Look no further than the 99-cent and $1 "value menus" at fast food chains for proof that the economics of our food supply seems to favor fatty and processed over fresh, organic and vitamin-fortified.
But my friend Kim, a fellow Spinning instructor and clean eater, always says that those $2 double cheeseburgers and 99-cent small fries are some of the most expensive things you'll ever eat -- given the havoc they wreak over time on your health, physique and energy levels when eaten on a regular basis. (Remember the documentary "Super Size Me?" Literally, he became a Lard Ass....)
Yet we live in the reality of an economy that still struggles, and that means even we Badasses need affordable options for this kick-butt lifestyle. I have found a few good resources over the years. So here's me, sharing because I love you all! Enjoy, and share with us (in the comment section below) if you have other tricks and tips of your own:
- Allstarhealth.com: This site offers vitamins, protein bars, all-natural bars, protein powder, etc., for 33 to more than 50 percent off what you'll pay in a store like GNC. In many cases, I have found their prices to be better even than the Vitamin Discount Center. I don't advocate all of the supplements or fat burners on this site, but for things like my PowerCrunch bars, vitamins, Emergen-C packets or the all fruit and nut KIND bars, this is a great resource. The best perk: You can order as much as you want, and it's a flat shipping rate of less than $6.
- Sam's or Costco: The mega warehouse stores have Super Size Me down pat, and I admit I am often overwhelmed by the prospect of a 50-count box of egg rolls or 8 pounds of butter. But their eggs, chicken breasts, frozen fish, yogurt, almonds and dried fruit mixes, and coffee and tea offer good bang for the buck. At Sam's, I buy my EAS protein shakes-to-go in a 24-count carton that is $25 plus tax. That is way cheaper than the 4-packs sold for $5.99 at the grocery store.
- Target: Your workout gear doesn't have to be expensive and adorned with a swoosh to look hot. Target's C9 by Champion line has improved a lot in recent years, and the prices and variety are very competitive with the stuff you'd find at a sporting goods store. Think $25 for bootcut workout pants instead of $55 for the swoosh-brand. Sports bras for less than $20. And yes, Badass Boys, they carry your stuff, too.
- Amazon.com: For workout DVDs, fitness and healthy eating books, heart-pumping tunes, and even healthy snacks, this is a great place to click. And I love that they have an entire section labeled "Natural & Organic." They sell Kashi products, ThinkThin protein bars for a great discount, KIND bars, Goji berries, Bob's Red Mill oatmeal and even kids' healthy snacks from Aunt Annie's and other brands. Best part: Most of it is eligible for free shipping. Just click and wait for the postman to deliver.
- Coupons: Look for them. Macy's has great coupons that can help make their workout clothes a good deal. Sports Authority often has coupons for $10 off a $50 purchase or $25 off a $100 purchase -- great for when you need new kicks. Kohl's offers deals on workout sneakers and workout clothes, same goes for discount stores like TJ Maxx and Ross. You just have to spend a little extra time hunting out the good stuff.
- Cheap equipment: Target has good deals on medicine balls, yoga mats, etc. And as I posted earlier, the site PowerSystems has decent prices as well for stuff like kettlebells, resistance bands, medicine balls and weighted bars. These things don't take up a ton of room, and you can use them for a variety of exercises that work the whole body -- and from the comforts of your house, if that's your preference.
OK, so hopefully this helps curb the lament of "it's too expensive to be healthy." Now get movin' with your deal-savvy selves! Happy Badass Bargain Hunting!
Coming up: A teacher and grad student asks, How do I fit it all in and see results?
