We all know that eating well, working out and getting enough rest contributes to how healthy we are, but healthy foods and gym memberships can be pricey. They certainly don’t make it easy on us to stay healthy! However, it’s not impossible to be healthy on a budget. Little tweaks (or even big changes) to your normal health routine can make a world of difference. The CGS Team is sharing a few tips to help you keep up your healthy lifestyle, while still remaining financially frugal.
Skip the Personal Trainer or Nutritionist, and Snag an App
Tracking Apps
If you are currently working with a personal trainer or nutritionist, there is no doubt that you are shelling out more cash than you need to. With personal training sessions costing up to $150 each, there are more cost efficient ways to get help. If you need help tracking the foods you eat, the calories/carbs/fat you consume, or a combination of the two, then check out the MyFitnessPal app. This free app allows users to set goals, track their daily food intake, water consumption, and exercise. MyNetDiary is also a good one for tracking meals.
Workout Apps
If you are looking to get workout ideas, there are a lot of free apps out there. We recommend Fitness Buddy, which has over 400 exercises with detailed descriptions and animations. Sworkit is a great fitness app if you need videos to keep you focused. Sworkit allows you to pick your target areas and create custom workouts. Since we are advocates of the Tone it Up Beach Babes, we love the Tone it Up app! They provide weekly workout schedules to get you pumped and motivated! Check out one of favorite Tone it Up routines in the Resort Bodes: Tone it Up post. Also, checkout 3 Apps to Workout Anywhere.
Go Local and Go Frozen
Find Your Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s markets are a great way to ensure you consume natural foods. Natural foods are loaded with nutrients and help your body stay in tip-top shape. Focusing on foods that are “in-season” will save you the most money when shopping at farmer’s markets. Most farmer’s markets only accept cash, so giving yourself a specific amount to spend will help you stay within your food budget. For more tips, check out the Tips for Hitting the Farmer’s Market post.
Frozen Foods are a Budget Saver
Another cost-effective way of eating healthy is by purchasing frozen fruits and veggies and stocking up. Not only is the shelf life significantly higher for frozen produce, but you can easily incorporate them into your meal routine. Consider frozen smoothies, Greek yogurt with frozen fruit, a veggie stir-fry, or throwing your veggies in the Crockpot for vegetable stew. Since frozen produce lasts longer than fresh items, you won’t feel the burden of rushing to use them. Buy in bulk and take your time, finding new recipes will keep your taste buds entertained.
Work Out from Home or Try Free Classes
Skip the Gym Fees
If the most expensive part of your health budget is a gym membership, then don’t be afraid to cut ties. Threatening to cancel your membership will result in the gym trying to keep you, usually through a discounted price. Also, consider working out from home. You only need a few tools to get your home gym set up, and then it can be just as effective as a real gym. Instead of walking on a treadmill, walk around your neighborhood. Read the Workout Workarounds article to learn how to create a home gym for under $50!
Free Classes Rule!
Also try free classes. Most gyms, workout studios and crossfit locations offer free classes every month. Of course, this is an attempt to get people to join, but it’s not required. After you have overstayed your welcome, switch to a new location. You can get a lot of great workout tips this way. Plus, you may find an environment you love and that will make it worth the membership fee! Be sure to follow Gym Class Etiquette!
Don’t fool yourself into thinking that living a healthy lifestyle has to be expensive. Eating fresh, nutrient foods and working out doesn’t have to cost you a fortune! What do you do to stay healthy and save? Do you have any tips for living a healthy lifestyle on a budget? Share your thoughts with the community by leaving a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
