Healthy Living on the Cheap Spotlight #10

Time for another featured blogger in my Healthy Living on the Cheap series!

I thought up this series because BLC & I have decided to try to be a bit more responsible with our money but still wanted to maintain our healthy lifestyles. While I have some knowledge of how to workout & eat for cheap – I definitely don’t have all the answers!

So I asked my fellow Sweat Pink & Girls Gone Sporty Ambassadors for some help. & lemme tell you, they are turning out to be a wealth of knowledge!

I knew that if their tips would help me, they will probably help you, too! & 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 Heather from RunStylish!

Healthy Living on the Cheap Spotlight #10

I am a wife, mother of two girls, a runner since age 9 and a woman who believes in keeping your sense of style. My blog topics include running, the Boston Marathon, running injuries, tons of product reviews, travel, being a momma and I recently started a recipe section I call Eats. A healthy, active lifestyle and setting a great example for my girls are my priorities.

I really love working on my blog. I hope you take a look and enjoy!

1. What is your favorite budget-friendly meal?

My favorite meal is an old classic, soup and salad. I love soups because they are healthy and easy to make. Not to mention the left-overs make a perfect lunch or two. My hubby is a carnivore and I’m a vegetarian, so I’ll add in a protein like pork chop or chicken to his dinner.

My favorite special meal at home currently is spicy shrimp fried rice . It is absolutely delicious. It takes a little while to make, but it totally worth the wait.

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

My best suggestion for a great cardio workout would be to take up running. All you need is shoes and the appropriate clothing. You can supplement your running with simple core exercises and stretching can be done freely and at home. All they require is self motivation, not a big budget.

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

I have two small kids so in addition to being on a budget, we are home more. During the summer our favorite way to relax is to make dinner on our grill, eat outside and then have a glass of wine while we we watch the girls run around in our garden.

4.  How often do you eat out?

I love a great date night with my hubby, and that happens about once a month. We eat out as a family about two times a month. This includes everything from breakfast to dinner. It’s more relaxing to eat at home if you have kids. In our opinion.

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

This question took me a minute to figure out. We don’t eat out that often so when we do I’m not sure healthy is high on our priority list. That being said, when we go out to dinner with our kids to a brewery or similar establishment, I almost always pick the grilled fish or shrimp tacos.

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

If you are a stay at home mom I suggest grabbing some simple snacks and heading to the park to meet up with your friends and their kids. Each mom brings snacks for kids, kites, balls or other toys and you give your kids a play date and you some much needed time with friends.

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

Coffee with my friends. We don’t sit, but we take that coffee and walk around town. It is delicious, and a morning with a friend is just golden.

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

My monthly spending money for eating out with the kids, coffee and misc spending are done in cash with a set amount each month. This really helps me monitor what we spend.

9.  What are your top 3 best “Healthy Living on the Cheap” tips?

1. start running

2. eat at home

3. use cash for daily extras

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

This question was easy. When I got married we registered at Macy’s. I went back to exchange a coffee maker, and Macy’s gave us crazy discounts. We got a new Macy’s card holder percentage off, a couple additional discounts and I think the item was on sale. Needless to say we walked out feeling like we got it for free. It was years ago, but I still consider that the best deal and I’m sure my hubby would agree.

Thanks again to Heather for all of her tips!  Here are some of the ways you can connect with her:

Blog:  RunStylish
Twitter:  @RunStylish
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/RunStylish/250204185080556

For some other Healthy Living on the Cheap Spotlights:

Spotlight #1

Spotlight #2

Spotlight #3

Spotlight #4

Spotlight #5

Spotlight #6

Spotlight #7

Spotlight #8

Spotlight #9