Most of us want to live healthy lives in concept. But, it’s not always easy to do. Especially when you’re on a budget. So today I want to talk about ways to get healthier that are on the cheap.
Health foods are expensive. Gym memberships can break the bank. Never mind the luxury of hiring a personal trainer. It can feel like the odds are stacked against you.
Many shops are guilty of hosting a range of special offers on junk food and ready meals. And then what do they do with the healthier options and fresh foods? They hike up the prices for those! Just another obstacle.
Activity trackers and other fitness gadgets are meant to help us. But they’re just another thing that costs money. Wow, is this getting expensive.
So here are some great ways you can take better care of yourself on the cheap!
Walk More
Fitbits and other activity trackers are a great way to monitor your movements and encourage you to be more active. But they’re so expensive. The good news is that if you’ve had one on your wish list for a while, we’re getting to the best time of year to get one. These often go on sale for the holidays!
However, you really don’t need one. Just start taking small breaks during the day to walk. It works your legs and core muscles, improves your stamina, gets your heart pumping, boosts your circulation and helps you to burn more calories.
For example, plan a ten minute walk on your lunch break. And then a longer walk with your dog when you get home. This isn’t in place of formal exercise. But it’s just building more movement into your day.
Start a Healthcare Fund
When you’re living life on a tight budget, an unexpected expense can be a catastrophe. And even without an emergency, we all have some healthcare needs throughout the year. The good news is that a healthcare fund can help you save on these expenses.
Very likely your employer offers one. And usually these allow you to put in pre-tax dollars from your pay check to use for health bills. Meaning the money that would normally go to taxes is free money towards your health. This is something to definitely check out.
Is the concept of a health savings account new? Check out this. Health Savings Account Guide to help you to find the right option. Planning for your health is one of the best things you can do!
Drink More Water
When it comes to looking after yourself, water is like a miracle drug. And the best thing is, it’s free. Try to sip water throughout the day, carrying a bottle when you’re out. And have a full glass with meals.
Drinking more water has so many benefits. It helps to flush your body of toxins, gives you clear skin and a bright complexion. It helps your organs to work at their best and boosts your immune system. And it also helps you to feel full, making you less likely to snack, overeat or binge eat.
Cook From Scratch
Healthy food can be expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. Cook meals from scratch, using cheaper ingredients. Cooking like this gives you a chance to add more vegetables to your meals and means that you always know exactly what you’re putting in your body.
And this doesn’t have to be complicated or super time consuming. There are lots of great recipes that just take a few ingredients. So don’t let overwhelm stop you from experimenting with cooking.
And here’s another way to save time. Try meal planning as another way to incorporate cheaper healthier meals into your diet. Use your grocery store circular to find sales while meal planning. That way you can plan around what you can buy on the cheap.
Set A Challenge
Don’t want to spend a lot of money on a gym? What about setting a fun challenge like a 5K? The great thing about this is that it’s cheap. And it also can introduce you to a terrific fitness community.
If you desire some motivation and assistance, check out the Couch to 5K program. This is a program specific for people who aren’t runners. And you can even download the app to take with you on your runs.
Don’t shy away from something just because it’s new. Just because you haven’t done it before doesn’t mean you can’t do it now. Challenge yourself outside of your comfort zone. Just put on some headphones, take your phone and a bottle of water, and start running.
Use Workout Videos
Running is brilliant cardio exercise. But what if you’d rather stay home, or add some strength training to your fitness plan? Go old school with home workout videos.. Try things like yoga, Pilates and kettlebells to give your muscles a workout.
These days, there are lots of options. You can choose from YouTube videos. Or many trainers have digital total fitness plans with workouts for different days of the week. Or go with an old school DVD. All of these are great options on the cheap.
Avoid Expensive Activewear
Activewear is fashionable at the moment. Where I live, it’s trendy to wear yoga pants almost anywhere. But in the end, the most important quality of activewear is to get you through any high intensity workout.
So don’t feel like you need to invest in all of the best fitness gear. You can make do with an old pair of leggings and some cheap trainers. It’s worth investing in the best sports bra that you can afford though. This helps you look after your back during your workouts.
And these are just a few ways to get healthy on the cheap. Don’t let cost stop you from living well. Yes, there are lots of cheap options for junk food. And sitting in front of the TV and doing nothing is almost free. But getting healthy doesn’t have to cost a lot.
So what’s stop you from living your best life yet?
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Drinking lots of water is the best thing I have other done for myself over the years.