NYC is a crazy place. People spend to look and feel good. But lately, people just don’t have it to spend. Does that mean they don’t look or feel as good?

I just had a baby. What that means is that I am carrying around a lot of extra weight. Sleepless nights and long (even though cute) days make eating well a very slight possibility. Having a lot less extra cash these days, makes going to the fancy gym almost impossible. I know that my life will be much better if I drop the pounds and get healthy, so I decided to try one of those programs that sends you food. I figure, if they send it to me, I don’t have to cook. Another newborn baby-life bonus!

I looked into them, Nutrisystem, LA Weightloss, Zone, but they all seemed very processed and not particularly healthy. Then I found Nu-Kitchen: organic, healthy, local, chef-made meals that are not too outrageously pricey. A week in and I am already feeling loose in my jeans.

They say, "After we've finished preparing your meals, we bundle them up in our stylish cooler tote and deliver them right to your door. We drop off your meals between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. so that when you get up, your meals will be waiting for you." The program comes with a "Healthy Eating Guarantee", focused on whole grains, protein, fish, heart healthy oils, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. It makes life so much easier, and it’s actually pretty tasty.

I talked to Emily, a friend who is a gym die-hard but just got laid off from a job in finance. "I’m not going to stop working out, but I can’t pay for the gym." She smiled, "It’s all about city rock climbing." Apparently, there are indoor rock climbing walls all over Manhattan and Brooklyn. Emily explains, "It’s a lot cheaper than the fancy gym options, and it is a killer work out."

Lastly, my coworker Andy told me about Groupon where he gets deals on his weekly massages. I checked it out and there are all kinds of deals for hair styling, trips, and other relaxing goodies. They explain, "Each day we feature something cool to do at an unbeatable price. You only get it if enough people join that day...so invite your friends!"

"I see it as a challenge," Andy told me, "If I have enough people into it, I can get incredible deals on massages and other spa treatments, I just email blast my friends!" He says he’s only failed once or twice, but has gotten tons of treatments so far and they have all been great.

The truth is, New Yorkers are smart-- too smart to look or feel bad just because the economy does.