Healthy Living on the Cheap Spotlight #2

& that’s how this series was born!  If you are interested
in being featured on my Healthy Living on the Cheap series, please email
me at healthylifehappywifehlhw@gmail.com! 

So without further ado – Meet Jacki from Dare 2 Dream Dare 2 Do! 

Jacki writes at Dare 2 Dream Dare 2 Do where she attempts to become what she might have been.  Having completely upended her life when she turned 30, she floundered for a while, but finally found some footing when she began a regular exercise program.  That first baby step has transformed how she looks at life and added a whole list of new passions.  Learning to care for her health has also given her a new-found respect for herself and a desire to convert the masses to a healthy lifestyle.1.  What is your favorite budget-friendly meal?

I have become a huge fan of hash for breakfast.  Although I would eat it at any meal.  I get creative all the time, but sweet potatoes are always the main ingredient.  This past weekend I threw together some hash that consisted of two sweet potatoes, one Granny Smith apple, two maple sausage patties, and a fourth cup of apple cider.   I make a huge batch so I can just reheat a little each morning with two fried eggs.  We get our eggs for $2 a dozen from a coworker who raises her own chickens. So organic, free-range eggs on the cheap.

2.  What is your best suggestion for working out on the cheap?

Working out and staying fit does not require anything more than your body and your time.  Push-ups, squats, planks are all great ways to get fitness into your life and don’t require any equipment.  Youtube is another great resource if you need inspiration and ideas.  Check out Livestrong Woman, ZuzkaLight, or BodyRockTv for some killer workouts.

3.  What is your favorite budget-friendly way to relax?

I am a book worm, so spending an evening browsing through Barnes and Noble while sharing a piece of cheesecake is my little bit of heaven.  And pretty cheap (if I don’t buy any books, ha!).

4.  How often do you eat out?

More  often than I would like, but now that I am beginning to really pay attention to what I fuel my body with, we have drastically cut back on our eating out.  It is now, once a month, maybe twice at the most. It  is just too hard finding foods that match my eating lifestyle when others (especially restaurants) prepare the meal.

5.  If you have a favorite restaurant/fast food joint, what is your go-to meal that is healthy and (relatively) inexpensive?

We have a local coffee shop, Smokey Row, that has amazing food.  Their veggie wrap is likely my favorite on the menu.

6.  What is your best suggestion for socializing without breaking the bank?

I am an introvert, so socializing as always been low key for me.  Although, I do tend to go out to eat with my friends, I would be just as happy hanging out at one of our homes with a potluck meal.

7.  What is your one splurge that you just can’t give up?

Books.  I can’t bring myself to go to the library.  I like to own my books and not have 4 million hands and eyes on them.

8.  How do you keep track of your budget? (excel spreadsheet? smartphone app?  set aside cash for the month? notebook? none of the above?)

I draw up a budget on Excel and then use Quicken to track my expenses.  This month I am attempting to go cash, though, so my budget spreadsheet now has a budget column and an actual column.9.  What are your top 3 best “Healthy Living on the Cheap” tips?

Use cash.   It is amazing how much my spending has changed in just a few short weeks when I pretend I don’t have any credit cards and refuse to use my debit card at anything other than the gas station pump.

Eat at home.  The $15 spent at Burger King will provide my family with so many more meals that one dinner.  It can be challenging to eat the diet I like to maintain (pasture-raised meat, no dairy, lots of fresh veggies and fruit) but can be done.

Buy your meat in bulk.  If you buy a whole chicken it generally costs less per pound.  And will last for more than one meal.  Cut the breasts off before cooking to save for later, then throw the rest in a crock pot.  Not only will you have chicken stock for future soups, but you will have lost of chicken for wraps and salads.

10.  Just for fun – What is the best deal you’ve ever gotten?!

I fell in love with a local yoga studio – Iowa Powered Yoga – and told about everyone I know that a drop in membership was on my Christmas list.  Then last week I opened up my email from Groupon and there it was, a 10 session drop-in membership for $39.  Its value is actually $150.  I literally squealed, immediately rearranged some expenses on my budget (took some money reserved for an upcoming trip) and bought the Groupon on the spot.  I was in the studio at 7:00 am the next day doing a happy dance.

Another thanks to Jacki for all her great tips!  Here are all of the ways you can connect with her: 

Blog:  Dare 2 Dream Dare 2 Do
Twitter:  @JackiRHayes
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/dare2dreamdare2do
Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/jackirhayes

For some other Healthy Living on the Cheap Spotlights:

Spotlight #1