7 Tips for Living Healthy on a Budget
Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be as challenging or expensive as you think. In fact, you can create new routines that benefit your health and even save money at the same time! Consider the seven tips below from Cleveland Health and Wellness Center to get started.
1. Create an At-Home Workout
Working out does not have to be a daily grind at the gym. For some, that is not a sustainable workout plan anyway. You can get exercise from the comfort of your home. If you need help to get started, you can find fitness experts who offer programs to fit your specific needs. You can even cut corners by skipping the weights and focusing on body weight exercise routines.
Take a look at what home workout equipment is available to you. You’ll likely find you have plenty of choices, so stick to home products that have positive reviews from unbiased sources. It’s best to read reviews of equipment like stationary bikes to get a sense of the quality of various offerings.
And if you don’t feel like picking up lots of workout equipment, another option is to go jogging. This is an especially good option for dog-owners because you can take your furry companion with you for some added motivation, and you’ll both benefit from the exercise and fresh air. You might want to invest in an escape-proof harness, though, so that you can keep your new workout buddy safe!
2. Change Your Grocery Shopping Habits
Consider where you shop for groceries and how much you spend on prepared foods. People often associate eating clean or organic with paying a hefty grocery bill. However, it can be as simple as swapping out expensive frozen pizzas for relatively inexpensive fresh vegetables. If you have questions about nutrition, reach out to your doctor. You can request a referral for a visit with a nutritionist.
3. Get Protein from Other Sources
Meat is a good source of protein, but it is also very expensive. You don't have to eliminate it from your diet altogether but you can supplement and limit the amount of meat you eat weekly. Make sure you still get enough protein. Research shows that protein foods, such as legumes, peas, eggs, nuts, and soy products, provide important building blocks for the body to repair after a workout.
4. Stick to Seasonal Produce
Off-season produce is always more expensive. Before you go shopping, know what is in season. For example, oranges and kale peak in winter, and avocados peak in the spring. Berries are cheapest in summer, and fall is for apples, grapes, and figs.
5. Plant a Garden
If you have space for a garden, plant your own greens and spices. You can create salads and sides for every meal on your property and cut your grocery bill in half. You only need to invest in the initial planting process. Start by learning what grows best in your area and adjust your garden to accommodate seasonal veggies.
6. Take Advantage of Wellness Programs
If you work for a large company, speak to your human resources contact about what wellness programs your company offers. Companies that provide health insurance options often have other programs to help keep their employees happy and healthy. Ask about free fitness courses. Many companies offer yoga classes or gym memberships as perks.
As you start implementing new ways to get and stay healthy in your life, don't forget to treat yourself with kindness when you make a mistake. If you expect perfection, you will fail. Take these changes one step at a time, and you will find success.
Cleveland Health and Wellness Center provides compassionate and holistic mental health care for adults, adolescents, and children. Call 216-777-8834.