tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post110719869641715763..comments2024-03-15T04:01:53.036-04:00Comments on Cranky Fitness: Staying Healthy When The Economy SucksCrabby McSlackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12108791388350253344noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-49152199781137271842010-01-31T01:09:21.989-05:002010-01-31T01:09:21.989-05:00If your looking for ways to save money and avoid s...If your looking for ways to save money and avoid scams, you may want to check out this non-commercial web site <a href="http://leaptocheap.com" rel="nofollow">LeapToCheap.com</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-49357819196433483192008-10-14T13:21:00.000-04:002008-10-14T13:21:00.000-04:00Group Runs. Rotating Babysitting duty between 4 pa...Group Runs. Rotating Babysitting duty between 4 parents so you can all get in 3 or 4 workouts a week. Potluck dinners for 4+ because the cost per person is lower that way. Paying for high quality cable if it means you will spend less overall on Movies, UFC Fights, Hockey Games, etc.SeaBreezehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00486587826946757928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-58050403057636318842008-10-14T12:27:00.000-04:002008-10-14T12:27:00.000-04:00FOr me the worry is food: Unfortunately most of th...FOr me the worry is food: Unfortunately most of the healthy stuff is trucked in...and it'll cost more. So less healthy food...I'll try harder to eat well...or at least cut back in other areas to eat what I want to.<BR/>Think I'll need to start planting things...or buying more local at the farmers market....I should can more stuff than I do. Once you invest in teh cans eand stuff, you can save money on the canned goods by making your own. AND no preservatives. Hoo Ah.<BR/>I'm already pretty frugal, from being a broke uni student...it's hard to let go. Often read budget tips and think "hello? I already have had to do that to get by" but since the husband has regualar work, we've been a bit slack at keeping the $$ in check. We'll likely have to be more careful again.<BR/>I'm very curious to hear your tips and tricks. I'm always looking for a way I can trim things up...it helps pay the bills and frees up some $$.Geosominhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15729167937433295927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-91947296109438966322008-10-13T23:59:00.000-04:002008-10-13T23:59:00.000-04:00I don't think I'm any poorer now than I would have...I don't think I'm any poorer now than I would have been anyway if the global economy hadn't melted down. That's one good thing about having nothing to lose. Still, I'm about to try and find a new share-house, and that's going to drain me pretty dry. <BR/><BR/>In terms of fresh food ideas, here's something my university did. About a year ago, they designated some of their land and water allowance and put in a huge veggie patch. It's open for use to any student who fills out a form, so any time of the year it's full of vegetables that the students then use to supplement our diets. When a crop is really good, there tends to be a "free zucchinis for everyone!" situation. It's great. <BR/><BR/>If you have any space at all to grow your own food, it's worth doing. You know it's fresh if you just pulled it out of the dirt.Gabriellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07611971818007057323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-27355719984101890872008-10-13T23:55:00.000-04:002008-10-13T23:55:00.000-04:00We hearing on the news every night about the econo...We hearing on the news every night about the economy in the States. The New Zealand money market has had a real shakeup - when America sneezes, we wipe our nose - and I suspect we have worse to come.<BR/><BR/>Hang in there, guys.Dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15643174590692205316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-72850296859701456412008-10-13T19:58:00.000-04:002008-10-13T19:58:00.000-04:00Hi Crabby,As a retiree on a fixed income, I am alw...Hi Crabby,<BR/><BR/>As a retiree on a fixed income, I am always frugal. <BR/><BR/>Since the economy started sliding in 2006, my area of change is food. I watch the expiration dates on what I buy and use it (even if I don't want to) before it expires. I force myself to keep aware of the contents of my produce drawers and use everything before it turns green and soggy. I also have grown to rely more on eggs and less on meat for protein. The economy is a good excuse not to buy junk food.<BR/><BR/>So far, my health plan pays much of the cost of my very moderately priced gym. If that changes, I would have to rethink membership.<BR/><BR/>Fortunately I walk as my alternate exercise so I would just fall back to that as my primary.<BR/><BR/>I pray for the people who are really struggling right now.<BR/><BR/>TerrieTerrie Farley Moranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04980849018232866773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-20451377074511338322008-10-13T19:22:00.000-04:002008-10-13T19:22:00.000-04:00I'm already a pretty frugal person, so I don't kno...I'm already a pretty frugal person, so I don't know if I could cut back any more. I do know that buying ingredients is cheaper and healthier than buying pre-made food, whether deli or frozen. Buying seeds is even cheaper and gardening is considered a weight-bearing activity.<BR/><BR/>For someone who already has a bike, it's cheaper to get a bike trainer and use the bike as a stationary bicycle than to buy a separate stationary bike or have a gym membership. <BR/><BR/>Walking is free and running involves only the cost of the shoes. <BR/><BR/>Yoga can be done at home. So can a lot of other types of exercise. <BR/><BR/>For the person who really needs the social interaction of a gym but can't afford it, there are often ads on Craigslist for training partners. You can find ads for all kinds of used equipment, too.<BR/><BR/>In the end, it's really about being creative. Some people are very dedicated to their ideal workout arrangement and won't work out if that arrangement doesn't fall through. My husband is one of those. He has a preferred place to run and if he can't go there for some reason, by golly he won't run. I, OTOH, take the attitude that I'm going to run regardless, and it's just a question of where.<BR/><BR/>Dedicate yourself to the goal and be flexible on the means. The rest will fall into place.Ann (bunnygirl)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04938134750150653386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-23811164149229793472008-10-13T18:28:00.000-04:002008-10-13T18:28:00.000-04:00Didn't the stock market go up today?If so, why sho...Didn't the stock market go up today?<BR/><BR/>If so, why should we scrimp and save and eat economically? <BR/>Food will be the last thing that goes for me.<BR/>Health will probably be the first thing to go.<BR/>And mental stability.Levihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07369763028982948026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-45350844107631810122008-10-13T17:40:00.000-04:002008-10-13T17:40:00.000-04:00I am already living as close to the bone as possib...I am already living as close to the bone as possible. If I come up with any bright ideas, I will email you.Rebhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05318594769530526005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-80675594271154232052008-10-13T16:54:00.000-04:002008-10-13T16:54:00.000-04:00Sorry I didn't put the Simple Dollar link in right...Sorry I didn't put the Simple Dollar link in right. I'm trying again:<BR/><BR/><A HREF="" REL="nofollow">http://www.thesimpledollar.com/</A><BR/><BR/>Hope that works!Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12785796365378274088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-10011210064585510762008-10-13T16:38:00.000-04:002008-10-13T16:38:00.000-04:00Great Post! Given the economic crisis going on rig...Great Post! Given the economic crisis going on right now, how about the costly gyms lower some of their fees! If people's health was of any concern, gym memberships would not cost as much as they do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-7807039024452199862008-10-13T16:12:00.000-04:002008-10-13T16:12:00.000-04:00I'm already down to next to nothing, we don't go "...I'm already down to next to nothing, we don't go "out' except to walk or do free stuff. I only buy meat when it's a loss leader and in big packs and freeze most (though I inspect it carefully also and grind my own hamburger), and I will now buy more produce from the farmer's markets as it's fresher and often 1/2 price. I am making more big healthy one pot meals and freezing portions, so that they will cover say 3 separate dinners where I can feed 3 people for $5. for the *entire* meal, which saves me time and money, plus it's all fresh ingredients. (That gives me more time to work and less time spent in the kitchen). I am buying food that we use all the time as much as possible *only* when it is on sale and stuffing the freezers, but I have always done that.<BR/><BR/>I don't have a car, so I walk everywhere I can, and bike where it is safe, or take the bus, which is quicker and cheaper than driving and parking sometimes. I have a car to borrow if I really want one, I just put in gas and wash it in exchange. If a 2-3 car family could let go of one car it would be a bigger savings than you'd think.<BR/><BR/>For perspective, personally we have lost hundreds of thousands of $$ on paper at this point between the three of us in the market. The loss is final if we take it by cashing out, so we have to sit with it. It was a false market driven by greed and corruption and it was due for a correction, but like housing and then tech, we didn't see it coming so "soon". Getting upset over it is basically useless, what's gone is gone. We could have been in Galveston or the Chinese earthquakes, but we're still ok, and still have a roof, which is a huge blessing.<BR/><BR/>Frugality has become a lifestyle we are fairly comfortable with. We know that we don't own stuff, it owns us. But healthcare is the biggest concern.<BR/><BR/>So my recs for staying healthy, reducing stress and saving money? Eat more fresh veggies over meat and grains if you have access to a farmer's market or buy frozen on sale. Cut out salt, drink more water and herbal tea, and quit watching the news and dump the newspaper, it's just a bummer over and over. You can get news online but can control what you read easier. That all helps reduce stress and saves time and money. Cutting out sodas, lattes and sports drinks alone would potentially save $100-150. or more a month, depending on consumption. Note that I didn't say don't drink coffee! I roast ours myself, it costs about $5-6 a pound, I enjoy the process as a hobby, and we use about 2 pounds a week, and it's always FRESH! 3 Venti drips a day at *$ would be $6. plus tips, or $210.00 a month *minimum* (not even counting refills) for this family!<BR/><BR/>My best rec is not easy but it's really productive: I'd say get a notebook and write down every expenditure on one side (every pack of gum, every stamp, EVERYTHING), and then flip upside down and now from the back (keeping the cost to one notebook and the info together at the same time) write down everything eaten (if it goes in your mouth, even one bite, write it down) for one month.<BR/><BR/>Prepare to be shocked! Then tune the budget and the menu (and diet if applicable). Huge stress reductions by virtue of both saving money and eating healthier. (If you wrote down all exercise in the middle too, well, wow!).TKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15747390418220178858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-20102300277098711772008-10-13T16:11:00.000-04:002008-10-13T16:11:00.000-04:00Wow, lots of great ideas already!And Alison, so so...Wow, lots of great ideas already!<BR/><BR/>And Alison, so sorry to hear about your husbands job being in jeopardy. But I'm with you, the gym would be one of the last things to go!Crabby McSlackerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12108791388350253344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-27969864750605728232008-10-13T16:06:00.000-04:002008-10-13T16:06:00.000-04:00We have felt the pull to watch each penny a lot ti...We have felt the pull to watch each penny a lot tighter and try to save. We are also using this as a teaching tool for the kiddos about why material possessions do not determine wealth or love.new*mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05147814248509745599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-51453890312019797152008-10-13T15:10:00.000-04:002008-10-13T15:10:00.000-04:00My husband's co. has been laying off people for ov...My husband's co. has been laying off people for over a year. We expect him to be laid off around the new year. We have been on a budget for a year and that budget is about to become even smaller. However, my gym membership will be one of the last things to go. It is such a stress release for me. I think I would do some major damage to my girls and husband it I couldn't go the the gym.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-32599292221000593312008-10-13T15:02:00.000-04:002008-10-13T15:02:00.000-04:00I am walking more instead of paying for a cab or t...I am walking more instead of paying for a cab or the bus and trying not to waste cash on candy-which should both save money and help my fitness goals. I gave up my gym membership at renewal time too, having decided that I was not going often enough to justify the cost. But I have bought new running shoes...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-13794158477929202552008-10-13T13:16:00.000-04:002008-10-13T13:16:00.000-04:00Hey, instead of "opporthreat," how about "lemon?" ...Hey, instead of "opporthreat," how about "lemon?" (As in making lemonade if handed one by life.) It's pretty, juicy, healthy and smells really good.Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12785796365378274088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-43762421156563649722008-10-13T13:15:00.000-04:002008-10-13T13:15:00.000-04:00BTW, I HATE the term "opporthreat!" Let's think o...BTW, I HATE the term "opporthreat!" Let's think of a new one!!<BR/><BR/>And also btw, I work down here on Wall Street, and it's going to be okay. I just wish I had some money so I could buy stocks!!!! Everything is on sale!!!!! (Gosh I'd really love to buy some Apple. It's down over half.)<BR/><BR/>Vote OBAMA. That'll help.Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12785796365378274088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-76569599993346211222008-10-13T13:09:00.000-04:002008-10-13T13:09:00.000-04:00HIGHLY recommend Trent's blog, The Simple Dollar. ...HIGHLY recommend Trent's blog, <I>The Simple Dollar</I>. He's obsessed with eating healthy on a budget!! Lots of posts about it in the archives.<BR/><BR/><A HREF="" REL="nofollow">"http://www.thesimpledollar.com/"</A>Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12785796365378274088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-37083336199775285032008-10-13T12:12:00.000-04:002008-10-13T12:12:00.000-04:00I emailed my 2 cents in. I figured it would be ni...I emailed my 2 cents in. I figured it would be nice to hear from someone within the fitness industry.<BR/><BR/>Can't wait to read part II.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-65990464067305714922008-10-13T11:42:00.000-04:002008-10-13T11:42:00.000-04:00Shoot, I haven't had health insurance since Hurric...Shoot, I haven't had health insurance since Hurricane Katrina. I've been trying to get a head-start on cutting corners even more so than I already do. My grocery bill has been on the high side due to a love of fresh produce. Trying to eat more lentils and such. I can't wait to see the list!nolafwughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05657418424788752053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-61432045073735599772008-10-13T11:27:00.000-04:002008-10-13T11:27:00.000-04:00this summer, our car was on it's last legs (OK, it...this summer, our car was on it's last legs (OK, it flat out broke down on the highway while I was going 60mph.) We needed a new car, not the best thing in this economy. So I walked much, much more as a way of avoiding the car - the grocery store is a 5 minute drive/20 minute walk. Of course I can only carry two bags but hey, less money to spend! and we saved on gas. We did, however, just get a new car but I'll walk as much as possible until the snow begins to fall!WeightingGamehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13460050214356753258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-12189851018505914322008-10-13T11:12:00.000-04:002008-10-13T11:12:00.000-04:00It's difficult to stay healthy when money is tight...It's difficult to stay healthy when money is tight... we need to get extra creative!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18285850895862247408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-11743718856704179082008-10-13T10:54:00.000-04:002008-10-13T10:54:00.000-04:00Here is my recent post on cutting costs, which you...Here is my recent post on cutting costs, which you are welcome to quote or use things from, if you see fit: <BR/>http://brenda-central.blogspot.com/2008/10/cutting-costs.htmlIma Peccablehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11270725026986221439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704170106558126102.post-88414288015403319702008-10-13T10:37:00.000-04:002008-10-13T10:37:00.000-04:00I guess we have to take control of what we can and...I guess we have to take control of what we can and that is ourselves. I have to stop watching the news! Negative, negative, negative! Maybe a little positive thinking here and there will help? A positive attitude is contagious?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com