Losing weight is expensive. At least, creating a healthier lifestyle can be. When I first started on this journey I really did not spend a lot of extra money. It was all about making small changes that easily fit into my normal existence and that didn’t tend to cost a lot.
But soon, the pounds started coming off and my first financial concern cropped up when I realized the sheer amount of clothing that I needed to replace, and which I would need to continue renewing as I lost more weight. Then, slowly, the price of small exercise accessories – weights, DVD’s, and a yoga mat – started adding up. Over the last few months I have suddenly had to start factoring the cost of classes and team sports into our budget. And now, the pursuit of such hobbies is resulting in a serious cash flow issue as I discover exactly how much money can be spent on obtaining proper athletic equipment.
It never occurred to me that getting healthier would end up being so pricey. I was anticipating experiencing such problems in a minor way when it came to choosing better foods, for example, but I never actually noticed a big difference in the grocery bill. And the cost of joining a gym simply wasn’t a factor for me because I did the majority of my initial workouts at home. The financial aspects of this journey just sort of snuck up on me!
I do know that I don’t actually need to spend a lot to continue on this path. I am quite capable of losing the weight and maintaining my loss while working out at home. I can purchase used clothing. I don’t have to buy expensive items to be fit.
But, like I said, it’s about changing my lifestyle. I am in the midst of creating something different for myself. I am working to develop something that will last long after the pounds cease to drop away and which will, hopefully, serve to keep activity as an easily accessible part of my long-term routine. This is about shaping my future, and I think that deserves a little investment.
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
- 9 glasses of water
- 2 3/4 cups spinach salad with croutons, dried cranberries, tomato, red pepper, and calorie-wise Greek feta and oregano dressing
- 1 small Mandarin orange
- 1 banana
- 1/2 coconut ambrosia health bar
- 3 cups Caesar salad with Parmesan cheese, bacon pieces, and croutons
- 1 pear
- 1/3 cup fat free peach yogurt
EXERCISE:
- 1 hour and 5 minutes of jogging with walking warm up, intervals, and cool down (50 minutes of actual jogging)
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I was thinking about this too! In my new way of eating food, I have to incorporate 2 veggie dishes, one protein dish everyday. I was thinking how its gonna cost me big bucks! And I am not even starting out on fruits. Eating healthy is surely more expensive then junk! No wonder people are getting obese!
ReplyDeleteI actually spend less on food now that we're eating better BUT ... I did eventually get the gym membership, did pick up a few sports related expenses but they are all one time investment kind of things like tennis racquets, kettlebells, etc. Then there are perpetual expenses like work out clothes and decent running shoes!
ReplyDeleteMy problem is I'm a gadget girl. I don't have anything fancy but I'm DYING to get a QUALITY heart rate monitor and things of that nature. Maybe a Garmin or the Nike + ... awesome. Sure, I don't NEED them ... AT ALL. But the heart wants what the heart wants, you know? lol )
Great post! I've been thinking about these very things as well. Taking care of ME and this lifestyle change is requiring different things. I too, haven't noticed a real big change in the grocery bill, due to the mere fact that we are no longer grabbing fast food all of the time. Also, preband, I was a 2 a day Mt Dew drinker, and now I don't drink any soda at all, so that's a savings.
ReplyDeleteBut....I do spend more time planning meals and finding better things to eat, and then actually buying them too.
Planning when to exercise, and where and what all takes time too. Being a single Mom of 3, I've never really put myself at the top of my list, but am finding I need to do that more.
BTW...just found your blog, can't wait to go back and read it from the beginning. You and I started at very similar places. You are doing so well!
I hear ya.
ReplyDeleteHeart rate monitor: $80
Gym monthly: $40
Personal Training x2week: $120
Bi-weekly Food (just for me): $160
It adds up fast. But, you know it is totally worth it.
Cheers,
Missa
LosingEthel
I know! I wish healthy food was cheaper! :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are doing so great! Come by my health blog when you get a chance:
http://www.choose2livechoosehealth.blogspot.com
Whoa, are you in my mind right now? This is so at the forefront of my thinking. Mostly because I just embarked on a trainer and it's costing me a small nation every week (at least it seems that way).
ReplyDeleteI went from playing WoW everyday at $15.95 a month to spending multiple hundreds a month to keep up with this journey. It's a little intimidating. My husband thinks a trainer once a month is sufficient...I think twice a week isn't enough. He thinks a gym membership is a good investment but only for one of us (me).
I'm going to have to switch to trainer just once a week at the beginning of the month because at $55 a session those little buggers add up.
In the end, it is totally worth it. I'll probably save myself hundreds of thousands of dollars by avoiding weight related medical problems. I wish the government would give me a cut on some of the money I'm saving them!
I think you are on the right track. Someone close to me experiences about $1000 a month in weight related medical issues. Diabetes, apnea, thyroid, etc. This person also is without insurance. Their premiums got to be upwards of $2000 a month and a $10000 dollar deductible. They have endured cancer operations with no insurance.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what caused their cancer for sure, but diet sodas several times a day with a Southern diet didn't help. Not to mention being morbidly obese.
Anyway, long story short, health is worth the ounce of prevention. I can't afford the pound of cure.
Wow! You all just put me in awe with all the stories you shared! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your journeys!
ReplyDeleteAnd I hate to admit it, but when I wrote this post I wasn't even considering the way in which it will save me large health related costs later on; I guess I just didn't flush out the topic in my mind as much as I could have. Thank you for giving me so much to think about and be thankful for!