Even though the economy stinks more than a stinky sock, you can live healthfully and still have the stuff you want (within reason, of course). Being healthy won’t hog your budget, if you know where to save and where to spend. We know it’s not always obvious.
The $1 menu at fast-food restaurants sounds like a deal, right? Especially with the food prices escalating fast. But….you gotta look beneath the covers. A $1 meal quickly turns into a $10 meal when you look at future costs the $1 meal invokes: letting out your clothes or buying new ones, dealing with the stress of weight gain, buying diet books, and cleaning up the health-busting inflammation that fatty fast foods instigate.
Here’s where to save and where to splurge, so your wallet stays fat and your body stays healthy.
Splurge: Always buy organic fruit and vegetables or local produce. I know organic produce costs more than conventional but there’s no pesticides to deal with so your body won’t be overwhelmed with poisons…you won’t die young from toxins, your waist line will be smaller and the food will taste immensely better – like when you were a kid.
Save: Find a buddy. It’s fine to join a health club but you don’t need to in order to become more healthy. Find a partner who genuinely wants to succeed in getting healthier. The accountability and cheerleading you give each other will get both of you up and out when it’s raining, it’s cold, or you’re just plain tired -- and that’s priceless. You can ride bikes, walk, play basketball, or jog together – and it doesn’t cost a cent. Or….pick your dog as your partner. He will be happy with the exercise and your devotion to helping him become healthier will give you a reason to go out there and break a sweat.
Save: Look for healthy bargains. They’re usually right in front of you. Some low-cost, healthy foods are oatmeal instead of boxed cereal, rice as a staple, fruits and vegetables instead of costly candy bars, and beans or tofu in place of meat.
Save: Quit smoking. There are scores of reasons to do this, but the one that fits this column is that the average price of a pack of cigarettes is $4.22, and as much as $7.50 to $10 in places like Chicago and New York City. If you’re a pack-a-day smoker, quitting will put an extra $1,540 or more per year in your pocket while it removes all kinds of gunk from your lungs. Splurge: Treat your feet. The 26 bones in your feet get a pounding every day. Take care of them with well-cushioned, well-fitted walking or running shoes and they’ll take care of you. Always wear them when you’ll be walking or standing; replace every 6 to 9 months.
Save: Walk. Take a walk in a beautiful place….peaceful and nurturing. Avoid walking along a busy street – it’s not pleasant. Enjoy your walks – at least 30 minutes a day. As you progress, watch your blood pressure plummet and your legs become more toned and attractive. A walk will make you not only younger but also richer, because you’ll avoid expensive diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol drugs.
Save: Meditate. Meditate every day – start out with 10 minutes and work your way up. Meditation is worth its weight in gold and can save you from many physical and mental issues from depression to high blood pressure. It’s free and can be done anywhere there is a bit of quiet. Take advantage of this commonly-forgotten health aid – it’s a stress buster and one of the most beautiful things you can do for yourself….You’re worth it!
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