These days we're all watching what we spend especially in this global meltdown that we're today, then cutting back "or out" where we can. Luckily you can cut back on the costs of staying healthy without going back on your intentions to live well with these tips on how to live healthy life.
Eating healthily, being physically active and getting regular health care are all still possible and affordable even on today's smaller, tighter budgets, according to experts.
A spokeswoman of the American Dietetic Association, Bethany Thayer, a registered dietitian, points out that eating healthy can be done on a good budget. You just need to plan carefully and shop smart. Here are some superb savings tips:-
* Make as much of your own food as you can from scratch - prepackaged i mean fast foods restaurant's always cost more money than the one you cook by yourself.
* Plan your trip to the supermarket armed with a detailed list and a full stomach, never go in hungry, angry or in a hurry.
* Enjoy seasonal foods when you can, but only cook as much as you know you can eat before it spoils.
* Frozen or canned fruits and veggies last longer than the ones in the crisper in your fridge so you can take advantage of sales and larger sizes to stock up, and they taste yummy too.
* Use coupons, this can save you from 5-15% on your grocery bill.
* Think about portions especially when it comes to meats, Your servings should be the size of a deck of playing cards, so a package of chicken could be prepared at one time but used for two meals.
* Put left-overs away promptly so that there's no question they're safe to eat again, and you won't be tempted to go back for seconds.
* Try less expensive foods for the nutrients you need, Beans are an affordable source of protein and fiber, what's more there are many varieties and you can use them lots of ways, hot or cold. Popcorn and oatmeal are inexpensive grains, while nonfat dry milk is an affordable source of dairy.
* Exercise is another healthy lifestyle choice that can be done on a budget.
While gym memberships might not be affordable anymore, you can still be physically fit and active... you just need to be more creative.
Any activity or body movement that causes you to expend energy is good - running the stairs, gardening, a game of hoops in the driveway - everyday things can do wonders to keep your body in shape.
According to Michael Mayor, an exercise physiology instructor at Oxford University London, other ways to stay physically fit without spending a fortune include...
* Use what you have - a jumprope, a bicycle, even a dog can all be great ways to get yourself up and moving on a regular basis. You don't have to spend money. Use cans of veggies, bottles or jugs of water for your strength training program.
To Your Success.