As a Millennial, money can get tight.
However, money isn't part of the thought process when it comes to your New Year's resolutions.
You vow to travel more, spend more time with friends, join a gym, eat all organic food and so on.
Then, reality sets in.
Where the hell are you supposed to find the money to pay for this new lavish lifestyle?
But, there is hope, my friends.
When it comes to fitness and nutrition, there are several smart strategies that can be your best friend on a frugal journey to becoming fit.
Implementing one (or all) of these strategies will have you achieving those New Years resolutions in no time.
1. Hello bikini body guides.
Let's be realistic: If you've never been a "gym" person, things likely aren't going to change now.
Maybe you don't like the whole gym scene, or your gym workouts tend to become monotonous.
Instead of paying insane amounts of money for a luxury gym membership in the heart of NYC, get involved in some of the latest fitness trends.
Kayla Itsines (you've likely heard of her or seen her fabulous Instagram page) is the current it girl and personal trainer in the fitness world that publishes Bikini Body Workout Guides.
Making a small investment in a guide such as this one is something you can commit to doing in the comfort of your own apartment.
Plus, you can engage with other #BBG women on social media for support and inspiration.
The Tone It Up Girls also publish awesome workout and nutrition challenges with a fabulous community presence on social media.
2. Listen to Mom and take your vitamins.
We all can't afford pan-seared salmon dinners or surf and turf every night for dinner.
If you find that you don't normally consume seafood, you may benefit from fish oils supplements for healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
If your diet seems bland, have a multivitamin with your breakfast every morning.
Don't go crazy on the supplements, but taking vitamins regularly and eating a balanced diet is important.
Always talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before beginning supplement use; incorporating these vitamins may be just what you need.
3. Relax with the organic everything.
Although buying organic can certainly be beneficial, it's not necessary to purchase organic alternatives for every single item in your pantry.
Try to purchase those Dirty Dozen vegetables as organic, but the Clean Fifteen and other foods aren't necessary. (Just make sure you wash everything well.)
A cardinal rule of thumb to remember is that foods with a thick skin (oranges, avocados, bananas, etc.) typically are safer to purchase in their regular form because the skin can act as a shield to pesticides.
Conversely, for thinner skinned items (apples, tomatoes, spinach), try to go organic.
At the end of the day, a clean and balanced diet is the key to good nutrition.
4. Lace up for race day.
If you can't get motivated to workout at home, try setting a goal such as running a 5K or 10K.
Running is such an amazing way to relieve stress and get fit at the same time.
Better yet, get a group of friends to sign up for a race with you for extra support.
Download an app like Map My Run for finding routes, tracking your runs, logging your food and connecting with friends.
5. Meal prep over take out.
Yes, it's more work, but prepping your meals ahead of time will definitely save you money.
If you spend $10 a day on lunch take-out at work, you're wasting at least $200 a month. (Let's not even get into how much that is per year.)
Take the time, prepare your meals in advance and stalk some Pinterest foodies for meal inspiration.
What else would you add to this list?
Comment below with your favorite strategies for staying fit on a budget.
