5 Tips for Affordable Healthy Living

Uncertainty has caused many people to reevaluate their lifestyles and habits. This has led to renewed interest in clean and healthy living among a growing segment of the population. Unfortunately, there is a common misconception that living healthy is too expensive. By following basic tips, even families with meager budgets can make changes that will improve their wellness. As a bonus, you will actually even save money by following some of the established advice.

1. Look for Discounts

If you have memories of your mom cutting coupons out of the Sunday paper, now is the time to draw on her wisdom. A lot of the coupons today have gone digital, but you can still get a god amount form circulars and newspapers. Ask at local cafes if they mind you taking the paper after it's been read so you can save even more. Turn to your favorite websites for electronic coupons on things you use every day. A single Activated You coupon code can save you 50% or more if you time it right.

2. Limit Your Meat Intake

Do a quick check on a couple of your most recent grocery bills and you'll probably notice that meat takes up a big portion of it. There's a good reason for that: meat is expensive. It is costly to raise, transport and process the animals that end up on your dinner plate. Add to that the fact that plant-based diets are healthier for you and the environment and limiting your meat consumption is a no-brainer.

This does not mean you have to go all-in and adopt a vegan or even a vegetarian lifestyle. It simply means cutting back on meat. Start by keeping a food journal over the course of a week. Make a notation next to each meat product you consume or prepare. Chances are, you will have something marked every day. Now, try to cut back so that you are only eating meat four days per week. Resist the urge to go for meat substitutes in the freezer section. They are expensive and highly processed. Instead, try out some budget-friendly vegetarian recipes.

3. Plan Your Meals

Whether you decide to skip the steak or not, planning your meals for the week ahead of time will help you eat better and save a little on your food budget. Knowing what you are going to cook when you get home from work or, better yet, having it prepped and ready to go, will mean fewer trips through the drive-through on the way. It also means that you can plan out your grocery shopping so there is less food waste.

4. Exercise for Free

Exercising does not have to be costly. There are plenty of opportunities to increase your fitness for free no matter where you live. Try taking a walk, ride a bike, do some yard work or try an online workout session for a change of pace. Chances are you will find something you like that carries no extra cost. Of course, if you absolutely love your gym membership and can't imagine life without it, then go ahead and keep it. If you are like most people, however, and you maybe go once every week or two, now is the time to cancel it and find something you will actually stick with.

5. Grow Your Own Food

The Victory Garden is back, and that is a good thing. Dedicate a small space in your yard, preferably one that gets plenty of sun, to growing a few vegetables and herbs. Tomatoes, cucumbers and squash are great choices to start with. As you gain experience, expand to more challenging selections. The food you grow will be more delicious and nutritious than any you can get at the local grocery store.

Living healthy doesn't have to be costly. In fact, the planning and thought that goes into your choices can actually help you cut costs a little. Always make a plan, shop wisely, and look for free or low-cost alternatives to what you are already doing.