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What the heck is Code Red ranting about this time?

Everywhere we turn and everyone we talk to is broke, broke, broke.  Money is tight, ya’ll and it’s even tight for me.  We’re all feeling the pinch of this crappy economy (when is that stimulus check gonna show up?).  

However, this is a PERFECT opportunity for you to shape yo self up.

“But Cristy,” you ask, “How can I afford a gym membership when I can’t even pay my light bill???”  Such a great question; I’m glad you asked.  I’m not talking about a gym membership.  In fact, forget the gym for a moment.  Let’s focus on one thing at a time. In all my years in this business, I’ve found the biggest problem with most people is their eating.  You already know how I feel about eating out or ordering in so I’m not going to beat a dead horse.  But how the heck can you afford to eat out or order in take out when you’ve got no money?  You can’t.  

Time to cook.  

Example! I bought a bag of brown rice (doesn’t matter which kind, they’re all the same kind) for $1.99.  I bought a bag of black beans for 69 cents.  Can someone get me a calculator?  That’s $2.68.  Each of those items make 12 servings.  So I made both entire packages and divided up a serving of each into tupperwear bowls.  I ATE 12 MEALS ON TWO DOLLARS AND SIXTY EIGHT CENTS.  That’s 22 cents per meal.  Look, you’re talking to a country girl raised poor on a farm.  I know how to stretch a penny if I need to.  Mama didn’t raise a fool, folks.  Need another example?  Sure, I’ve got one.  Quaker Oats:  one canister is $2.99 and almost 3 pounds.  One canister makes 30 servings. That’s 9 cents per meal.  9 cents!!!  Both of these examples are extremely healthy and a wonderful source of a balanced meal.  And although I make jokes about my poor childhood, this isn’t poor people food; it’s a simple, microbiotic diet.  Even if I were filthy rich, I would still eat the same way. 

If you’re limited on funds, use this as a chance to limit your intake of coffee, alcohol, sugary snacks, soda, chips and other impulse items.  JUNK, JUNK and JUNK.  Say to yourself and tell your friends, “Look, things are tight for me right now so ya’ll have a good time at dinner.  I’m gonna sit this one out.”  I know that hurts your pride, especially New Yorkers, but get over it and turn it around to benefit YOU.  Even if you don’t tell your friends that money is tight, you can just say, “Look, people, I’m on a certain eating regimen so I’ve gotta eat at home. ”  No one needs to know (unless they read my blogs!)

Beach season is RIGHT around the corner so take charge of yourself and get your act together.  Seriously, people.  Enough already.  You’re going to start getting those calls to join your friends for outdoor stuff and you’re going to wish you would have done something back in May.  Then you’re gonna feel all bad about yourself and be sitting on the edge of your bed crying.  But it’s no one’s fault but your own.  So, it’s not too late.  Remember:  Nothing tastes as good as being FIT so spit that out!!!