BEASTIN' & FEASTIN' Days 7-8: Find success in every "failure"!

Are you ready to learn the key to everlasting success and happiness? Alright, here it is: stop FAILING!

I don't believe in failure. The word itself bears such a negative burden that I never use it to describe myself in any way. Mistakes? Sure, I make those all the time. But, there's a big difference. When you say you have "failed" it means you were unsuccessful or lacking in some way. You fell to the bottom and have to start over. No way. When you've made a mistake, you analyze it, learn from it, and pick up just where you left off. No starting over, none of that "back to square one" bullshit. I don't fail, I move forward. Always.

If you worry about failing, you will fail. Repeatedly. That's the name of the game. Put that negative energy towards building yourself up and reminding yourself:

1. where you've come from
2. where you're going
3. who you were
4. who you are
5. who you want to be

Always end on that last one. Let it marinate and stew for awhile. Imagine yourself there already. You have achieved your career goal, your personal goal, your relationship goal, your ultimate life goal. Imagine it. Close your eyes and see it. Now ask yourself why that can't be your reality? Go ahead, ask!

Is it because you're afraid? You don't feel like you deserve it? You're not good enough? You're not ready? You don't have enough support? You're uninspired? Or, did you not come up with a reason? BINGO! Because there isn't one. Not a single one.

Ok, back to the food and such. This blog is turning into Self Love 101! 

Partnered "Angie" on Sunday. I like working in groups and pairs but only when the person I'm working with can turn it up like me...otherwise, I find it a little frustrating! 

Smashed carrots with lamb leg steaks and cauliflower rice with kale. Easily the most amazing meal I've had in awhile. I love lamb! 

Steamed broccolini, pan seared pork chops with caramelized onions and mushroom, and a side of cauliflower rice with shredded carrots. 

I started the week with a HUGE bowl of this in my fridge. My post-workout go to. Tuna and egg salad with arugula, carrots, and avocado. Homemade mayo makes it SO GOOD! 

In terms of the feastin' I've got my calorie intake up and steady. It only took about 2 weeks and my appetite is now so monstrous I swear it sometimes interferes with my day! Haha. In fact, I'm hungry right now. As for the beastin'...so what I'm noticing is that my body is so used to working out a certain way that I'm having trouble with some of the technicalities in CrossFit. My cardio game is on point. I can double under all day if I needed to. And run for hours. Bodyweight exercises are cake for me too. Give me a rope, I'll climb it. Put a box in front of me, I'll jump it. BUT...put a barbell in my hands and all of a sudden my body becomes confused and starts fighting with my head. Cleans are challenging for me. It's like my arms want to do all the work even though my mind knows what the correct form looks and feels like. I get tight all over and it seems like certain muscle groups just want to shut off completely. I'm hesitating and I don't know why. What I do know is that I have to be more patient with myself. It's going to take practice and I understand that. It's just that this is all so new and exciting that sometimes this feels like a setback even though I know it's not. I can't be great at EVERYTHING, nor do I strive for that. I set goals based on what's important to me and I work towards them. So look out CLEANS...I'm coming for you! 

BEASTIN' & FEASTIN' Days 5-6: The Power of Routine!

Today marks the end of "Week 1" and I feel amazing. More amazing than before if you can believe that's possible. Life just keeps getting more and more AMAZING! :)

I have incorporated a couple of SIMPLE new routines into my day to help me stay focused and get the most out of my time. I find that I'm a multi-tasker and I KNOW that's not an efficient way of thinking. I've been decluttering in every sense of the word: mental housekeeping, cleaning out my closet, clearing the garage so I have more workspace, getting rid of excess "things" like our extra refrigerator and microwave that we rarely use, etc. Lots and lots of clearing the way for better things.

This is what my morning routine looks like: 

• stretch
• read one chapter in the sun (on my favorite spot on the couch) 
• 2 cups of tea
• daily goals

This is what my evening routine looks like: 

• prepare for morning
• self affirmations/meditation
• cuddle time

The time in between I focus on the daily goals I define for myself each morning by selecting my top three most important tasks for my long list of things to do. This routine has brought so much clarity and organization to my madness I can't imagine how I thought my chaotic methods were working before! I'm getting through all the books I have had stacked up in my office, I'm spending more quality time with myself and my partner, my house stays clean, my workspace is clear, my fridge is brimming with prepared foods and planned meals, my cat is happier, I feel so much more at ease, and I'm actually GETTING SHIT DONE instead of just thinking I am. 

Lunch at Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe on Friday. I ate some of those corn crisp strips and they tasted so good! Sucks that I was burping corn like crazy 4 hours later as my body STRUGGLED to digest the corn. I was feeling it all night. Too bad... 

My baby made me breakfast post-workout Saturday morning! Chicken sausage with red kale, red onions, mushrooms and over easy eggs all cooked in home-rendered pork fat...my FAVE!!!

Saturday Pinole Farmer's Market haul. I'm gonna make a huge batch of cauliflower rice, can't wait!!

My meals have been quick and dirty lately. Just the way I like it. Lunch on Saturday: leftover turkey and veggie pasta sauce with avocado. So easy, so nutritious, and so DELISH!

Just thought I'd throw this in here since I came up it a couple of days ago. This photo is from 2003, and that's me on the far right. I was a size 18 and weighed about 300lb. Apparently I "carried the weight well"...people say such stupid things in an attempt to comfort larger people...

BEASTIN' & FEASTIN' Days 3-4: My breasts don't make me a woman...

It's quite amazing to see your own body transform before your very eyes. I've seen my body grow, shrink, loosen, tighten, stretch, compress, hang, lift, and shift. And while I used to wear a size 40DD, I'm now at a point where I can walk around in a tank top with no bra and be completely comfortable. Ask me if I'm mad about this...it's SUCH a freeing feeling. I love it. My breasts used to cause me so much discomfort and be the focal point of too many instances of sexual harassment. I still embraced them though, because they were mine and part of me. And in fact, I LOVED being large-chested. It was fun! ;)

The results of beastin' and feastin' have literally been immediate. My pants all fit differently; they are loose in the waist and tight on the thighs and hips...a problem I have never had before. My t-shirts are tighter at the sleeves. Hell, even my underwear are feeling too small. This ain't no joke. My partner says she can see I am definitely slimmer and more defined. I feel like I can FEEL my muscles now. Like, I can feel my biceps when my arms are resting at my sides. I feel my glutes when I sit and stand. I feel my hamstrings when I walk. I feel my traps when I reach for a glass in the cabinet. I FEEL my body in such a different, new, and exciting way! I can't explain how amazing it is. But you want to know the craziest thing about it? I feel more like a woman now than I ever have before. And I know it's because my body confidence is through the roof. When I was larger, I was "comforted" by comments like "Oh you're a size 18? Well the average woman wears a 12-14 so it's not like you're that much bigger" and "I'm so jealous of your big boobs, mine are so small, you get all the attention from guys" or "Be proud of your size, women are supposed to have extra meat on their bones."  But none of that mattered because I HATED my body. And here's the thing: I don't care how large the average woman is in her waist, chest, or ass. There is NOTHING average about me, and I embrace that every day. I also don't think there is a certain way women are "supposed to be"...what about those women who develop a slender body frame without a defined waist.  They don't have curves; does that make them less of a woman? Is a woman who stands 5'7" and weighs 140lb less of a woman than another of the same height weighing 240lb? I love my new body. I love being able to out-lift grown MEN in my gym. I love being toned. I love my curves. I love my slim waist and thick thighs. I love my butt. I love my long, strong legs. I love my arms. I love that my abdominal muscles are showing. I love my little breasts (which USED to be a little on the saggier side after I lost a lot of weight but now they are perkier than I could have ever dreamed because of my developed chest muscles). I love my body and I love being a strong, sexy woman. Period.

On to the meat and (sweet) potatoes!

I love my new gym! I am literally battered and bruised to no end but out-shining everyone in my class is so rewarding to me. I'm a HUGE fan of healthy competition. Working out with others is the biggest motivator for me!

My appetite is growing like wildfire! I am SO hungry during the day now. I'm averaging over 600cal per meal and loving it! I feel so energized and nourished. My skin is GLOWING!!

My first watermelon of the season. Holy crap it was so good! Perfect after-workout recovery food!!

4th of July breakfast. I didn't eat crap this day, why would I? I'm celebrating my freedom to live a happy, healthy life!

Meal planning and prepping for the week included 2lb of turkey tomato sauce packed with veggies. I'm on a collard green kick right now, I put it in EVERYTHING!

My favorite thing to do, help others gain kitchen confidence! Rose was fascinated by my sweet potato lasagne so I showed her how to make it! 

BEASTIN' & FEASTIN' Days 1-2: Power cleans, burpees, and bacon OH MY!

So yesterday I started training at a new gym, Hercules CrossFit. Now, I'm gonna be honest...I've kind of been avoiding jumping on the CF wagon for several reasons. The main one: it's costly. But now that I've got my grocery budget steady around $400/month for TWO PEOPLE, I have cleared the way to continue splurging on my body. Oh, in case you missed it, check out my blog from a few weeks ago about how I keep my grocery bills so low and still eat local, organic, sustainable, clean foods!

The second I walked into HCF, I fell in love. It's clean, doesn't stink, the groups are small, you get individualized attention, it's welcoming, the music is BUMPIN' and always hip-hop (mega SCORE!), and everyone is friendly and encouraging. It's a perfect set-up for someone who wants to learn CF or who may be intimidated by it (which is very common).

Truth is, I love CF! But from my experience joining classes or doing trial memberships at a few places around the Bay I sensed a bit of an elitist attitude and that really turned me off. It was like a cult, a cult of "superior eating and training Gods and Goddesses." I did NOT like it. So, I let it simmer for awhile; learned the basics on my own and started incorporating them into my workouts. I noticed a difference right away. My body leaned out, my muscles grew, my endurance was phenomenal...I felt light, fast, and powerful for the first time in my life. Straight up athlete status! That was about 3 years ago. My body slowly transformed over that time and with it, my diet.

First time rope climbing in my life...and I made it up to and over that green mark. I could have gone all the way up! 

When I started my weight loss journey about 6 years ago, I quickly learned that carbs were the enemy. Soda was the first thing to go. Then, I slowly started changing my habits. Exercising more, cooking at home more, learning about food and nutrition, dining out less, and eating more fruits and vegetables. I didn't do that all at once. I started small. Slow and steady. That's what leads to sustainable change. So, this idea about carbs is now pretty much ingrained in me. And ever since "cleaning" up my diet last year, my carb intake dropped even more significantly. However, now that my goal has shifted from weight loss, to weight gain, I have to reestablish my relationship with carbs. I need more of them, a lot more. And it's really messing with my head!

Just like with all the goals I set for myself, I'm starting small. Increasing my intake by about 100 calories  per week. Eating more is HARD, especially while maintaining my clean diet, and doubly hard after I've introduced intermittent fasting into my life. I simply cannot eat 3,000 cal in 8 hours or less. I have, however, found a few ways to get my intake up that don't require me gorging on burritos, rice, or protein powder shakes:

• waking up earlier
• training earlier (which makes me hungrier)
• exercising more
• adding more fats to my meals
• adding more carbs to my meals
• getting more sleep

Breakfast yesterday: chocolate shake made with coconut water, chia seeds, frozen banana, and pure unsweetened cocoa powder.  and a heaping pile of kale, veggies, and spicy chicken sausage with sweet potato 

Dinner last night.

Today, I implemented a few of these ideas and it was a HUGE success. I reached my calorie consumption goal! SO exciting! I woke up at 6:30am after going to bed at 9:30pm (WOO HOO, 9 hours of sleep!), got all my work done for the day by 9am. Ate breakfast, enjoyed a strenuous (super hilly) bike ride to the gym, worked my ass off, and then rode back, a 7 mile ride in total. Had I known we were going to be doing power cleans for 20 minutes, I probably would have not rode my bike. My ass is SO sore! Like, crazy sore! 

Pre-workout!

Post-workout! 

Post workout cold tuna salad: SO GOOOOOOD!!!

Appetizer before a big dinner :)

Alright, I'm checkin' out. Gotta be up at 5am for spin class tomorrow! Woot woot! :)

 

Easy Mayo!

Did I say easy?

That's actually an understatement. This homemade mayo takes 5 minutes to make and keeps for up to 4 weeks so long as you store in a clean, airtight container and use clean utensils when dipping into it! 

What you need

• 1 egg at room temperature
• 1.5 tbs lemon juice
• 1 cup olive oil

What to do

1. Add egg and lemon juice to a food processor or immersion blender reservoir. 
2. Switch on and blend until frothy.
3. Add oil in a SLOW, thin, steady stream. 
4. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for several hours before using. This recipe makes 18oz so make sure your container is large enough. Refrigeration allows it to cool and set. 

I use this to make egg salad, tuna salad, as a spread on my lettuce leaf sandwiches or portobello bun burgers, etc. You can even add things like mustard, Sriracha, honey, or spices to it for various flavored spreads! Have fun! :) 

Step 2: Flip the Switch!

So as you may know, I have this random goal of attaining 20% body fat. Random because why 20%? Why not. I like goal setting. I love challenges. And I am impressed with and in awe of my body on a daily basis. It feels natural for me to be lean and strong. I build muscle quickly, as if my body thirsts for it. I am so in love with my physical being and that is something I have never EVER been able to say in my 28 years of life. I want to see how far I can go...

If you remember from my past few blogs about me tracking my macros and calories, I was worried about having to increase my intake. I knew it was inevitable, because that's the only way to increase muscle mass. Well...thank mother nature for the season of summer because berries, melons, and stone fruits are the ONLY kinds of fruits I can consume without suffering from painful bloating and gas. I can eat about 1/4 of a banana with no problem as long as it's nearly brown, and mixed with a good amount of fats (like from coconut) and water. Any more than that, or if I eat it on it's own...well let's just say I don't do that. I can't. Apples, pears, pineapple, etc...they all cause the same reaction. It would seem as though I might have some mild form of fructose sensitivity. But, I'll worry about that later. I am just fine without a lot of fruit. Except that NOW, it's a HUGE help in getting my calorie intake up! Like, major. I'm putting fruit in my salad, eating it whole, making smoothies, adding it to breakfast, etc. It's awesome. And I find that eating more carbs (I was keeping it around 100 because that allowed me to burn stubborn body fat and break my last plateau...although that number is sort of ambiguous, it's what worked for ME) is also improving my already phenomenal energy levels and definitely granting me increased performance at the gym. Win, win! Love my carbs!

So my meals are starting to look a bit different than how they did before. Here's what my tummy has been enjoying lately:

Juicy organic, grass-fed local beef burger on a portobello mushroom with homemade chipotle aioli, sautéed veggies, cilantro, avocado, and BACON!

Grilled Dover Sole over mixed baby greens with red bell peppers and a side of oven roasted Brussels sprouts with onions and BACON! 

HUGE salad...so delicious. Packed with veggies, fruit, and seeds.

Another huge salad with hardboiled eggs and BACON!

Smoked salmon wrapped carrots and Persian cucumbers

Egg-in-avocado bake and an egg white and chard scramble with BACON!

My favorite treat!!! White peaches!!!!!!!

Cauliflower rice loaded with veggies, cooked in butter, and tossed with BACON. And a runny egg on top of course.

Spicy chicken sausage with spinach, onions, and steamed sweet potato. My favorite pre-workout breakfast! 

As you can see, my meals are increasing in volume and I'm eating a lot more bacon. Basically that's it. Ha! No I'm also getting more carbs in with sweet potatoes, carrots, and fruit. I almost never eat whole fruits so this is big for me. And I'm getting more fats by increasing the amount I cook with. You can't tell in all the photos but there's quite a bit of clarified butter, coconut oil, and bacon fat happening right now and my heart and muscles are happy for it.

Now, in terms of the exercise component. I'm going to be changing that game quite a bit. If you want your body to change, you have to change your actions. So, I'll be joining a 6 am spin class twice per week. Two mega changes there: I don't normally workout until the late morning/early afternoon AND my usual cardio consists of sprints or tabata style intervals. 

I hold myself accountable by adding things to my calendar. I have MEGA OCD so if I see it in there, consider it DONE! 

I'm also going to start training at a new gym, Hercules CrossFit. They are 3 miles from my house so I'll be able to ride my bike which is awesome. My workouts usually consist of CF style exercises and routines BUT I haven't been under the supervision of a CF certified trainer in over 3 months so that'll be a big change: I'm going to be pushed to my limit on a more regular basis again. I. CAN'T. WAIT!

You spend HOW MUCH on groceries?

Ok, I get HEAPS of folks asking me about my grocery budget and how I afford to eat locally, organically, and sustainably. Let's start off with a few facts:

• I'm 100% self-employed. 
• I'm 100% self-taught. Yes I have certifications but most of what I have learned in my formal education regarding nutrition was tainted by the government (USDA) so I don't believe, follow, or promote it. Personal experience is what has brought me to where I am today.
• I did not grow up developing healthy eating habits.
• I average $400/month for my 2-person household. I shop and cook for myself and my partner.

Now, let's get to the process. My health is my number one priority. Period. Given that, I happily dedicate a large amount of my expense budget to food. If that means I don't buy any new clothes for several months to a year, I really don't care. Truly. In the long run, how does buying new clothes contribute to my health and happiness? "Real" foods (meats, vegetables, fruits, etc) that are not organic are often loaded with chemicals from fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides which can cause allergies, pain, inflammation, rashes, hair loss, neurological conditions, hormonal imbalances, and a whole slew of other problems. And the antibiotics and growth hormones they contain can wreak havoc on our immune systems and cause cancer. Do I really want to take my chances with any of that? Hell no!

What follows are the strategies I personally use to make the most out of every penny I spend for food. I realize that this list is in NO way comprehensive, nor will it include many ideas and actions other people take that also contribute to a lower financial impact while shopping and eating clean. For instance, I don't grow my own food, YET, so you won't see it on this list. Do I think it's an amazing thing that we should all look into doing? Absolutely. These are all the tools I currently use, not suggestions based on what I've heard or read. Alright, are you ready?

1. Educate Yourself

We are responsible for our health and the health of our planet. Period.

• Ask questions. If you can't find the information you're looking for, ask for help! Don't just settle on a product because you're unsure. Ask the butcher, ask the store employee, ask a manager, ask the cook, ask the server, ask the host, ask the farmer...ASK!

• Read labels! Know what's in your food, where it originally came from, when and where it was processed, and what other foods were processed with or near it. All of that is important information and I can tell you those facts for almost everything I consume. Get informed! 

The patty you're eating contains beef from multiple cows from multiple countries. YUCK!

The ingredients in Blue Bunny sugar free ice cream...a whole lotta CRAP! 

2. Saving at Home

Of course we should start at the home, because that's where the REAL magic happens:

• Seal and set your fridge. My veggies (including leafy greens) last up to two weeks in my fridge because the seals are clean and tight, the produce drawers are set to the proper settings, and the temperature is a cool, consistant 35 degrees. Read this and this to learn more about a properly sealed fridge and temperature/humidity controls. I wrap my greens and fresh herbs in paper towels to soak up moisture and line my drawers with kitchen towels. It keeps my fridge both dry and clean! 
• Understand the requirements of your food. Nut flours, many oils, and most raw nuts and seeds should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator to avoid going rancid from oxidation, or exposure to light or high temperatures. Storing leftovers in glass containers eliminates the risk of the chemicals from plastics contaminating the food and air molecules or bacteria permeating through the walls of the container. Check out this great blog for more detailed information about storing produce on the counter vs. in the refrigerator. 
• Check your local ads for savings! I shop primarily at Costco and Lucky (twice per month). Sometimes, I'll visit Trader Joe's, the Grocery Outlet, Raley's and my local farmer's market. Costco has monthly coupons and in-store savings on loads of grocery items and sells organic, local produce at extremely affordable prices. It's the only place I buy nuts from. Elsewhere, they are SO expensive! They also sell sustainably caught, seasonal seafood (like salmon, rockfish, tuna, scallops, and shrimp), as well as deli meats and sausages that are organic, free of antibiotics and preservatives, and often locally sourced; which I always stock up on. I buy the rest of my meats at the other stores listed when they are on sale or in season. At $50 a year per membership which includes two cardholders, you can share the account with a friend, partner, or roommate and you'll make up that $25 after just ONE visit. I LOVE Costco! 

From Costco, perfect for lettuce wraps! 

I buy my nuts and seeds in bulk, and store them in glass, airtight containers. 

• Plan out your meals one week in advance after reviewing locals ads for sales and specials. Then, compile a shopping list of things you need for the week.
• Know your correct portions. This is essential to meal planning and knowing how much of a product (like meat) to buy. For example, if you know 4oz of ground turkey is one serving for you, then you know that 1 pound (16oz) will provide you with 4 servings. When you buy meat in bulk, you can then portion it out and wrap up what you won't use to be stored in the freezer. 
• Prep your food for the week. Chop veggies, transfer meat from the freezer to the fridge, place meals and snacks in ready-to-go containers, etc. Don't wash your greens until you are just about to use them. The moisture will make them wilt much faster! 

I do this once a week, EVERY week!

• Learn to love leftovers, and your freezer! A large part of prepping and planning involves making the most of the time you spend doing it. If I make pork chops for dinner one night, I'll cook extra for breakfast the next morning. And when I make pasta sauce with ground turkey, I'll save half and store it in the freezer for the next time I want to enjoy it over my spaghetti squash. My freezer and I are BFF and I always have soups, stews, broths, sauces, and meats on deck ready for defrosting! If you juice, keep the pulp and use it in smoothies, soups, or baked goods! If your bananas are bruised and brown, make some banana bread or freeze them for smoothies. 
• Compost! If the city that you live in does not offer composting through the waste management system, do it yourself! It's great for gardening.
• Whole not processed. I never buy shredded carrots, diced onions, sliced mushrooms, etc. Never. Why the heck would I want to pay significantly more for something I can do VERY quickly and easily on my own? I also grind my own almond butter, coconut butter, and process my own date paste and nut flours. I make my own salsa, mayo, sauces, marinades, salad dressings, and spice blends too! I buy almost nothing that's already been made. Not if it's something I can easily make myself! 

Homemade mayo and spicy garlic aioli.

Homemade balsamic vinaigrette 

Homemade green curry paste

Homemade pico de gallo

3. Choosing and Prioritizing

Not EVERYTHING I buy is organic, however some things I WILL NOT buy unless they're organic. I pretty much follow this when it comes to produce:

Golden rules...

• Organic vs. conventional Anything that grows without a skin or shell, I purchase organically grown. Most fruits and veggies with thick skins or which are known for being lowest in pesticide use I am OK buying non-organic. I only buy organic avocados when they're on sale (and cheaper than conventionally grown), for instance, and I honestly cannot taste the difference. 
• Eggs and meats I ALWAYS  buy organic! This is one rule I stick to and I refuse to buy otherwise. And if I can't afford it that particular shopping trip, I don't purchase it. Eggs should be free range and organic. Chicken should be free range, organic, raised without growth hormones, and antibiotic free. Beef, bison, and buffalo should be grass-fed and organic. Seafood; sustainably caught and wild. Download a seafood watch pocket guide here. The app is also available for your phone. If you don't know, either find out, or DON'T BUY! Be a responsible and conscious consumer, not a selfish one. Your body likes variety anyways, eggs shouldn't ALWAYS be a part of your breakfast the same as your leafy greens shouldn't always consist of only spinach and chicken shouldn't be the only meat you consume. There are so many choices and options, each offering different nutrients and benefits to the body. Mix it up! 
• Dairy should always be organic as well. If you include dairy in your diet, look for dairy products made from the milk of grass-fed cows. You'll quickly realize that your options are limited. The beef and dairy industries are some of the most corrupt and tainted in the system because the demand for beef and milk is so high. Milk and dairy products frequently contain pus, blood, antibiotics, other bodily fluids, and growth hormones. You should be VERY informed when you decide to purchase dairy products.
• Choose store brands. If something's organic, it's organic. Whole Foods 365 line offers organic products that are often several dollars cheaper than the same quality product sitting right next to it on the shelf. I see the same at Trader Joe's. 

4. Saving at the Store

Grocery shopping doesn't have to be a time consuming and difficult task. I enjoy it every single time I do it...because I'm prepared!

• Join a rewards program and look for coupons! Costco offers 2% of what you spent back to you at the end of each year with certain memberships. Raley's loyalty program offers additional savings on sale items AND a point system which is redeemable towards the purchase of groceries. Safeway has a savings club as well. Check the Sunday paper and local library for coupon books, I always find great deals there! 

My local farmers' market offers "Carrot Cash" every Saturday! My partner and I get $4 to spend before we even start our shopping! That's $16-$20/month of FREE money! 

• Bring your own bags and containers. Almost all grocery stores give you about 10-15 cents per bag that you bring yourself. It saves you money AND decreases the size of your carbon footprint. When I buy in bulk, I bring my own containers and save money for doing that as well! 
• Stick to your budget and list! Most people overspend while grocery shopping on IMPULSE buys, not on things they actually need. Eat a hearty meal before you venture out, bring your list with you, and keep your budget in mind. Ignore all the stuff they lay out for you right at the register, you don't need ANY of it! 
• Buy in BULK! I buy in bulk when I shop at Costco and I buy in bulk from the dispensers available at most health food stores. They have organic dried coconut which I put in my trail mix and process in my food processor to make coconut butter for my post-workout smoothies. If I were to buy it bagged, I'd pay twice as much. NEVER! I also stock up on organic seeds, organic teas, and organic spices. And when I want something sweet, I'll buy a small amount of dried pineapple or dates. When you buy in bulk, YOU control the amount! 
• Bone-in, skin-on, untrimmed meats. These cuts are ALWAYS cheaper than boneless, skinless and/or trimmed options. Additionally, they are much less processed and full of vital nutrients and flavor from the fat and bone. Use them to make homemade broths! Nature would never offer you a boneless, skinless chicken breast.
• Don't like it? RETURN IT! If I buy something I don't like or don't use for whatever reason, I return it. I have NEVER had a problem doing this. At any store. I return food that expires before it's expiration date, even if I've eaten 75% of it already. It doesn't matter. You have the right to return if you are unsatisfied so take advantage of it and stop wasting food! 
• Support local farmers. It's totally a myth that local produce and meats are always more expensive then imported options. Get to know the farmers close to your home and establish a positive relationship with local butchers. That's how people did it back in the day, and it doesn't have to be any different now. 
• Visit your local farmer's market...just before they close! I save SO much doing this. It's kind of ridiculous actually. I leave with BAGS full of organic produce for pocket change. I plan on getting there 30-40 minutes before it's over and I bargain shop my way to the price I want. I've never been turned down! Leave your pride at home and work the system! That food is just going to go to waste in most cases anyways so why not? 

 

$1 for 2 bunches of organic beets and 2 bunches of chard!

5. Saving On-The-Go

Why should your health ride in the back seat when you're on-the-go? Exactly...there's no good answer to this question because it shouldn't!

• Limit your meals dined out! This is huge, MEGA HUGE! I save more than $100 per month when I don't eat out. I have clients who frequently dine out that discover they can save upwards of $500 and clients with families that save nearly $1,000! In addition, you can better manage the quality of nutrients and quantity of calories you consume. I dine out on VERY special occasions only. And when I say "dine out" I'm talking about sitting down at a restaurant AND grabbing something quick to go. In a typical month, I do NEITHER. And when I do, I still opt for the same quality I enjoy at home. Local, organic, and sustainable. 

Thai food is my FAVE dine-out option. I always opt for curries, sans rice. Totally something I would make and eat at home, fits within my standards, and tastes amazing!

• Bring water with you. I carry my water bottle with me EVERY where I go. That way, I'm never stuck having to buy bottled water. I can refill it at the gas station, a fast food restaurant (that's the ONLY reason I would ever visit one), or a fountain at a rest stop.
• Pack snacks and pre-made meals. I prep and plan even when I'm on the go. Weekend trips, long work days, nights away from home, movie dates, roadtrips, hiking...whatever it is, I am always prepared! You can even bring food from home on the airplane and check your cooler! I have an emergency bin in my house and my car with water, jerky, canned veggies, dried fruit, and baby food. I also always carry homemade trail mix in my purse...ALWAYS! 

Prepped for a 3-night mini vacation!

Typical workday...breakfast and lunch ready to go!