Being a mother is the best thing there is. It can, however, be really expensive and tiring. You want to be healthy, and money is tight, but there is hardly any time to spare. So how would one go about that?
The “Frugal Fit Mom” will be your answer here. It is all about becoming fit without shed loads of money. Practical, down-to-earth tips are offered here that will enable you to feel good without stressing over cash. Self-care is paramount; you deserve it! So let’s get started and make it happen!
On Respecting Nutritional Basics: Eating on a Budget
Good nutrition is a necessity, but healthy food tends to be a bit pricey. Don’t fret! With wise shopping, keeping within budget is possible. Good planning is a great first step.
Meal Planning Is a Big Ingredient for Success
Planning meals helps with the shopping. Base your plans on what is on sale. Utilize what is in season. Make big batches so you can save more time. Leftovers are good. Have theme nights (like Taco Tuesday!) for fun.
Here’s a sample menu for a family of four on a $50 budget:
Monday: Lentil Soup with bread
Tuesday: Bean burritos
Wednesday: Chicken stir-fry with veggies
Thursday: Pasta with marinara sauce
Friday: Homemade pizza
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Roast chicken with potatoes and carrots
Smart Grocery Shopping Strategies
Always make a list, and stick to it. This will prevent you from buying things that you don’t need. Compare unit prices to get the cheapest. Coupons! Cashback apps like Ibotta and Rakuten give you money back on your purchases! Who wouldn’t love that? It’s like free money!
Treat shopping like a game. Find the deals at the store in your area. It will feel kind of like a treasure hunt. You can make good savings through this.
Healthy Recipes on a Budget
These are some simple, cheap but healthy recipes:
Lentil Soup
Cost: $5
Serving: 6
Ingredients:
1 cup lentils
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery sticks, chopped
6 cups vegetable stock
Spices as per taste
Directions: Simply put everything in a pot. Cook on simmer until the lentils are soft.
Oatmeal Variations
Cost: Just pennies per serving
Ingredients:
Oats
Water/Milk
Your favorite toppings-fruits/nuts/cinnamon
Directions: Cook your oats with water or milk, and add toppings.
Getting Fit Without a Gym Membership
Gyms cost money and there are many alternative ways to get your workout done. Hit the great outdoors for free or cheap to stay fit. You can even get fit without that overpriced ghastly membership.
At-home Workouts & Bodyweight Exercise
Strength training with your body weight is your best accessory. Things like squats, push-ups, lunges, and planks can all come in handy. There are a plethora of free workout videos available online. Youtube would be an awesome fit for this. There are also several fitness apps that are free; hit the ground running in your own living room!
30-minute Bodyweight Workout, for example:
Warm-up: spend 5 minutes doing jumping jacks and arm circles
Squats: 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps
Push-ups: 3 sets until failure (AMRAP)
Lunges: 3 sets of 10-12 reps per leg
Plank: 3 sets, hold for 30 seconds
Cool down with 5 minutes of stretching
The Great Outdoors
Outdoor fun is free! Go for a walk, jog, hike, or bike. Take the kids out to play in the park. Fresh air does the body good!
One mother lost weight walking her baby in a stroller; super simple, really!
Utilizing Free Fitness Resources
Local community centers and parks often offer free classes, as do gyms open to the community. Search for opportunities in your area.
Making Time for Movement in a Busy Day
Being a mother isn’t easy: there is always something to do! Exercise whenever you can.
Get Your Kids to Exercise with You
Play tag. Have a dance party. Make an obstacle course. Make it a workout when you clean. Squat while folding towels.
Try to play actively with your kids for a daily 15- to 30-minute window. Fun for both!
The Burst Principle
Even those small amounts of activity will do. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Quickly get in some workouts while the baby is napping. Every little bit of exercise counts!
Time for Fitness: Schedule It!
Put fitness in the calendar. Treat it like any other appointment. Make it a must.
Priorities for Mental Wellness on a Budget
Mental well-being is, of course, also important. Within reason, taking care of your mind does not have to cost much at all.
Mindfulness Techniques Free or Low-Cost
Meditation, deep breathing, and journaling are worth giving a shot. There are plenty of free meditation apps out there. Lots of online stuff out there can help.
Try to meditate for 5-10 minutes a day. It really does matter!
Finding Fellowship
Social ties help foster mental well-being. Join a support group, volunteer in the community, and keep in touch with friends and family.
Free Mental Health Services
There are free mental health services. Crisis hotlines offer immediate help. Search for community mental health centers and online support groups.
Make Smart Expenditure Choices for Fitness Items
Fancy fitness items are unnecessary. Be wise in your shopping.
Where to Find Second-Hand or Discounted Gear
Thrift stores are great. Consignment shops should never be ruled out. Check online marketplaces where used gear is regularly sold.
Set a budget before you shop. Stick to it.
Buy Equipment That Can Be Used for Multiple Exercise Types
All are good choices for versatile workout equipment: resistance bands, jump-ropes, and sturdy dumbbells.
Keeping Yourself Motivated and Accountable
Staying on track can be tough, but here’s how to do it:
Setting Realistic Goals
Make small, sensible goals. If your goals are too hard, it is easy to get discouraged.
Start off by aiming for 30 minutes of walking three times a week.
Finding an Accountability Partner
Find someone to support you, whether a friend, family member, or online community.
Celebrating Small Wins
Recognize what you are doing. Celebrate each win, no matter how small.
Conclusion:
Blessed with life is the Frugal Fit Mom. No monster sacrifices to be made in its name, but rather, conscious choices to be made. You can be fit, happy, and financially viable. You can be fit and happy. So take small steps and enjoy it!