meat. Meat is where I spend the bulk of my budget so if there are good deals I buy extra and freeze it so I never run low. Often times I find "manager's specials" on meat. As long as you get it in the freezer ASAP you can use it whenever you want. This allows me to get lean meats for a good price.

I get my frozen veggies usually on sale at Frys for $1. They are the kind you have to boil on the stove. It's takes a little more time than the Steamer veggies you can make in the microwave but those can cost up to $3 a bag! I also buy the Kroger brand plain greek yogurt. It's way cheaper than Fage or Chobani and just as good nutrition wise. I often grab a small bag of frozen berries for cheap as well if prooduce is not on sale that week to add to my yogurt or cottage cheese.

3. If you can afford it, get a Costco membership. I get my eggs from there for really cheap. I also love their frozen individually wrapped chicken and tilapia!

Pictured above are all the  groceries I bought for a total of just over $31

I hope this helps some of you out there struggling to buy food on a budget. If you go in with a plan, budget and list you can't go wrong. Always shop the perimeters of the store and avoid the boxed crap.

Happy Shopping!

XoXo,

E





What's stopping you?

The past few days I've been thinking about what's really stopping me from reaching my goals.

The answer is simply my mind.

Sometimes you just have to think, " My long term goal is more important than what I want right now."

I do this every morning when I want to hit snooze and miss a work out and every afternoon when I have a sweet tooth and want candy.

Constantly reminding yourself that you are STRONG willed will get you to your goals.

I'm realizing now with every passing day that nothing is stopping me. It's all in my head. Do I slip up? Heck yeah all the time! I'm human! But I just remind myself of my goals and carry on.

So now I ask you, what is stopping you from achieving your goals? Whether it's to lose weight, run a faster mile, lift heavier, or eat better food. Nothing is stopping you other than your mind!

I challenge you to take a few minutes every day to reflect on your goals. It can be when you wake up over coffee or a pre work out drink, sitting in traffic, before bed or whenever you have time. I end up doing this a few times a day because that's how often I need to remind myself that candy isn't worth it! Can you say sugar addict?! Haha.

I hope this helps some of you. Just take it day by day. Set short term and long term goals and when you slip up just keep going!

I hope you're all having a great week and in honor of fit Friday here are some back progress pics:

Have a wonderful weekend!
Xoxo,
E

Egg Plant Lasagna

I don't know about you, but I love Italian food! I am always trying to find ways to make it a little healthier and not so carb loaded. A couple of months ago Robbie and I experimented in the kitchen and came up with egg plant lasagna. What inspired us was Robbie's favorite Italian meal : Eggplant Parmesan



Ingredients:
2 purple egg plants
1 can of organic no sugar sauce (or homemade)
Extra lean ground turkey
Extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil
Sea salt
Low fat mozzarella cheese
Optional: zucchini

Directions:
1. Cut the egg plant vertically into thin circular slices
2. Fill a bill bowl up with water and a little sea salt (I just eye ball how much)
3. Add the egg plant to the bowl and let soak for about an hour
4. Blot the egg plant w a napkin (you'll notice some of the brown color coming off)
5. In a large pan add a tbs of EVOO
6. Sauté both sides of the egg plant
7. In the same pan sauté the zucchini
8. Brown the extra lean turkey or meat of choice in separate pan
9. Spray a baking pan with non stick cooking spray and put a thin layer of sauce down.
10. Add a layer of egg plant, meat, zucchini, sauce and cheese
11. Repeat until the top of the pan is full
12. Bake at 350 for 45 min or until golden brown and fully cooked

Enjoy!
Xoxo,
E