Reflecting back on 2018, buying a house and getting a pup were big milestones that I am so grateful for, but I can’t help reflect on the smaller achievements like starting to live a more simple life, making more sustainable choices, and buying less things. I’m looking forward to continuing this trend and saving more money in 2019.
Some ways I have been able to save money and will continue to leading into 2019:
- Making my own lattes
- Making my own nut milks
- Cooking dinner at home almost every night
- Eating less meat
- Doing more at-home workouts
Lately I’ve been cooking with more plants and less meat. Not only is it much cheaper, it is also much better for the environment.
Here is one of my favorite plant-based meals from 2018 from my summer reset recipes Chili Lime Black Bean Burgers (Vegan & GF)
What you can except from me in 2019: more plant-based meals that TASTE GOOD and are affordable.
Top 3 Most Popular Recipes from 2018
One of my most popular recipes from 2018 are these Banana Avocado Chocolate Muffins
They were one of the first recipes made in the new house, and so easy to whip up. Muffins are easily my favorite thing to bake. You can make them so nutritious by adding protein like nut butters or collagen, vegetables like zucchini or pumpkin, and fiber like flax meal and oats.
You guys also loved this Adaptogen Chocolate Milk Recipe. I was inspired to make it after realizing I was spending too much money on Rebbl drinks.
Lastly, these 3 Ingredient Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups were a big hit, not just on the blog, but also at home.
I think its safe to say that you guys love chocolate. Don’t worry, there will be more chocolate (dairy-free) recipes in 2019!
Most Popular Workout
I didn’t post a ton of workouts on the blog this year, time got the best of me and food (chocolate) was just what you guys were craving more of.
But this Low-Impact 30 MIN TABATA Workout – Arms and Abs was my most pinned and viewed workout of the year. It’s a great one to do at-home with little-to-no equipment needed.
As I mentioned, one of the ways I’ve been able to save money in 2018 is by doing more at-home workouts. I decreased my ClassPass membership from $120/month to just $40/moth. I only get in 3-4 classes/month now vs. 10. I still love having ClassPass so that I can go to some of my favorite studios in Boston for much cheaper but I find that between running outside and creating my own HIIT and strength workouts, I don’t miss my classes that much.
The great thing about technology today is that you can easily workout at home. There are so many different apps now that you can download and YouTube and Peleton are making working out at home so easy. Now that we have a house, my plan is to save some money and eventually get a Peleton Bike. I like the idea of the treadmill but I much prefer running outside over inside.
Other Highlights from 2018
Favorite Book: The Untethered Soul
Favorite Podcast: Deepak Chopra On The Meaning Of Life, Our Current Insanity Crisis & The Collective Healing We All Need
Favorite Food: I ate a lot of avocado, but EVOO made a comeback in my kitchen.
Favorite Sustainable Products: Stasher Bags , Healthy Human Water Bottle (use code FITGRG10), FRE Skincare (code FITGREEN for 25% off), reusable mesh produce bags
Favorite Workout: I keep coming back to BURN Fitness studios in Boston, Jonathan’s Tabata and Burn classes are my favorite and they are hard!!
Favorite Fitness Achievement: I won my first 5k, although it was a small race, even the small victories should be celebrated.
In 2019 I hope to continue to inspire you all by sharing more of my passion of living a healthy life that isn’t complicated through simple, mostly plant-based meals, sustainable and affordable living, and quick at-home workouts. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel if you want to see more of my workouts and check me out on Instagram where I post more of my recipes.
xoxo
Marisa
What do you want to see more of in 2019? Chocolate, workouts? Tell me below!
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