Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for everyone, but many people believe healthy lifestyles are only attainable for the wealthy. However, there are plenty of ways you can stay healthy, even if you’re trying to pay off debt or stick to a tight budget. Try American Consumer Credit Counseling’s budget-friendly health tips.
Try American Consumer Credit Counseling’s budget-friendly health tips.
Exercising on a Budget
Getting a decent amount of exercise is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy. You don’t need an expensive gym membership to get your steps in for the day! In fact, there are plenty of ways you can incorporate exercise into your everyday life. Affordable fitness is possible! Plus, you can avoid adding onto your credit card debt.
- Take the stairs more often. Rather than opting for the elevator when you head into work, take the extra 2 or 3 minutes to take the stairs.
- Walk/bike instead of driving when possible. If you live close enough to work where you can bike, try biking 3 days a week instead of driving. Or maybe you live within walking distance of the grocery store. If you just need to pick up a couple of items, walk there instead of driving.
- Use YouTube and Pinterest to find workouts for free. The internet has a wealth of information and ideas, and it won’t cost you a cent!
- Check Groupon and other discount sites for coupons for fitness classes. If you prefer working out in group settings, like spinning or yoga classes, don’t pay full price! There are always coupons and discounts out there if you look hard enough.
Healthy Diet on a Budget
Eating a healthy diet is equally, if not more important than exercising. Oftentimes people find that it’s cheaper, quicker, and easier to just go through a fast-food drive-through rather than go to the grocery store to find fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables. Of course, there are some tricks you can use to add some healthier options to your diet:
- Incorporate more non-meat proteins into your diet (e.g. nuts, eggs, beans, tofu). Plant-based protein options still give you the protein you need without you having to spend too much money on expensive meats. These options are also healthier than red meats!
- Buy seasonal produce. If you want to buy fresh produce, check what’s in season. Fruits and veggies that are in season are generally going to be less expensive.
- Buy frozen fruits and veggies in bulk. Buying in bulk is cheaper than just buying one small package at a time. Also, frozen fruits and veggies won’t go bad if you don’t use them within a few days as fresh produce will.
- Stop buying junk food. This is a foolproof tip for saving money! Chips, candy, and other packaged snack foods are unhealthy and unnecessary purchase.
If you struggle with debt or coming up with a budget, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today!
