One of the keys for me is integrating exercise into my daily routine by combining it with other things I need to do.  Going to the grocery store is something I need to do quite often.  Why not walk there?  It requires no motivation to actually do the exercise because my initiative comes from being hungry.  I call this “mindless” walking.  It is a great pleasure and hundreds of times more efficient than driving and about as quick.  Walking to the store is very stimulating, easier than driving, and doesn’t cost a darn thing, plus boosts your day by basking you in fresh air and circulating your legs and thoughts.  I walked to Flagstaff Farmers Market in about ten minutes time and here’s what I bought:

Flagstaff Farmers Market score

I spent $18.01 for all this.  Grapefruit were 3 for $1, hatch chilis at $1/pound, tomatoes from Four Peaks farm were $1.50/pound, spinach was .99 cents/bunch.  The hardest thing about this trip was that I took the time to lay out the food and take this picture before eating.

simple transportation technology w/ high performance capabilities

It is dangerous going to the food store hungry but the backpack is a fine check and balance.  If I overdue it and it won’t all fit into the backpack that is OK too.  Then I’ll swing grocery store bags from each arm and do curls on the way home.  Because bicycling doesn’t do much for my upper body I need this kind of cross training and weight bearing activity.  But just a little.  Walking to the store seems to be a good maintenance dose for staying healthy.

FFM is a great place to shop

The most expensive item line was tomatoes.

went shopping with one bill and came back with two

I like the way carrying the groceries home gives me more of a sense of what I’m buying.  I don’t know how many pounds of produce this was but it was a lot of weight for the money.  The trip there added value to the haul for me.  It doesn’t seem like much but when you are training and paying attention to your budget and body every little thing counts.

itadakimasu