I’ve been thinking a lot about money. How could you not? With the prices of gas and food, it’s difficult to not obsessively think about the green. Even a movie is $10 in Atlanta. I know it’s more in NYC. It’s crazy! I am so much better about saving money than I used to be. I have some financial goals that I am wanting to hit this year, just a few things need to line up first.
I’ve cancelled my NETFLIX, HBO, Showtime and gym membership that I used to have at LA Fitness. These were all big steps for me, as I do not like to feel as though I am sacrificing. But I am learning that some sacrifices are good. To “go without” certain things means that you will gain more in the long run. I think that it’s hard in our world of “instant gratification” to realize that to say “no” to something in the moment means something positive will be gained later. It’s such a simple formula, but for some reason, it’s hard to live by. It’s hard to feel denied. I think that is what my problem was with food. I didn’t want to feel denied. I didn’t want to not be able to eat the same foods as other people, or the portions.
This has been a big learning experience for me. And it’s tied into my finances in an interesting way. I’ve realized that my personality has a difficult time seeing how things “add up” in the long run. I’m in the moment and creative. So pounds are a lot like money. If you deny yourself those $100 pair of jeans, you won’t be in debt in 3 months. If you deny yourself that chocolate cake, you won’t be up 2 pounds. The problem with this is that “2 pounds here or $100 there” adds up! You always hear people who have to lose 100 pounds or who are in severe debt say, “I just don’t know how I got here?” It’s because every 2 pounds and every $100 add up. Quickly. I am learning that when you let one part of yourself go, it’s easy to let everything go. So now that I’m paying more attention to my weight (pound per pound) I am paying more attention to my money (dollar per dollar).
With this said, it’s a high price to pay to be healthy! Eating healthy, buying organic, healthy food is expensive. Making certain food choices when I am out with my friends is more expensive. It isn’t fair but it is a truth. Last night I went to Figo Pasta with Terrence, Edward and Simon. They are known for having really cheap and tasty pasta. Well, I really can’t eat pasta anymore. I can eat a little bit, but not enough for a satisfying meal, or else I feel sick. They do have whole wheat pasta there, but I didn’t want to spend any money on something that I could only eat some of…or would feel sick if I did eat it. So, I got Eggplant Parmesan (there’s hardly any breading on their Eggplant Parm, so that is awesome!) Anyway, a bowl of pasta would have been $4. My Eggplant Parm cost me $8. Of course I know why – it’s a vegetable and there’s more preparation that goes into making it. It just kind of sucks that to eat healthy, I have to spend more.
Like with grocery shopping. I usually shop at Trader Joe’s, which has reasonably priced groceries. Sometimes I’ll shop at Whole Foods. But even just to buy the fruit and vegetables at these places adds up so quickly. After I get a few things lined up, I’d like to join Urban Body Studios. Even though I go to the gym in my building – frankly it’s getting a little bit old. Point being – it simply costs you more to live a more healthy lifestyle. Even to live a Green lifestyle costs you more. It’s a price that I’m committed to pay though. I’d rather be sure to get fruits and vegetables than have HBO and Showtime.
But I am human, and sometimes it’s tough to make sacrifices. Last night I choose to eat a 60-calorie chocolate pudding snack and a banana while my friends ate chocolate chip ice cream. I said “no” to the ice-cream (instant gratification) because I am more in tune to how my pounds will add up. It’s still hard though, to say “no” – or to just be aware that you’re spending more just to live and eat healthy. But I also don’t expect my friends or family to not enjoy what they enjoy simply on account of me. I am extremely lucky I have very supportive friends.
I will admit that today I had a bunch of Trader Joe’s Cheese Itz and I felt guilty afterwards so I just got back from a run. Why did I buy them? Because they were probably cheap! Bad Julie! Bad!
Lesson learned. It’s a higher price to pay to live healthy, but one that I am glad I am choosing.
Maybe there will come a day when being healthy (and living Green) will be the more cost efficient way to live.
