Howdy Friends,

**Group Exercise Instructors, make sure you check out the QiFORZE Training tab above. I have free certifications coming up in the San Marcos/Austin Texas area, Tallahassee, Florida, and Dallas, Texas!

How was your Monday? Mine was pretty eventful. We had a big event at work so things were pretty crazy all day. Even though I couldn't technically work out due to my bum toe, I learned limping definitely burns some calories. According to my fuel band, I still managed to earn 6000+ fuel points and burn 1700 calories throughout the day. I'll take it! That proves that activity throughout the day (i.e. running up and down stairs and across the gym to set up an event) can really add up and help increase your base caloric burn! :)

Yesterday, I told you I made cauliflower rice to eat on throughout the week, and let me tell you I have found my new favorite thing! It is so easy to make, healthy, and versatile. I put it in Mexican casserole last night, under my turkey burger stir-fry today, and ate a few spoonfuls plain on Sunday. It was too good to resist! :)

Have you tried cauliflower rice yet? Don't judge it till you try it! :)

Next, I want to introduce you to my favorite gluten-free pasta. It is so good, even E says he prefers it over regular pasta! I know, crazy!!


Heartland gluten-free pasta is absolutely delicious and so easy to make. The two best things about it are you can get it at Wal-Mart or your local grocery store (no fancy health food store needed) and it costs about $2.50!! Can you believe it? Most specialty gluten-free products cost and arm, a leg and your first born child. :) Ok, so maybe I'm being dramatic, but that is one great price. Heartland was featured in our dinner last night.


A little baked ziti with zucchini is a hubby and tummy pleaser! Plus, it is super easy to make and freezes beautifully for lunch later in the week.

What was on your menu last night?

What is your go to week night meal?

In health,

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Happy Hump Day,

As you all know, my new kitchen has inspired me to start cooking a lot more; which is great for my tummy, but hard on my wallet. Everyone always says eating/cooking healthy is so expensive, but with a few helpful tips it doesn't have to be! Think about grocery shopping as a game....I try and see how much money I can save each time I go. With a little planning you can eat healthy without putting too much of a dent in your wallet.

Easy Tips to Save Money at the Grocery Store:

• Plan your meals in advance. This will help you avoid impulse buys, which saves money and calories. You can also purchase certain ingredients in bulk and use them in multiple meals.
• Shop with a list, it will keep you on task and prevent you from buying things you don't really need.
• Look up and down and all around. Many of the expensive brands pay extra to have their products placed at eye level. You will often find the best deals near the top or bottom of the shelves.
• Don't Rush. Make sure you go to the grocery store so you don't have to rush. This way you can take your time and look for good deals.
• Coupons are your best friend. Coupons really can save you money. Pick up a Sunday paper or visit coupons.com to print out coupons. Make sure you only use coupons for products you were already going to buy!

• Purchase fruits and vegetables that are in season. They will not only be cheaper, but taste better as well.
• Comparison Shop. Don't just automatically buy the same produce each week. Look for fruits or vegetables that might be on sale and try out different things! You can also check to see if the frozen or canned versions of the same produce are cheaper. If a fruit or vegetable is out of season, it might be cheaper to buy it frozen or in a can.
• Don't be a brand snob. Some things are completely ok to buy generic. For example: who can tell the difference between Kroger brand cheese and Kraft? I sure can't!
• Stock your fridge and pantry with these easy to cook and budget friendly items: Beans and lentils, brown rice, pasta, soups, fresh vegetables and fruit (the ones that are in season), and meat and fish (remember you can freeze the extras).
• Forget convenience foods like frozen TV dinners. These cost much more than they are worth and are loaded with sodium. Have you ever finished a lean cuisine and realized you are just as hungry as when you started eating? Me too! So why pay $4.00 for a meal that doesn't even fill  you up?
• Consider buying in bulk. It is often cheaper per unit, and you can always freeze the leftovers. We always purchase our frozen chicken breasts, bread, and frozen fruit at Sam's. It not only saves us money on food, but on gas as well because we only have to go to the store every few weeks. You can also cook in bulk and then freeze the leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week.

Remember it's a game: You vs. the Grocery Store's High Prices. If you keep these tips in mind, and dedicate a little time to coupon cutting, you can kick those high prices butt! (I know cheezy, but I can't help it!)

Food For Thought:
How do you save money at the grocery store?
Are there any items that you are willing to splurge on?

Yours truly,

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