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FIRST THINGS FIRST! Living healthily is not cheap. However, you can do it on a budget. There are easy frugal ways to stay healthy and look like you spend a lot to be healthy.
I have written on cheap ways to live a healthy life because I have done it myself and still practice everything I write. I have even lost weight without a diet, you can read about it.
The first two basic healthy living tips
1 Drink a lot of water:
Tap water is free, and it helps you avoid spending money on sugary drinks or sodas. Deliberately, try and go for weeks without taking sugary drinks or soda.
2 No/Cut down Alcohol:
No alcohol is the best but some alcohol once in a while is okay. However, if you are a heavy drinker not necessarily an alcoholic you should consider cutting down your consumption drastically.
Then the remaining 23 frugal ways to stay healthy
1. Cook at Home
- Preparing meals at home is cheaper and healthier than eating out. You can control portions, ingredients, and cooking methods.
2. Plan Meals
- Meal planning helps reduce food waste and keeps you from splurging on unhealthy, last-minute meals. Focus on nutrient-dense, affordable foods like grains, beans, and seasonal produce.
3. Walk or Bike for Transportation
- Instead of paying for gas or public transport, walk or bike when possible. It’s a great way to incorporate physical activity into your day.
4. Use Bodyweight Exercises
- No gym membership is needed! Push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks are effective workouts that can be done at home, for free.
5. Utilize Free Fitness Resources
- There are countless free workout videos on platforms like YouTube. Find yoga, pilates, HIIT, or bodyweight training routines that match your fitness level.
6. Grow Your Vegetables
- If you have space, starting a small garden can provide fresh, organic vegetables at a fraction of store-bought prices.
7. Buy in Bulk
- Buying staples like oats, rice, and beans in bulk is often cheaper, and they provide long-lasting nutrition.
8. Cook in Batches and Freeze
- Make large portions of healthy meals (e.g., soups, stews, casseroles) and freeze them for future use. This saves time, reduces the temptation to eat out, and prevents food waste.
9. Practice Mindful Eating
- Eating slowly and mindfully can help you enjoy your food more and prevent overeating, reducing your grocery bill and maintaining a healthy weight.
10. Get Enough Sleep
- Prioritizing sleep costs nothing but greatly impacts your overall health, reducing the risk of illness and improving mental well-being.
11. Use a Reusable Water Bottle
- Stay hydrated on the go by carrying a reusable water bottle. It cuts down on the need to buy bottled drinks and encourages healthy water intake.
12. Visit the Farmer’s Market at Closing Time
- Local markets often offer discounts on fresh produce towards the end of the day. You can get healthy fruits and vegetables for less.
13. Take Advantage of Nature
- Walking, jogging, or hiking in parks or nature preserves is a free and enjoyable way to stay active.
14. Try Intermittent Fasting
- This approach to eating can simplify your food routine, reduce snacking, and potentially lower your grocery bill without compromising nutrition.
15. Use Apps for Health Tracking
- Free apps like MyFitnessPal, Strava, or Google Fit help you monitor your diet, exercise, and progress without needing expensive gadgets.
16. Take the Stairs
- Opt for stairs instead of elevators whenever possible for an easy way to stay active during your daily routine.
17. Practice Yoga or Meditation
- Both activities can help reduce stress, improve flexibility, and boost mental health. There are many free apps and YouTube videos that offer guided sessions.
18. Buy Generic Brand Supplements
- If you need supplements like vitamins, opt for generic brands, which are often cheaper but just as effective.
19. Use Public Recreation Facilities
- Many communities offer free or low-cost access to parks, swimming pools, sports courts, or outdoor gyms.
20. Eat Seasonally
- Buying fruits and vegetables in season is typically more affordable, and they’re fresher and more nutritious.
21. Find a Workout Buddy
- Exercising with a friend keeps you motivated and can make fitness fun without the need for expensive classes or equipment.
22. Buy Second-Hand Fitness Equipment
- If you prefer working out at home, check out garage sales, thrift stores, or online marketplaces for second-hand fitness gear like weights or resistance bands.
23. Skip Expensive Health Trends
- You don’t need expensive superfoods or trendy diet plans to stay healthy. Focus on whole, affordable foods like vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes.
Wrapping things up…
Living healthy can cost you nothing. You can be healthy on a budget and look like you spend a fortune to stay healthy. These frugal ways of staying healthy are to give you ideas on how you can start. The rest is left to you.
