10 Ways to Eat Healthy in Tight Times

Times are tight, there is no secret there. But have you started to notice the pinch in your jeans and your wallet? Are you looking for ways to cut cost and tighten your budget while continuing to tighten your waistline? Here are 10 easy tips for battling the bulge without breaking your wallet, from Season 2 winner of NBC’s the Biggest Loser, Matt Hoover.

1. Eating healthy foods can cost more but don’t let that deter you from doing the best you can. Consider eating a healthy an investment in YOU! Obesity and poor nutrition can lead to costly medical bills down the road.
2. Portion, portion, portion. Americans consume way too much food. Learn what a portion size is and prepare your meals accordingly. My wife, Suzy and I started making only enough food for each of us to have ONE, yes one, portion. At first it seemed like we weren’t getting enough food, but we adjusted and now feel satisfied after eating.
3. Use a smaller plate. A smaller plate will make it look like you are getting a bigger portion.
4. Buy frozen. Frozen foods get a bad rap. By purchasing frozen food you can buy more at a more cost-effective price and will be able to use the product multiple times in multiple dishes.
5. Buy different sauces. If you buy a bag of frozen chicken, you can prepare it so it has a different flavor by adding a different sauce.
6. Make a night out a night in. Rather than going out to eat, set the table nicely and add flowers or candles. Turn on some soothing music and have a date right in your home.
7. Only shop once a week. Make a list and stick to it. Running to the store everyday can add up.
8. Get the family on board. Explain to all involved why you are making changes. Explain that this is necessary not only for the pocket book but for health reasons as well.
9. Prepare meals ahead of time. Set aside some time on Sunday to prepare meals for the week. Each of your meals will be ready to go. All you have to do is throw the meal in the oven and then serve it.

Follow through! Make the decision to get healthy and save money. By cutting costs on restaurant bills and quick-fix meals, you’ll find that wiggle room you were looking for in your budget and your jeans

 Well, today is a learning day for me. I am trying to figure out how to use our own site and be able to post updates and blogs. You see, I do not claim to be the most computer savvy, in fact if I could, I would never use capital letters! It's too much finger work :). You know, you may be thinking, "Why is she telling us this?" but sometimes when we start a new weight loss or healthy living program it takes some work. Just like me trying to figure this site out, you must figure out your new program. You are going to need to set some time aside, and read, study, make a plan, and then do it. Yes, at times it is frustrating, but as soon as it clicks and you start seeing results it will become easy and you will wonder why you were ever frustrated! So you see, if you are able to read this, it means my planning, reading, and studying paid off!! Take time for you!!!

Hey Everyone - we had a chance to be on the 700 Club last week!  In case you missed it, here's the video:

Hey Guys -

We had a cool article today on people.com about me training for the ironman!  Check it out here: 

Read The Full Article Online Here >>

Is it just me, or can running get old fast?  Whenever you feel like that - find fun ways to spice it up.  Check out my running workout in Hawaii last week:

Hey guys - I wanted to do some fun workouts when I was in Hawaii.  So I decided to pull a car.  Check out the video and let me know some of the cool workouts you guys are doing.

I know that a lot of people get stuck knowing what to shop for when they are on vacation.  Here's a video of what we bought - hope it helps:

Hey Guys - here are a few video clips of us on some TV shows.  Hope it's motivational for all of you guys out there trying to evolve your body!

Hey Everyone - ever had a bad week?  I've been hitting a plateau the past few days - want to show you how I'm over coming it.  Post your comments about your plateaus - I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Last night Suzy and I worked out while watching the Biggest Loser.  It was amazing that during a 2 hour show we should cover 8 1/2 miles!  Watch this video now: