The Cost of Getting Healthy

We've all said it.
"I've tried everything, nothing works for me."
"It costs too much to eat healthy."
"I can't afford a gym."
And whole mess of other excuses.

But have we ever thought about what being unhealthy might be costing us? Time, energy, inability to carry out God's plans for our lives or even our actual lives.

Our bodies, while they aren't going with us when we go, they need to carry us for the time we do have here on earth. Sometimes we are required to sacrifice "things" and prioritize our health, our very life.

And now for the kicker. GETTING HEALTHY DOES NOT HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE. Walking, it's free. (I also know a couple of free classes if your local.) Pinterest? Lots of great at home, no equipment workouts can be found there, free. There are free apps with daily workouts. Of course gym memberships or work out videos are great investments too. Any workout I have ever purchased I have planned for a saved for, they usually aren't spur of the moment purchases. But, I digress.

And then there is food. Well, I have two thoughts on the cost of healthy eating.
1. You have to plan.
2. The cheap stuff, it isn't real food.

Let's work backwards. The cheap stuff. If you can't pronounce most of the ingredients, it is no longer food. It is a concoction made in a lab, processed to stimulate your taste buds and pleasure sensors in your brain. It does not provide your body with nutrients to build muscle, grow hair, replenish skin cells, or fight sickness. It tastes good. End of story. And please hear me here. There are PLENTY of processed foods that I think are delicious. I will probably never give them all up. It's about learning the value of a calorie (that is another blog post for another day!). Have occasional treats when nutritional goals are being met. Choosing to potentially spend a little more to give my body calories it can actually use just makes sense to me. But if you learn to plan well, I bet you won't be spending more... and you will feel so much better!

Which brings me back to number one, you have to plan. You may have to cut coupons and watch for sales to help you plan. Yes, I know, it's frustrating, fresh meats, fruits and veggies rarely have coupons, but you can still find deals. Items close to expiring are always marked down. Buy extra meat when it is on sale for much cheaper and freeze it. Use beans and rice, they are cheap and go a long way. Plan your week around a store ads. Some stores price match. And a sensitive topic, but important one, stop catering to the tastes of every person at every meal. One meal for everyone. Encourage kids (and spouses) to try everything, every time you fix it. I guarantee their taste buds will come around eventually on most things. (Now, there are sensory issues, that's totally different. And it's likely not going to change.) This all comes from a very picky eater herself, who is trying really hard to continue trying new foods, cooked different ways. Try to cook things a variety of ways until you find a way most of your family (or you) enjoy that dish.

Bottom line?
You are a one of a kind creation of God. You are worth whatever it takes to keep you and your family healthy. Could this require sacrifice in other areas such as finances or time? Possibly. You are worth it.
"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." 1 John 4:9-11 (and ourselves!)

God has plans for your life. Being healthy is important to being able carry out these plans, to live an abundant life. (John 10:10)

Is it worth it?

An Apology of Sorts

Is it possible to be sorry, not sorry and genuinely mean it in a good way? I hope so because I don't know how else to describe this.

I am sorry if I ever mistakenly lead anyone to believe Beachbody workouts AND/OR Shakeology is the ONLY way to get healthy. This was never, ever my intention and I really tried never to portray this. I however am not sorry to offer any of these products as a tool for use in your journey towards being as healthy as you can. I firmly believe Beachbody has some of the best home fitness products available.

With that said, for now I am slowing down on coaching. NOT STOPPING. Slowing down. Anyone who has purchased or would lie to purchase, I am still 100% here for you. The day to day aspect of coaching is very time consuming, as a single mom who works full time and is an active church member, I just can't make it fit at the moment.

A few months ago, I was also asked to consider partnering up with some friends and offering some women's fitness classes at our church. I knew if I committed I could not manage both opportunities, at least not during basketball season.

When I started coaching Beachbody my mission was this:

I have dreamt about a way to help other people get healthy. I've thought about leading a small group geared towards fitness and/or nutrition, or just accountability (and that's still not out of the question). However, I feel that Beachbody coaching could potentially (be a big flop ;) ) or lead me to help people I would never have the chance to help any other way while encouraging those I already know as well. While Beachbody workouts have been a great tool I've utilized during this weightloss journey, my God has been even bigger source of strength. - from my blog post I Have an Announcement

I have learned sooo much while coaching and wouldn't trade the experience so far for anything. I have started an accountability group that is still going (you are welcome to join!). I get to talk to people all of the time about my journey. I have prayed long and hard and believe this face to face opportunity lines up closer with my personality and my desire to help people change their lives (in more ways than one!) I am also likely abandoning my "Like" page for the time being (if we aren't friends, please friend me!). Not sure, I don't want to overwhelm people with fitness stuff on my page, but I was often posting both places just so it could be seen. Maybe my blog will make a return, I have missed it so much.

Thank you to every single one of you that have supported me and I look forward to sharing the next leg of my journey with you!

*Added note: I wrote this blog 5 days ago and never published it. After much anxiety today I began to feel God leading me to post this blog that he intended me to publish days ago. Freedom comes in obedience!