Low-Cost Tips for Healthy Living #Healthy2021 #healthyliving #livewellsavemoney #costsavings

It's a new year...so many of us are taking steps to lead a healthy, fit lifestyle. However, many people believe that eating healthy and getting physically fit has to cost a great deal of money. That's simply not true! By implementing a few key cost-saving measures, everyone can eat healthier and become more fit. In my latest #Healthy2021 feature, The Weekend Gourmet correspondent is sharing some excellent tips to save money on healthy food and fitness. This article may contain affiliate links.

 

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People often assume that living a healthy lifestyle is costly...but it doesn’t have to be! If the thought of expensive fresh produce or costly gym memberships is getting you down, you’ll be excited to know that living healthily doesn’t have to mean blowing your budget. To embrace a new way of life in 2021 and enjoy optimal well-being, take a look at the following low-cost tips for healthy living.

(1) Switch to Frozen Fruits and Veggies

Buying fresh produce can be a great way to improve your diet, but the costs can add up quite quickly. Fresh fruit or vegetables can go bad relatively quickly, which means you may end up wasting more food than you actually consume. Frozen fruits and vegetables are a great alternative. When they’re frozen straight after being picked, frozen produce retains their vitamins and minerals -- so you can get the same health benefits as buying them fresh. Further, frozen produce can last for weeks or months at a time, so you won’t need to worry about them going bad before you can eat them.

(2) Access Reduced-Cost Healthcare

If you’re on a reduced income, access to low-cost healthcare can be an effective way to take care of your health. Many physicians offer fees on a sliding scale, which means you’ll be charged based on your income and savings. You can alternately inquire if you can spread the cost of healthcare services via a payment plan. With an interest-free repayment plan, you won’t necessarily pay more overall...but you will be able to stagger a series of scheduled payments to match your funding availability.

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(3) Exercise at Home

Throughout 2020, we saw just how effective at-home exercise can be. That means giving up your gym membership can be a great way to save money. With plenty of free and low-cost virtual workouts to explore, you can create customized workouts at a fraction of the cost of going to the gym. Taking this approach further, investing in home exercise equipment can also be more cost-effective than paying for an expensive gym membership. If you have the space, consider dedicating an area of your home to fitness...and start creating your own custom routines.

(4) Take Out Medical Insurance

With the right medical insurance, you’ll have peace of mind that you’ll be able to access funding for medical appointments and treatments -- if and when you require them. Many U.S. employers offer their employees health insurance as part of their benefit plans. You can also opt to take out private medical insurance or secure insurance from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Other government-run insurance programs -- like Medicare and Medicaid -- can be a viable way of accessing health insurance. Before you purchase any health insurance policy -- or join a program -- it’s important to ensure you have the right level of coverage. For example: if you want to access financial aid for hearing aids, dental treatment, and eye health, you may need particular add-ons or policy extensions. Further, choosing a high level of coverage could reduce your deductibles, so weigh the pros and cons of every option before you decide which one is right for you.

(5) Start Meal Prepping

Cooking from scratch allows you to enjoy many healthy meals, but it can also be time-consuming and costly. If you buy fresh ingredients to prepare dinner every day, for example, you’re probably spending more money than you need to. By prepping your meals for the week in advance , you can reduce the amount of time you spend in the kitchen and cut your food budget too. Thinking strategically about your diet and weekly meal plan allows you to make healthy choices and minimize spending -- which makes it the perfect low-cost way to improve your health.

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(6) Use Different Cuts of Meat

If you’re a meat eater, you can reduce your grocery bill by experimenting with different, less-expensive cuts of meat. For example, chicken thighs typically cost less than chicken breasts...and chuck steak is more budget-friendly than sirloin. By adjusting your cooking methods and also trying new recipes, you can enjoy a whole new repertoire of meals -- while also saving money.

(7) Boost Your Health On a Budget

If you’ve been feeling unmotivated about your health and fitness plan because of your budget, there’s no need to be! Although some aspects of a healthy lifestyle can be expensive, you don’t need a lot of money to live healthily. In fact, incorporating healthy habits into your regular routine can save you a considerable amount of money in the long run. By thinking outside the box, exploring new options, and learning more about nutrition and fitness, you can find cost-effective and sustainable ways to live a healthier and happier lifestyle.