One step at a time...

"Follow me one step at a time. That is all I require of you." I read this today in Sarah Youngs'
Jesus Calling. Wow! It felt so personal.

I've had many friends and family members ask questions about fitness and nutrition, but many suggest it is too EXPENSIVE to eat healthy and join a gym and/or higher a trainer. True, it can be, but you can learn how to eat on a budget and stay fit w/o paying high membership/training fees. I'm not suggesting you drop your trainer or gym membership if you can afford it, but shop around and make sure you get a good deal.

Start learning how to eat well and stay fit on what YOU can afford. Also, remember that your budget can change! You might start off couponing and save 50/week on groceries and before you know it, you're hiring that trainer with the money you're saving. It's all about balance.  Those on a tight budget and those with a more flexible budget-- whatever you can afford, you want to maximize you $$, don't you?

Remember bodies on a budget is one step at a time.

Your 40-Minute Workout Prescription

It is a beautiful day here in Southport, NC with highs near 60, but it will be turning cold Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. This morning I "worked out" my meal plans while on the treadmill (killing two birds with one stone!) and was very happy to find our bonus room was NOT freezing. I want to enjoy the warmth while it lasts!

40-Minute Workout: You can do this workout without any equipment, but if you have a treadmill and a weighted hula-hoop, go get them ready!

If you're on the treadmill: Walk for 40 minutes (about two miles) at 3.5 mph at 4% incline. While walking, do two sets of 20 uppercuts and 20 sets of side-hooks (no lifting weights required!)

If you're outside: Choose an area with low hills. Walk for 40 minutes (about 2 miles) at an average walking pace. While walking, do two sets of 20 uppercuts and 20 sets of side-hooks (no lifting weights required!)

Cool down: 5 minutes hula-hooping.

Alternative cool-down: If you don't have a weighted hula-hoop, you need to get one! :) But until then, just do two minutes of standard sit-ups. Finish with a thirty-second plank.

Today we'll be having tomato-and-avocado sandwiches for lunch, along with a yummy side salad. In the next few days, I plan to prepare chili one night and lasagna one night, two perfect meals for cold winter weather. Stay tuned for my budget-friendly lasagna recipe.

Karen

Welcome Post

Hello and welcome to Bodies on a Budget! My name is Karen Headrick, and my goal is for this blog to motivate you to stay fit for free and eat on a budget! I am a personal trainer and nutrition enthusiast with a BS in Community Health Education. Not only do I love to eat well and exercise, I also love to cook, coupon, and cut costs (especially in the kitchen!). On this blog you can expect to see family-friendly recipes for less, at-home fitness tips, couponing advice, and much more. So let's get started, SHARING and SAVING!

Food and fitness,
Karen