A healthy lifestyle gives your mind and body what it needs to operate at peak efficiency. It also helps you save money by lowering your insurance costs, reducing medical bills and trimming your food budget since you eat out less. Here are a few ways to enjoy a healthy life and save money, courtesy of The Student Aspect.
Embrace Clean Eating
Convenience foods are expensive and contain preservatives, sodium, sugars and harmful fats. You will feel better and lower your food budget by committing to clean eating instead. With this plan, you fill most of your plate with whole grains, fruit and vegetables. Buying these foods in season saves you money and is better for the environment. Better yet, start your own home vegetable garden for the freshest choices yet.
Eat Less Meat
Another way to save money is to eat more plant protein foods instead of expensive meat. Great choices include lentils, edamame, beans, nuts, seeds and legumes. All of these are also high in fiber which helps you stay fuller longer and aids in digestion.
Cook More Meals at Home
Skip expensive restaurant meals and cook more of your meals at home. This also helps you control the ingredients and limit the sugar and sodium in your meals. In addition, you can save time and money by prepping a week’s worth of meals and freezing them to heat up during the week.
Invest in Healthy Kitchen Products
There are a number of kitchen products that can improve your health. For example, water filtration systems can remove harmful contaminants from your tap water, while knife sharpeners can help to prevent cuts and injuries. In addition, advanced appliances like air fryers and slow cookers can help you to prepare healthier meals with less fat and calories. Before purchasing any products for your home, read detailed product reviews.
Build a Home Gym
If you love working out at a gym but are tired of paying membership fees, consider a home gym instead. Building your own ensures you have the equipment you want and makes a workout more convenient. Start with a few pieces and expand your gym over time.
Look for Low-Cost Outdoor Activities
Check out your community calendar for outdoor activities that promote wellness. Fun runs, community walks, obstacle courses and health fairs are popular events. You can also join a local pickleball, softball, volleyball or basketball league to make new friends and exercise simultaneously.
Use Employee Wellness Programs
Take full advantage of any wellness programs and perks your company offers. This can include health or fitness challenges, onsite fitness rooms, healthy snacks in the break room and weight loss programs.
Create an Income Stream
There are several ways to turn your passion for healthy living into income. First, start a blog to share your money-saving wellness ideas with others. Then, use it as an affiliate marketing opportunity for your favorite products. Turn your daily yoga practice into a yoga studio filled with paying clients to learn from your expertise. You can even open a store to sell all kinds of sports gear.
To save money on your business, use online tools whenever possible. For instance, you can follow these steps to download a PDF to an iPad so that you can work on promotional materials wherever you are. You should also advertise via social media whenever possible, in order to reach the largest audience of prospective customers that you can.
All these ideas help you enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle without spending much money. One of them might even set you up with a new money-making business of your own.
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