In the past three years (well, really I suppose it has been 4) I have gained 50 lbs of pregnancy weight 2x. I have also lost 50+ pounds of pregnancy weight 2x. I am a smaller size now than I was when I got married 8 years ago. I haven't been to the gym once in my lifetime. Seriously! I have never owned a gym membership or stepped into any gym to workout - EVER. I just cannot fathom paying mucho bucks each month to do something that can so easily been done for free. So, how do I keep fit without spending much time and money at the gym? Here is my works 4 me list of ways I keep the pounds off: *I keep moving! (I don't sit down to rest and relax for more than 5 minutes until after 9pm each evening.) As long as I am not sitting I am usually busy doing something physical. * Family Time = Physical Activity For a while my husband and I made an exercise game out of carrying our babies and toddlers up and down the flight of stairs in our house for some exercise. Now that they are pre-schoolers it isn't so easy to do that anymore. So, now each evening we try to do 1 physical activity as a family. Sometimes we take a walk with the dog and at least 1-2x a week we go for a 2 mile bike ride together (with bike seats) to a nearby park. *Hiking We're also learning to love hiking at the many state parks we have local to our home. It's great exercise, the kids love being outdoors, and the sights we see are fantastic. *Be intentional Sometimes I just keep moving because there is that much to do, but usually while I am moving I am trying to be intentional too. I might take extra long strides with some lunges while putting away laundry or I might drop and do a few pushups when I drop something that I need to pick up. I try to include a few "extra" workout moves when I can. * Drink Water My husband and I both have been trying extra hard to cut out the excessive sodas, teas, and juices and stick with water. We've really made this a rule we stick by when eating out since soda is not only extra calories but so much more expensive at restaurants too. Drinking water saves us a ton of calories and has so many other wonderful benefits! * Watch what you put in your mouth My dad used to always tell me that diets didn't work. In order to lose weight you had to change your attitude and lifestyle. It's so true. One rule we do try to stick with in our house is eating a balanced and mostly healthy diet 90% of the time. The other 10% is for splurges, ice cream. donuts, and enjoying life! =) These are simply the ways I have found work 4 me in losing weight. Certainly if going to the gym keeps you motivated and helps you to lead a healthier lifestyle then keep at it as it "works 4 you."
Just back from Giant with 3 good deals...
*Buy 1.5 lb bag of Cooked Perfect Meatballs - $3.25
Use $1/1 coupon from the 7/15 Smartsource
Just $2.25 after coupon (normally $6.99)
*Stayfree pads - $2
Use the $2/1 coupon from 7/22 Smartsource
FREE after coupon
*Barilla Pasta - $0.88
Use the $1/2 coupon from 6/24 Smartsource
$0.38 each after coupon (great stockpile price)
Go here to print a coupon for $1/1 Smucker's Uncrustables. Use zip 19606 if you don't see it under your own.


