|
FREE STUFF!
How to Save Money On Health
The economy has had an effect on the monthly budget for many families. When there are cutbacks to make, we have to prioritize our spending. Food usually takes up a large proportion of the budget so it makes sense to start there to see what cutbacks can be made. Unfortunately, along with gas prices, the prices of fresh fruits, vegetables and milk are also rising. Many fast food chains are experiencing new sales records as people look for low cost ways to eat and feed their families. This is the junk economy/junk food relationship. Eating this way will save money in the short term, but what are the long term costs in regards to health? Fortunately, there are ways to cut back on spending and continue living a healthy life.
Instructions
|
Things You’ll Need:
|
|
• Grocery coupons
• Grocery circulars
• Food planners
|
Step 1
Save money on yoga Continue making time for daily exercise. If you have to give up your personal trainer or gym membership, look for discount health clubs or invest in a treadmill or elliptical cross trainer. Walk your neighborhood with your dog or a friend, or invest in a few exercise tapes to use at home. There are also many fitness channels on television which can be recorded.
Step 2
Create a meal plan. I encourage my clients to do meal planning on Sunday for the week ahead. Look at sale circulars from the grocery store which usually arrives on the weekend. Plan meals around weekly sales and specials. Utilize leftovers on busy evenings. Meal planning helps eliminate waste and extra trips to the grocery store and unnecessary spending. Cook a couple days a week and then stretch out the meals by adding things to change it up. For example, roasted chicken for one dinner could be chicken tacos the next. Eating at home is always a great healthy living strategy. (Check resources for free meal planning worksheets).
Step 3
Create a budget. Decide what your budget is before going to the grocery store, and eat something before you go. Have a list of necessary items, and food items you don’t necessarily need but would like to buy. Purchase the necessities first, and use a calculator to add them up as you place the items you must purchase into the cart. If you have money left over after you get everything you need, you can then pick up a few of the foods and treats you had hoped to get.
Step 4
Shop smart and avoid prepared foods. Foods which need a little more preparation are less expensive. For example, buy a whole head of romaine lettuce instead a tub of pre-washed greens. Cut up your own fruits and vegetables and meat. Buy frozen vegetables but use them up quickly, they do gradually lose freshness. Look at the top and bottom shelves for the cheapest foods, such as bagged beans, lentils, whole grains, oats, cans of tuna, etc. Vegetable sources of protein like lentils, beans, quinoa, and peanut butter are packed with fiber, filling, and also cheap!
Step 5
Go green to reduce costs. Most cleaning products are expensive and unnecessary. Make your own with white vinegar, water, and baking soda. You also won't have to worry about exposure to chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, etc. Use cold water and the minimum amount of laundry soap to save up to 90% of energy costs of heating the water. Avoid buying paper towel and use old sheets and rags to clean with. Shop in the bulk aisles to buy only the amount you need and reduce waste.
Step 6
Save money on bottled water Don’t buy bottled water. Buy a water filtration unit to avoid the costs of bottled water and the exposure to plastic particles. These are very reasonably priced and will pay for themselves quickly. You will drink a lot more water by keeping your reusable water bottle with you, it will stay colder, and you will save money on buying beverages when you're out.
Step 7
Buy from farmer's markets Buy organic for less. Visit the EWG.org to learn about which foods should be purchased organic if possible, the foods you don't have to buy organic, and the skin care ingredients that should be avoided. Spring will be here soon and the farmer’s markets will be open where fresh fruits and vegetables can be purchased inexpensively. Also, consider starting your own organic garden this year.
©2009 DLS HealthWorks. All rights reserved
|
