Frugal Living, Health

Fighting Fit On A Budget: Frugal Ways To Boost Your Health

Fighting Fit On A Budget: Frugal Ways To Boost Your HealthMany of us would like to be healthier. The trouble is that there are often barriers in our way, and it’s very easy to make excuses. While most of us say we don’t have time to rustle up healthy meals or hit the gym, money is another common obstacle. There’s an assumption that you have to spend a lot of money to get fit and supercharge your diet, but this isn’t the case. There are plenty of ways you can get in shape and reduce your risk of health problems without blowing the budget. Here are some frugal fixes for your lifestyle.

Saving on grocery shopping

Your diet should be one of the most important considerations when it comes to improving your health and keeping illness at bay. Your body needs essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to function effectively, and if you don’t choose the right foods, there’s a risk that you’ll be missing out on these vital components. If you’re a fan of Instagram or you like to watch cookery shows on the TV or check out the recipe sections of glossy lifestyle magazines, you could be forgiven for thinking that you need to spend a lot to eat healthily. The truth is that many ingredients are expensive to buy, but there are plenty of affordable options out there. If you’re keen to make positive changes to your diet, one of the best places to start is cooking at home. When you’re the chef, you can control exactly what goes into your meals, you have free reign over the portion sizes you serve, and you can choose which ingredients to use. If you cook in batches, you can freeze portions to use later in the week and produce nutritious, delicious meals for next to nothing. The average US family spends around 6% of their monthly budget on food. To lower bills, go to the store with a list, avoid buying items you don’t need and look out for foods that are reduced to clear. If you can buy fish, chicken or turkey that is about to go off, you’ll save a lot of money. All you have to do is freeze the meat or fish when you get home and then defrost it when you plan to use it. If you’re one of those people who gets distracted and starts adding random products to their cart, try shopping online. Online shopping gives you access to a running total, and you won’t be swayed by sales or promotions.

Getting your money’s worth with health insurance

The cost of healthcare can spiral into hundreds, even thousands of dollars in the US. Unfortunately, there’s always a risk that you’ll require treatment, even if you’re fit and healthy. We never know what’s around the corner, and this is why insurance is so important. If you’re among the 11 percent of adults in the US that doesn’t have health insurance, it’s wise to consider your options. Without insurance, the cost of even the most basic healthcare services can be unaffordable for many. If you have got an insurance policy, make sure that it’s the best option for you. Compare prices and policies online, have a look at what different providers offer, and consider the level of cover you want. If you’re eligible for Medicaid or social security insurance, make sure you understand the ins and outs of different plans and you have an accurate understanding of your entitlements. You can see details about Medicaid cover online. If your existing policy is due for renewal, don’t ignore the letter or the emails from your provider. Many companies will increase the price at the end of a policy term, and it’s worth shopping around before you run your plan over automatically. There’s a huge amount of competition within the insurance industry, and this means that new customers often get the best offers.

Working out for less

If you’re keen to get fit, but you don’t want to spend a fortune, there are lots of affordable ways to work out. Many people enjoy going to the gym, but if you go on a regular basis, the cost can soon add up. If you don’t want to pay for a monthly or annual membership, look for a gym that offers a pay as you go option or consider setting up your own home gym. You can pick up second-hand equipment fairly cheaply online, and once you’ve got a treadmill, a bike or some weights and mats, you won’t need to cover any other costs. You could also consider joining a team and playing sports like hockey, soccer or netball or taking up running, cycling or swimming. Another cheap option is to use online workouts or fitness DVDs to get in shape. You can work out in the comfort of your home, you don’t need any equipment, and you can always invite friends round to join in if you fancy a bit of company.

Keeping up to date with health checks

Regular health checks are an effective, affordable way of keeping tabs on your health and lowering the risk of potentially serious conditions and disorders. The cost of preventative appointments and assessments is likely to be significantly lower than the cost of paying for treatment for conditions that could have been prevented. Keep up with eye tests, dental checks, and pap smear tests and get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.

If you follow health-related Instagram accounts or you read lifestyle magazines on a regular basis, you may assume that you need to invest a lot of money to reap the rewards of healthy living. The truth is that there are lots of budget-friendly ways to improve your health. You don’t need to shop for exotic ingredients or pay hundreds of dollars a month to go to a state of the art gym or take part in exclusive exercise classes. Hopefully, this guide has given you some ideas to boost your health and wellbeing on a budget.

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