As you sit around stuffing Doritos into your face and binge-watching another series on Netflix, you think it’s about time to turn things around. But healthy food and gym memberships are expensive. You have the drive, but do you have the budget to get healthy? After a quick check of your bank account, you decide it’s not in the cards for you right now and get back to your regularly scheduled snack.
Here are a few great ideas to help keep your body healthy without breaking the bank.
Shop farmers’ markets :
Organic foods can be expensive to buy in the supermarket because they cost more money to produce. This is true for all organic produce, but it’s especially true for the stuff that gets the certified labels.
The certification process can be costly, and that contributes to the additional cost of your food. This is why many smaller organic farmers don’t even bother with the labeling. You can find organic produce at a farmers’ market for cheaper because it may not be certified. You can also pay cash direct to the source, which helps cut out the middlemen in the process and puts more money into the farmer’s pocket. In turn, some of that savings gets passed along to you.
Buy frozen fruit :
How many science experiments have you had growing mold in your fridge over the years? If you’re like most of us, it’s too many to count. This is why it’s a good idea to buy frozen fruit. Most fruit is flash frozen shortly after it’s picked, so it retains its vitamins and minerals. And you can use it as you’d like without having to worry about expiration dates. As a bonus, frozen fruit is perfect for smoothies or homemade sorbets.
Grow your own herbs :
Herbs like parsley, basil and cilantro are packed with nutrients that are great for your health, but they can get pricey at the store. Consider planting an herb garden in your own kitchen. This way, you’ll always have access to fresh herbs that you can use in cooking or in green smoothies.
Eat more plant-based meals :
When you swap meat for beans, not only will you save yourself the cholesterol, but you’ll also save a fair amount of cash. A can of beans will cost you about $1 and can become the protein source of a meal for two to four people, depending on what else is in the recipe.
Start a free workout :
You don’t have to join a gym to get fit and healthy. You can ride your bike or go for a walk, jog or run. These are all free ways to exercise, and they’re extremely good for your cardiovascular health and longevity. If you want to switch things up and have a little extra cash, consider getting a workout DVD or joining a local softball or volleyball league.
Quit bad habits :
The cheapest way to get healthy is to stop the bad habits that are detracting from your health. If you’re a smoker, find a way to quit. If you’re drinking too much alcohol, cut back. And if you have a drug problem, find help by using online directories to help get you back on track. Quitting bad habits isn’t easy, but it is definitely a cost-effective way to improve your health.
It’s time to put down the bag of Doritos and step away from the television. Getting healthy doesn’t have to be expensive when you follow these tips.
