Starting a healthy lifestyle does not have to be a financial burden. If you are looking for ways to eat better, get more exercise, and keep money in your pocket, start with these four simple tips. You can make adjustments a few at a time until you reach the lifestyle you desire.
1. DIY Your Diet When You Can
Many people struggle to eat a healthy diet simply because they cannot afford it. If you want to save money and eat better, consider a more DIY diet. You can buy your fruits and vegetables in season at the local farmer's market. That will likely be cheaper than the grocery store, but if you have the space, consider growing them. For the price of a bag of seeds, you can have your favorites available in your yard or kitchen window.
For those healthy pantry foods that do not perish quickly, buy
in bulk from a wholesaler to save. Research diets with plenty of protein that allow you to cut back on meat. When you do eat meat, leaner meat, such as chicken, is healthier and less expensive.
2. Exercise for Free
A common misconception is that you have to pay expensive monthly gym fees to exercise. You can create a great workout plan that incorporates in-home exercise routines with minimal equipment. If you aren't sure how to get started, consider scheduling a free consultation with an in-home personal trainer from Practice Fitness. Get outside when the weather is nice to stay active. Talk to your employer about company-funded wellness plans. Some businesses offer packages with fitness classes or nutrition consultants. You can even download free apps to help you set personal goals.
3. Get Rid of a Bad Habit
Do you have any bad habits that hurt your health and cost money? If you smoke cigarettes, giving it up is a great place to start. If you love junk food, you might start supplementing your favorite unhealthy treats with something healthier. If you work from home and spend much of your day sitting down, consider putting your computer on a high counter or investing in a standing desk. One study shows that sitting is the new smoking, slowly contributing to increased risk for chronic disease.
4. Start a Business That Promotes Your New Lifestyle
If you can find a way to incorporate things that you love into your new lifestyle, you could turn your wellness plan into a business opportunity. Document your changes in an affiliate marketing blog. If you love yoga, get your certification and open a yoga studio. Research business best practices in your niche and dedicate time to creating a strong, detailed business plan. For example, if your company provides client-facing services, create professional invoices using a customizable invoice generator that allows you to input your brand logo and colors. You want a system for payment collection that promotes prompt payment. Getting organized is the best way to start.
Healthy Living Saves Money
As you start to make lifestyle changes, you'll see the repercussions in positive ways. Your health insurance premiums will decrease. You can start biking to save on gas and auto maintenance costs. Cooking at home saves on the cost of eating out.
The changes you make could have a drastic impact on your quality of life. If you start with a
positive attitude and determination, there is no end to what you can accomplish. All you need to do is stick with what you enjoy and avoid making changes you think might be unsustainable for you.