Sometimes it might seem impossible to stay healthy when your funds are low. Everything, from going to the gym to purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables, seems like it comes with a costly price tag. Although it may seem like eating cheap, processed food and living like a hermit might be your only option money-wise, there are actually a few ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle without breaking the bank. Here are a few top tips to help you stay healthy on a budget.
Practice Yoga
Gym memberships can be extortionate, and the expense of individual fitness classes can rack up at the end of the month. However, don’t let money weigh you down because there are many exercises you can do that are virtually free. Walking and running are obvious options, but for something a bit different, try yoga. Yoga is a low-impact activity that focuses on core strength, flexibility, and controlled breathing. It is all about performing a series of postures, and when done right, it can improve your overall well-being. Although you may have noticed this trendy exercise popping up in gyms and fitness centers, you don’t need to fork out to reap the rewards. All you need is a yoga mat, a space to focus, and an instructional yoga video which you can find free of charge online.
Shop in Season
A cost-effective tip to keep in mind when you’re scouring the local supermarket or a farm shop is to shop in season. Produce that is seasonal is usually more affordable. Although local produce is often connected with high costs, fruit and vegetables can be much cheaper when sourced in season rather than out of season.
Grow Your Own
If you want to take local, seasonal produce one step further, try your hand at growing your own. Nothing is more local than homegrown fruit and vegetables, and with the right technique, it isn’t too difficult to manage either. Whether you have a small garden, a gigantic backyard, or a bit of space outside of the window, it is entirely possible to grow a selection of fresh produce. You can dedicate your garden to vegetables, section off a part of the yard for an allotment, or simply grow produce in hanging baskets and planters. Seed packets can be sourced on the cheap in stores, and you can join local, grow your own groups online to share tips, and swap excess produce. Not only is growing your own produce an economical way to get in your five a day, but it also reduces the long distance transportation of food, and so it is better for the environment too.
Reduce Your Fruit Juice Intake
Reducing your fruit juice intake is both a proactive and preventive way to stay healthy. When consumed in moderation, fruit juice can provide you with plenty of vitamins that are necessary for a healthy lifestyle. However, fruit juice actually contains as much sugar as many popular sodas. Too much fruit juice can lead to poor dental health, spiked blood sugar levels, and weight gain. Try to reduce your intake to 1 or 2 cups a day, and reach for whole fruits and vegetables instead.