Yesterday I wrote about my goals for the first three months. I decided it was time to put my 2012 goals down on paper. They are not resolutions. They are GOALS. They are something that I can strive toward. They are the direction that I want to move toward. Yeah, I'd like to complete those things. But the they are goals...attainable goals....and ones I will be striving toward!
I've been doing a lot of pondering lately. Pondering about money and it's affect on living a healthy lifestyle. I'm not destitute, but money is TIGHT. I'm not using this as an excuse for how I've been operating and the weight I've gained. I am the only one responsible....not the amount of money in my pocket, not someone Else's behavior toward me...it's all me. But back to the money... Because it is possible to be healthy and to thin if you have no money. But it's come to my mind that it's much easier if money is a flowing a bit more 'happily'.
Let me start at the beginning. For the longest time I've had on my bucket list to complete a triathlon. A few things have held me back. 1. I've been scared to take the first step. 2. I have no clue how to go about doing it. but 3. I don't have the money needed to outfit myself. (I need a road bike....and some coaching...because I highly doubt the doggie paddle would be sufficient...plus I would need to have a place TO swim). So when I saw the blurb on CNN that talked about trying to be one of the contestants I jumped at it.....because they were going to give a bike and supply the coaches and whatnot...my eyes lit up! I could kill two birds with one stone and of course since I would be doing it in front of the world....I'd have to face my fears and just do it!
I've been advised to not wait for some random person to decide my fate...to train for a triathlon myself. My brother also offered to train with me (from a distance...I'd be training in MD he would be training in IN) and do a tri with me. But the same problem comes up. I need a road bike......I don't have the money to buy a decent on. Decent ones START at $700. I don't have the money to ....... You get the drift. But that started my current state of pondering the correlation between obesity and economic status.
Food. I know that they say that it's just as easy to eat healthy as it is to eat junk food. But seriously? Who came up with that. I go to the grocery store and I spend around 5 bucks for a bag of grapes. I could go as cheap as a buck for a bag of chips (OK OK OK, at an Aldi's or other discount store...and maybe it's a buck fifty or two bucks....but STILL). Those two items last about the same....yet the grapes were double the price! (Yes, I know...buy in season...but 'in season' in the middle of the winter isn't happening....in the summer yeah, I can pick up in season stuff and it puts it a BIT closer to being even...but still not quite).
The grocery store example not enough? Fast food.....cheap cheap cheap. Honestly, it is cheaper than most other options!
Weight watchers? The program works! But it costs money. How many other programs are out there that do work...but they cost money. Yes, the concept is free. Calories in versus calories out...have a deficit and you lose. But those programs assist. Are they necessary? NO Are the beneficial? Yes, many times yes.
Lets look at exercise. I've already talked about purchasing a decent road bike.....starting at $700. Todd and I had for years been members at various gyms. To the tune of sixty bucks a month! (for the two of us). We did pare back for a few years and did the ultra cheap gym and that took us to an average (including yearly fees of about $30 a month for the two of us. Better but still it adds up and hurts the wallet when you are really tight on money. YES, walking is cheap. And yes, I do have a bike that is a great bike....for it's purpose...but for the direction I want to go, it's not going to suffice. And I'll be OK...I have those things, I have videos in my arsenal and such (thank goodness I have a stockpile of videos and stuff from when we did have more money) But what if I didn't?
What if I didn't? I know that I dont' like the economic constraints put upon me with the healthy lifestyle that i want to live. I'm not pushing forward toward things that i really want to do because of them. I'm constantly searching for ways to circumvent the financial issues....but I'm still forced to reconcile myself to them and put certain dreams on hold. How many other people are in the same boat? How many other people have dreams of healthy lifestyles but are hamstrung by their finances. I'm lucky...I have those videos sitting at my house. I'm lucky......we are not destitute, we may have to scrap it together some months, but we both consider it important enough to pay for the healthy foods. I'm lucky, I have a bike that i CAN ride, even if it's not what I need for my future goals. I have that. But what if I didn't?
5 comments:
It's insane how cheap fast food is compared to healthy foods. Have you seen Food Inc? If not, I really recommend it .. that's a very important documentary about the American food industry!
With my hubs on disability I also find money tight! And there are times when cheap food it was it needed! I have been slowly but surely stocking the freezer with extras that I've cooked and that both of us like.
It's definitely not going to be an easy year but it's going to be a fantastic one :)
I also face the same challenges with money and it really does impact my waist line. However I joined my local farmers market so on top of the feel good, helping the community high I get I also receive discounted seasonal fresh produce each Saturday which I found really helps the old back pocket. However the issue I find most annoying with regard to healthy food costs verses bad food costs; the perishable aspect. I can buy cheap junk food and store it in my cupboard and fridge for a few weeks at a time however buying fresh produce each week means that I have to cook and eat the food straight away otherwise it starts going rotten and the worst feeling ever is when you forget about produce and find some revolting brown sludge oozing out the fridge AAHHHHH night mare!
Also good luck with your tri I also wanted to look at trying my luck at one end of next year but I'm far too scared that I won't be capable to do it so I haven't listed it as a goal its a dream at this stage :/ I look forward to updates on your progress it will hopefully inspire me to have a go too.
Good luck
xx
Now MF, I have to disagree with you a little. Grapes at Aldis are nowhere near 5 bucks. Anywhere else, then sure. The produce prices at Aldis are awesome and while they may not offer quite the variety, you can't usually beat the cost. As for fast food, with a big family here's another thing I can tell you. I can make a perfectly healthy meal for much less cost than buying fast food for my whole family. My problem with fast food is the convenience of it, not the cost. As for the road bike...check out a good reputable bike shop. You may find something used for much less. Ebay too. Road bikes are pricey, especially if you're looking for new. At the end of the day, ultimately what you eat and how much exercise you get comes down to the decisions you make. Not how much money you have at your disposal. You know I love you to pieces! I have every confidence you will succeed and I think you should take your brother up on his offer. Hugs.
I have tried to leave a post for you using my wordpress but it keeps telling me I cannot do such a thing as I don't belong to it grrr....
Third time lucky. LOL I am sure you are going to achieve your goal this year coming. I do agree with one of the comments in the fact that I am sure you would be able to find a second hand bike that might fit your price range.
You are an amazing woman and what I have read so far makes me know that you are going to achieve all that comes your way.
Chubbymumnomore
chubbymumnormore.wordpress.com
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