Budgeting for Health

So, this is kind of a continuation of Ellie's post...sorry in advance!

I'd been contemplating the same issues that Ellie dealt with in her blog post for the past few days, but hadn't gotten around to sitting down and: 1) sorting through my thoughts and 2) actually typing my thoughts out. I'm not promising anything with this blog - I still haven't really sorted through anything yet, but I'm going to try and "freehand" a blog post out of it.

I, too, have been really frustrated recently with trying to feed my family with GOOD food while trying to stay under our budget of $125/week for food. (This includes all packed lunches for Mike, and Babies #1 and 2, diapers and other baby items for Baby #3, and any household items, like paper towels, toilet paper, toiletries, etc). It used to be no problem - I'd regularly come in under budget. Recently, though, I'm not doing so well. It doesn't help that all 5 of us are routinely eating "real" food now, but considering that Baby #3 had to be supplemented with formula every week (to the tune of $25/week), I can't imagine that he's really costing me more than that. He is, after all, only 17 months old and has a teeny-tiny stomach.

Lately, I've been having to go over budget by as much as $50/week, just to make sure that we have enough food. I try hard and plan out each and every meal for the week on the preceding weekend, and plan those meals around what's on sale at our local grocery store (sometimes I do branch out if I'm going to be in Portland and store-hop, based on the best sales), but it's still not going as well as it used to.

I have tried to use coupons, but to tell you the truth, I just can't bring myself to rely on the items that the coupons are for. I'll use the dairy product ones, but when it comes to the other coupons, they're usually for things like boxed, packaged meals or snacks, and I'm trying really hard to keep us away from those things. With the exception of yogurt for the kids' school lunches (only because they're sealed well and not in the glass jars that the homemade yogurt is made in), cereal, and peanut butter, pretty much everything else comes from fresh ingredients. I make most of our own bread, jams, and snack items (breads, cookies, granola, dried fruit, etc), and the majority of our meals come directly from fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. It used to be cheaper to do it that way, especially when we lived in Lansing and could shop here.

That doesn't seem to be the case anymore. Or maybe it is still cheaper, and the cost of packaged foods has gone up and I just don't know it. What I do know is that the cost of keeping fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains on the table has really gone up. It's frustrating, to say the least! I don't want to compromise our "food values" by buying the cheap, frozen meals instead of making my own, but it seems to be one way of cutting corners.

Have you had that experience? If so, how do you combat it? And out of curiosity, where in the country are you currently living? (I'm wondering if it's more of an East Coast thing).

Still Going...

and going. Like the exercise bunny! With another 2.5 pounds, I am happy to say I have had the first "outsider" comment on the loss of weight and toning I have been doing. Of course, I have seen it (and for the first time in my life admitted it) but I had a lady at the library ask me my secret. LOL. My secret...well, work out. Everyday. Even if its for a half hour...and if its just a work out video, work out as if the trainer is with you. Yes, I almost THREW UP the other day after a Bob Greene Boot Camp workout. And eat in a way that makes you proud to share your diet. So what was that for me today????? Fresh Basil, Mozzarella and Tomato with a Trader Joe's Balsamic Vinegar.

One thing I have been struggling with is preparing meals. You know, the good for you, good for your kids, love it when they try it meals. The other day I posted on my Facebook site that I was in need of a new cookbook. We have a few (okay a few more than a few) but really, I need something that works with ingredients I have on hand. One person mentioned a book that has recipes for 5 ingredients. That is perfect...now if I can find it. Another mentioned Paula Deen. Paula Deen, I love you but I am sure I am not going to be wearing a bathing suit this summer if I am serving up your butter loving suppers. And of course there is the entorage of food experts (or cooks) that the Food Network puts out. The Barefoot Contessa, Rachael Ray, Alton Brown, etc...Heidi has recommended the Weight Watchers ones and perhaps that is where I will search when at the Library next, but what is it that YOU do for YOUR family to eat healthy?

Another thing on the same line is the COST OF HEALTH. Its really now not just a discussion for those struggling financially. GOOD HEALTHY FRESH products are increasing in demand and are struggling to make it to the grocer's shelves. With the natural disasters paired with the "raw food movement", your typicaly grocery bill may have jumped 25%. Sure, the Coupon Mom has her thing, where you can feed yoru family on packaged food galore for just $47.00 a week...but is that really what I want to put into my family's body? So another question to ponder...how do you save? How do YOU cut costs and feed your family healthy meals on a healthy budget! Looking forward to good responses!!!!!

Keep working out. Results aren't always quick to show but when they come, you'll know! Feel good about the woman you are becoming for yourself and your family! Til Tomorrow!

It was...

the video I thought. I can't believe it. That brain I pushed out three different times which makes me forget absolutely EVERYTHING hasn't failed me!

Leslie Sansone and her Walk Away The Pounds truly is a tough routine. With her circuit training paired with hand weights, you truly feel and see results after using it. When I first picked it up (again the Holt Library), I was skeptical, but being pregnant I wanted something "easy" and "light". Much to my surprise, Leslie did NOT fit the bill...at least not this work out...

For 30 minutes she switches from four types of walks (which you can make harder by adding a jump, bump or bounce), paired with handweights...I use 5 pounders, adding 10 pounds to the intensity.

By the half way mark, you are sweating and by the end you feel the work out not only in your legs and your arms but you feel the cardio work as well.

I highly recommend this work out for those who are getting back into workouts, this is also good for increasing the impact of your work outs. Try her sets, you'll see! Leslie Sansone may seem like she's working for the old ladies, but she can help you too!

The Videos of the Week

Everyone says...Jillian Michaels is tough, but after doing 2 new workouts this week, I think its all perspective. I did Bob Greene's "Boot Camp" and also "Denise Austin" Cardio Kickboxing and if you are giving it your all, these three are all "Bears" in my book!

So that leads me to my next thought....work out videos don't work...at least that is what a lot of people I meet say. My thought is, of course not, if you don't do them. I have found however, in the past 4 weeks that I have done them, I am seeing results. Serious ones. My size 4's are fitting again. I have lost a substantial amount of weight--(another 2.5 as of Friday). So, like anything, I think if you work it, it works for you! You know, those people that BUY the home equipment and don't use it, they don't lose it...so my tip for the day is USE IT TO LOSE IT!

I promised a review of yet another video, but I am slightly off on my reports. I have no idea which I promised next, so I am going to have to take a look...until then, today is Mother's Day...do something for YOU! I worked out this morning to Bob Greene and he made me feel good!

I skipped a day...

of working out...and I am nervous about this weekend. My parents are coming in and to be prepared I spent the day trying to clean the hosue for their arrival. This is no small task with landscapers galore, 3 children needing tending and of course the plethora of laundry that seems to accumulate whenever I am not looking. The baby was on her 3rd outfit by 9 a.m.

Anyway, I had intentions of working out. I am still in my workout clothes. But I just didn't get to it. Instead, after a tiring and overwhelming day I chose to go to McDonald's with my family. I was going to sit in the car not tempting myself with those fries that no one elses seem to come close to being like, but instead, I decided to go in...and enjoy. I chose a Happy Meal. I figure that serving size is perfect for an adult and though its only a "sometimes" food, it still allows me to create memories with my kids. They loved we got a 4th Mermaid to play with!!!!

And hopefully this weekend I will be able to get my workouts in. At least 2. One tomorrow and Saturday...that won't be so bad, and even if there are no work outs, there's always Monday!!!!!

How do YOU find time to work out in YOUR busy schedule. Share! I know a lot of mommies struggle with this balance!

Tasty Tuesday...Wednesday Morning

Since I have been on hiatus so long, I had forgotten to even think about posting for "Tasty Tuesday". You know, the day when we provide recipes for helful fare that both you and your children will devour? Over the lenten period Heidi and her family chose to give up meat...for us, we just started eating it ourselves :) My girls constantly asked for it and though I had been a veggie most of my life, my husband had only switched recently...so reluctantly we added meat to our weekly meals. Typically we eat it 2 or 3 times, leaving for veggie meals the remainder of our days!

Lately I am on a "Summer Kick". I am excited to say that this year we'll be planting a garden, and though its been many years since I have helped in one, I am hopeful by summers end we'll be dining on our own fresh goodies! I have also been noted to be the "Super Salad Maker". This started in college when I would cook for friends and enjoy it (oh how I love to cook). My chidren are known do pick "salad" while eating at a friends house over french fries.

My favorite meal of this past week was a salad that I not only ate for dinner but was lucky enough to finish off for lunch 2 days later. My dear friend Liane had noted that her "George Forman" was great for grilling chicken and while I don't own a grill or a "George Forman", I do have a "Cuisinart Griddler" This nifty thing has proved fun for lunches, breakfast for dinner and of course dinners themselves. After grilling 3 breasts of chicken--seasoned a la Ellie--read garlic salt, pepper, paprika and onion powder- (found a great organic, no antibiotic farm here), I simply chopped up the chicken laid it on a fresh bed of mixed greens and spinach and added mango, apple and avocado. Though I adore Bleu Cheese and felt it would be perfect on the salad, I knew the girls would prefer good old fashion Cheddar so we had that ont he side! I also found that the old theory of washing your greens and storing them in your salad spinner for added freshness is in fact true. Three days later, our leafy friends tasted wonderful and looked great as well! So I urge you to try this yummy meal and if you need something more hearty, fresh bread will always do the trick when adding it to any salad meal!

**Side note, we found Quorn to be wonderful in replacing chicken products. Though I have only found it at Wegman's here on the East Coast, the Lansing area has it in great supply. Kroger and The East Lansing Food Co-Op were some of our favorite places to pick it up!

ENJOY!

Stress, stress, and more stress (AKA the job hunt)

I know, I know....go ahead and yell at me. I've been MIA (again!) for the past week or so. I'm not going to deny it - I've had a rough week. I've managed to stick - for the most part - to my eating/drinking water goals, but working out has gone by the wayside. I'm hoping that tonight I can climb back on that treadmill and get in a good workout. I'd gotten up to 15 minute runs, and I'm anxious to get back at that. Keep your fingers crossed that the kids actually go to sleep when they're supposed to and I can get a workout in. The past two nights, they've really fought bedtime and don't fall asleep until after 9pm, which makes it really hard to get a workout in before I have to head to bed.

Why the difficulties sleeping, you may be wondering? Well, Mike started working nights this week. So, now, from Sunday through Thursday, I'm a single parent from 4:15 pm until about 7 am the next morning. This also means that most days, I'm a single parent trying to keep kids quiet so that he can sleep. I don't know how families that have a regular night-shift worker does it - I find it extremely difficult and trying.

My stress level recently has really been affecting my mood. Do you have that problem? I find that when I'm stressed, I don't have any motivation - and that's also been part of the problem with climbing onto the treadmill to workout. I need to figure out how to de-stress, though, because we're flying out to San Francisco in two weeks, and I HAVE to lose at least 5 pounds by then to be comfortable in my clothes.

Stress is pretty much a normal state of things in my life, but the past couple of weeks have been pretty overwhelming. After eating out with some friends, and a new friend from the Life Teen office in Arizona, our job plans for the future drastically changed. Before that meal, we'd really only been focusing on being able to pay off our debts relatively quickly, and trying to stay either where we are in Maine, or move to an area that's closer to family (either mine or Mike's). It was pretty cut and dry - and Mike had interviews lined up for really good positions, both in Maine and near family.

However, by the end of the meal, everything had changed. We were dining with some friends from within the Catholic Church here in Maine, and a staff member from Life Teen, which is an international program for Catholic youth. No matter how the conversation flowed, it always managed to come back to a few topics that *ironically enough* are main topics of conversation at our household. Mike is an OB/GYN, and to be a Catholic OB/GYN is pretty difficult these days. Most Catholic doctors that find themselves in the OB/GYN world end up living two separate personalities : one as a doctor and then one on the weekends as a practicing Catholic. What Mike decided, during that meal, was to stop living two separate lives. He is planning on truly identifying himself as a Catholic physician, and practicing medicine according to Catholic teachings (for those of you who don't really know what I mean by this, it means things like not performing abortions, or not prescribing birth control and teaching Natural Family Planning only).

We left that meal, incredibly excited for the possibilities, and scared to death as to what this would mean for our family's future. We were both SO excited to get to truly be ourselves at all times (see my earlier post about black and white vs gray), but considering how only 1% of Catholic OB/GYNs actually practice like that, it threw a bunch of "unknowns" into our next few years.

I can honestly say that I have been amazed with what has happened over the past two weeks. Mike has been offered two different interviews in prominent practices, and had the opportunity to talk with someone about starting his own NFP-only practice here in Maine. It seems that instead of a bunch of doors closing - tons more are opening.

The stress level is unbelievable, though, as we try to figure out how to make something work for our family. Trying to find financing for his own practice, or trying to find NFP-only practices who are looking to add another doctor on board has been tough. They're out there - and we have a really good feeling about one of them in particular for many reasons - but they're mostly not ones that meet our requirements of financial security and living near family or staying in Maine.

Trying to reconcile all of the new factors has caused me to fall victim of my normal stress coping mechanism: sleep. While sleep is not necessarily a bad thing, it kind of takes up a lot of valuable working out time. I've been sacrificing the workouts - that I know will make me feel SO much better - to go curl up in bed and sleep.

If you're a praying person and could add us to your prayer list, I'd appreciate it. Prayers for a "de-stressed" household would mean a ton!!

Quick Fit Hip Hop Dance...

Quick Fit and exercise don't seem to go well together, but as many mom's know, 2 hours in the gym is pretty much not something you can do, especially if you stay home. Perhaps if you work outside the home you can skip lunch (not so healthy) and go then...but at home, its almost as if "MORE" is required since that is all you do...stay home :) In any case, with 3 kids not yet of school age (I know we're a little big crazy), finding time to actually work out was something I didn't do. But like I said before, I was putting them, and my husband before myself and becoming more and more unhappy with myself, in turn making life less pleasant for us all. Kindly, my neighbor said to me last night..."you don't need to lose". And perhaps for health purposes I don't NEED to lose, but I am lucky I carry my weight well. In any case, "Quick Fit" was what I needed.

Quick Fit is a brand that gives you 3 work outs in 30 minutes. Some are areas that focus on problems..i.e. hips and thighs, post natal, abs, cardio...etc, but its all about getting in there getting it done and getting it out of there. The great thing is if you devote 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week, that is 3 hours...which is a great start. Add a few walks, and a couple of quick crunches and you are set...especially if you are busy and on the run (as ALL Americans seem to be).

The Quick Fit Hip Hop Dance is great. Its easy enough that me and my two left feet can follow along and intense enough I break a sweat. Once the moves are down (which apparently I have them as my oldest suggested I make my own video), you can intensify...how? Some weights. Either hand weights (2,3,5 pounds each) or wrap around weights. My oldest suggested to make it harder I blindfold myself but well, that just isn't an option. For $9.99 at Target, this video has become a staple in my rotation. That is right, my rotation. As my friend Janis can attest, I have always had this "work out video craze" and perhaps I am one of the few people the videos work for because I become obsessed!

If you are feeling you need to add some time, I have found the Wii Fit is a great added bonus. It also allows you go get in 10 minutes of Yoga or Strength when you are waiting for something or just have a couple minutes on your hands. So I suggest that as an added bonus for those really pushing it to look hot for YOURSELVES this summer :)

Tommorow I will be reviewing the "Walk Away the Pounds" videos by Leslie Sansone. Though low impact, I have one that gets me working up a sweat everytime! Check back to see if its on your shelf...or should be!

Another Week another Pound....

or not....I did a fantastic job the week before this dropping 7 pounds. As I said on Facebook, I did stop taking the pill, however I am not so sure all of it is water weight. I am still sitting at 138.1.Literally. No loss on ounces either strangely enough. So at least I did not gain. I have 9.9 pounds to go until my goal weight of a BMI of 19 AND a weight of 127. I have been faithful in my work out and more confident in my body. For the first time in probably 2 years I was able to put on a nightgown in front of my husband instead of sleeping in a t-shirt and sweats. Seems like a small thing but for me it was a huge accomplishment and I feel great about it! In fact, laying in bed last night I told him it felt good to not be covered in sweats :)

I did promise another reivew of a work out video and today is a FAV. If we were rating with stars, this would be 5 out of 5. I first found it through the Holt Library, within the Capital Area District Library. I then purchased it on Amazon, so its still out there folks...its the Quick Fit Post Natal Workout. I know, 14 months after the fact I am still using it but let me tell you about the good points. Its 3 ten minute work outs so if you can't do it all at once, you can spread it out through the day. This is a huge plus for busy families! It also focuses on different areas of the body. Mostly focusing on strength training so you are increasing lean muscle mass to burn more calories through the day. How have I made it tougher???? Increase weight. No, I do not recommend baby wearing during this however adding 5 or 10 pounds weights to the work out seems to have increased my strength and toned up my arms and back a bit. Sure, I still have a ways to go but I still feel this work out when I really push it and increase intensity. So, if you are post partum, or just getting back on the exercise horse, I recommend this work out to you!!!!!

Stay tuned tomorrow...for......my review of the Quick Fit Hip Hop Dance Review...if I can do it, with my "elephant" self, you too can get this one down and have fun!

Video Review

So how many of you have wanted to pick up a work out video at Walmart or Target wondering what it held behind that plastic cover? I think my obsession began with "The Grind" and moved into "Tae Bo" before I became a "workout video crazed" girl of the 90's.

So here I sit, 30 and owning about 20 videos. From "8 Minute Abs" to the "Quick Fit Post Natal" workout, I have it all. I have gone on wild binges making sure I use them daily, weekly, and monthly...but some of them just don't stand up. Some make me so sore I feel as if I've had a personal training session at Bally's (I used to work out there with a hot son of a gun) and others I could walk through with my eyes closed (read: my 3 year old can do it no problem). So I have decided I would share my favs with you!

I am starting with a popular one, shared with me by my friend C. She's a doll and a half in itself and this mom who is 8 months post partum looks awesome and motivates me to continue to work out as she's truly slimmed down and makes me ooh and ahhhh every week or so when I see her. This work out that has whipped her into shape and made me super sore on occassion is "Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred". With an uber intense 20 minute work out, the first time I tried it, I fell over after the 11th minute. Now I have a favorite of the three work outs (Phase 2) and enjoy sweating (big time) as I work away those areas that all women can shape! Personally, I feel if you are not in "semi-good" shape this video could seriously hurt you. So take it slow at first. But truth be told the $15.00 I spent at Target was totally worth it, and heck its about 1/5th of a months membership at the gym :)

Stay tuned for tomorrows review....The Quick Fit Post Natal Workout...and yes, I still use it 14 months later :)

Work Outs Work

So about 2 weeks ago, I got serious again. I figured I give my kids attention. I make sure they eat right, provide balanced meals for them, and I also make sure they get exercise through dance, tumbling, playing, and also ensure they are growing their minds heading to the library, reading, working on activities that help to enhance learning...why then do I ignore myself? When I do, I become sad. I don't want to move forward and be healthy, and I get into a rut. It had to change. With Summer coming I was still disappointed in my body. I was sad about the baby weight I had left to lose and I decided it was high time I ate healthfully and set aside 1/2 hour every day for ME to exercise. If it meant a little bribery, I was for it. Exercise for me, video for you!

With money tight, I had to go back to the good old fashioned videos. Yup. With a double jogger you can run, but with three girls too small to bike on their own, its not really realistic. We do love walking and hiking as a family so we use the double stroller then and sometimes even pop the third kid up front :) In any case, I had alway been skeptical about videos. Could they work? I have tested them and found out...yes, they do.

In the past two weeks I have been rotating through numerous videos. Jillian Michaels, Yoga Booty Ballet, the NYC Ballet Warm Ups, Crunch Series, and some others. I did try one that didn't suit my fancy but passed it along in hopes someone else could be happy with it. I have also included the Wii Fit in my day...and can get some step time in while my kids play around me :)

I began my quest at 140 pounds. I have not weighed that much except when pregnant, so really I had about 15 pounds to lose. I also "liked" Weight Watchers on Facebook looking for tips on how to eat healthfully and get myself feeling good about me. Not just "mom-me" but "ME".

Yesterday I hopped on the Wii Fit. Knowing my clothes were baggier and that I felt more toned, I was elated to see that I have lost 4 pounds in two weeks. YES. That means I am 136. Its not ideal, but its truly where I am right now...I figure with only 11 pounds to go by July, I'll be one HOT MOM :)

How Do You Save?

In this economy, a simple "slip up" can prove detrimental to family finances. That is what we're facing now. Even with my husband working for an amazing company, making amazing pay, we've hit a rock.

We purchased our home last year and though on the high end of our budget, it made sense. Our mortgage payment would only differe $50.00 from the other home available to us in our price range AND the taxes here would be lower. So it seemed like the best idea for our move to the east coast.

The East Coast, where everything is more expensive. Sure, I lived here as a kid however I wasn't in charge of finances. And though I knew my parents were careful, I didn't want for anything. I rode competitively, enjoyed a nice home, private school education and had everything I needed. SURE, I didn't get everything I wanted but such is life.

In October, our home began to leak. It has proved to be disasterous. Long story short, we've hired a company to fix what a well-known "high-end" landscape company messed up. About $16,000 later, we're sitting with mass piles of dirt and I am struggling to cut on food.

When grad school was over, the thing I looked forward to most was fresh food and veggies. I looked forward to being able to grocery shop without a calculator and not continue to eat rice and beans constantly. Its been wonderful. I have loved it.

On to now. We've decided we have to cut. And cut BIG TIME! So, we're taking drastic steps to rebuild our savings again. No more tumbling or art for the big girls. No trips to costly family events (read: hikes here we come), no vacation fund, good bye IRA Savings, good bye "fun money", good bye "dinners out", we're trying to rid ourselves of our phone and cable but we seem to be bound by contract, even though they are raising my rates. YES, we are in talks with the original company and we are hoping to recoup some of the money, but we need to plan how to do it without. So, here we are. Embarrassingly, I had to decline on a first communion party becasue we can't afford a gift. I also had to say "no" to a new mom and meal swap because we can't make extra meals. This has totally drained us. Our last step is to decrease our spending on groceries. So here I am wondering what I can do to scrimp and save. Currently I spend about $100.00 per week on groceries for our famil of 5. This includes produce, dairy, breads, meats and veggies....but how to continue to cut back without cutting health? Any suggestions?