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CohenInAz
02-10-2009, 01:58 PM
First... I am a nerd... and I think like this... so.. here I go:

I know the econonmy is not great right now. We've taken paycuts and some have lost jobs and this program is expensive, or at least seems that way to some outsiders saying they can't afford to start.

Today, I was told this by someone and I said, look your health can't wait plus it saves you money. They asked me how and I decided to show them how the program has more than paid for itself! I mean.. the weight loss itself is more than enough, but the pocketbook also does a lot of talking right now.

I decided to share it on here and it might be fun to see how even spending money on the program has more than paid for itself!

What you need: An idea of what you spent on food, drinking, going out and all the social things you did before starting the program.

Ok.. so you have the $250 (American Online Program) and 2 blood test for 12 weeks, so $320 for our first 12 weeks. My food cost on average: $7 a day. Some days less (a lot less some days), some days more. I do buy easy packaged stuff and organic and I figured I would go high.

Food for 84 days = $588 + $320 for the program = $908

Now... you might be thinking gosh that is a lot of money right now, however. This is what I saved in the first 12 weeks:

$26 a DAY on food, I always ate out ($5 McDOnalds, $6 QT/Quizons, $15 Dinner out with friends) during the week and $10 a day on weekends (stuff from the store). So... $150 a week.

$150 * 12 weeks = $1800 saved in FOOD!!!!

I also used to go to the movies each week and had a diet Soda with Friends so figure another $15 a week. I stopped, as the movies every week, always led to Lets grab dinner/dessert/drinks/coffee after or before.

$15 * 12 weeks = $180 + 1800 = $1980

Plus I am sure there are countless other things I didn't do because I was on the diet. Not that I had to become a shut in, but it made my life easier.

I did start using the Gym more. I did start walking places (instead of driving) a lot more and I got my friends to join me!

We stopped doing food based activities and started doing healthy things. A walk around the lake to gossip, coffee places instead.

So... in my first 12 weeks, I saved over $1072 (1980-908) by being on the program!

That paid from my trip to New York! Plus all of the clothes for New York!

Now... I am back on for another 12 weeks, but at a reduced cost, of course, so with my savings I have already paid for this 12 weeks!

Plus, because I am still on, I am still saving $$$$ from my old eating out habits!!!

That is what is going to pay for my new wardrobe!

YAY!!!! So if you're reading this and not on the program, because you think it is too much and too expensive, it works out. Plus just think of the new skinnier, richer you! Ha!

Plus if you ARE on the program... figure out how much you have saved!!!!

PhyllisRis
02-10-2009, 09:30 PM
Great posting!! Good job on figuring out your savings, AZ!
I don't have any idea how much we're saving in food....but I can imagine quite a bit as I used to eat a LOT! We aren't buying so much junk stuff either.
I do know that once I'm off my blood pressure and cholesterol drugs that will be $20 every 3 months in prescription copay so times 4 = $80/year. AND...I don't have to go on metformin for diabetes which my physician had prescribed for me just before starting this diet (and because of the diet I chose not to go on the metformin)..so there's another $10 every 3 months...another $40/year = $120/year.
The cost of smaller sized clothes saves a lot of money, too. The clothes are smaller and more fit into a suitcase thus perhaps eliminating the need to check a bag on airplane trips...saving like $15 for the first bag and $25 for each additional bag!!
BUT....I don't really care about how much money I'm saving....all I care about is the fact that I'm saving my LIFE!! How can you put a price tag on the worth of your life....especially if you have young children who depend on you for their support!!!
My principal (female....who is the epitome of health..athletic, not overweight, etc.) just had a heart attack at the age of 41!!! It's probably related to stress and over doing it, BUT....if that happens to someone so active and seemingly healthy then in our obese (yes, most of us would qualify for that) bodies we are walking time bombs!!!! I say, if you're overweight and need to lose at least 20 pounds then this diet is the safest and healthiest way to redefine your lifestyle!!! JUST DO IT!!!

jenn
02-10-2009, 09:53 PM
great post idea az! i would say we are def spending more $ on groceries (meat/cheese adds up) ~ prior to the diet it was easy to eat the cheap, refined carbs that are so quick to 'grab & go'. terrible on the nutrition, health and waist line but that's the kicker about crappy foods - it's cheap!

but, despite our grocery bill going up a bit our social spending has become almost nil and that is what is saving us huge coin! i would normally grab something to eat when i got my coffee and then grab something else for lunch but now the only thing i spend my 'frivvy' money on is coffee or tea when out with friends. i only seem to be spending $40 a month (at most) on these frivvy outings so that's nice. plus, the savings on not drinking alcohol has been great - although i'm sadly missing it as the weather gets nicer. ah well, soon enough! soon enough!

OrlandoOz
02-11-2009, 06:50 AM
Agree Agree Agree..

I spoke with someone I work with about the diet and due to her tight budget she felt she could not do it. I must say at first I hesitated a little however I know my family history as the females move into middle and late years. We gain weight, get diabeties, and have heart attacks/strokes. The writing was on the wall for me as my weight continued to add up. If I didn't do something now ..... When I saw what my sister had done on this diet that was it... I was in.

I am SO HAPPY at this time. The pounds are flying off, I feel good, my legs and back don't hurt so much, I know from the posts my cholesterol will go down (hopefully I will be off meds). Now I know this is only my second week but reading everyones posts is so positive.

I don't know if I am saving that much on food as I still cook for the family... definately saving on the wine consumption :( I have had no problem going out with people i.e. superbowl party etc because I know this is for me..my life... my health.... and I will not be pulled off track.

I hope that as I go through the diet that my coworker will see how this diet works and know it is not a waste.

Shasha
02-11-2009, 10:16 AM
{hi} there AZ


You’re my girl !!!

I L!O!V!E!D! YOUR POST !!! BRAVO AND THANK YOU !!!

EXCELLENT! {goodjob} EXCELLENT! :clapping3: EXCELLENT!!! :clapping3:

Shasha
02-11-2009, 10:23 AM
{hi} there Phyllis

Our “little” LIFE SAVER!!

So glad to hear that you will be coming off your blood pressure med’s and that you are preventing diabetes!!!

I agree with you!! That you cannot put a price tag on what your health is worth – after all, we only get one body and we need to love it!

:bighug: :bighug: :bighug:

Shasha
02-11-2009, 10:33 AM
{hi} there Jenn

Yes, it’s funny how cheap the bad foods are… and, how much you can eat of them!! :munchies:

I always try to remember the saying: cheap but nasty! ie: the effects they have on you :eek:

I’m just reminded of those buffets where you eat all you want and think it’s a bargain… the irony is that it’s NO bargain for you or your health! {noway}

Shasha
02-11-2009, 10:38 AM
{hi} there OrlandoOz

Lead her by your example: way to go! {wave}

Not having your legs and back hurt so much is PRICELESS! I mean, how much would you pay for pain removal if it were on sale in the shops?

Well done on changing your future!! {cheerleader} ONLY YOU CAN DO THAT!!!

jenn
02-11-2009, 10:39 AM
i agree totally sasha! eating healthy is good for you but the saving grace is also knowing portion sizes which cohen really helps with. i think of when i did eat meat prior to this (wasn't a huge meat eater) how the size portion was huge! even the trainers i talk with now only recommend 4oz chicken (as an example) for a dinner protein portion and that size isn't too far off what i'm eating already. so, although healthy groceries are a bit more money, in the long run it's much better for my health, endurance and head space! plus i find it invaluable the switch i've made to grocery shopping several times a week, bringing my lunch to work EVERY day and cooking my dinner at home EVERY night - those are fantastic habits to get into and also save $$$ in the end :)

PINKED
02-11-2009, 03:52 PM
I'm so glad you started this thread! I was just thinking about this very topic and although I've only done this for six days I've saved tons by not stopping for coffee and a muffin, having interviews in restaurants over food, eating out on my way to appointments, taking my kids through McD (don't shoot me, I know Cohen police have him in custody). I'm out all day, nearly every day and when hunger strikes....a drive through is just around the next corner and $5 minimum would fall out of my pocket.

I have had to be more organized....gosh, that's not a BAD THING! Because in 6 days - I've LOST 7 POUNDS and a lot less CASH!!!

bethannk511
05-03-2009, 09:31 PM
I used to spend at least $60/week on lunch alone!! Let alone if i would get take out for dinner!!!! The first shopping trip that i took cost me $60 andd that was for breakfast lunch and dinner!! I made another trip in there that only cost about $20!! Saving money on this diet is an understatement!!