There are proven links between debt and mental health. Low-income households are also linked with poor diets. Trying to prioritize well-being when cash is tight may seem impossible at times. Especially when you are working two, or even three, jobs to get by.
Yet, it is possible to make some lifestyle improvements that are affordable and fit in with your other responsibilities. A healthier lifestyle will help to save money on future healthcare too.
Find out why you should try to introduce a few lifestyle changes, and how to do it on a budget, by carrying on reading.
The need for a healthy diet: How to eat well on a budget
Exercise and healthy foods help improve physical health. They also contribute to better mental well-being which brings several benefits. For example, vitamin D helps focus and concentration. People with low vitamin D levels often suffer from brain fog. Supplements such as the ones from The Root Brands use natural ingredients and vitamins to boost cognitive functions.
Of course, supplements only play one part in a healthy lifestyle. You will need to examine your diet and eliminate the foods that impact your health.
Methods to improve your diet and eat better:
- Plan meals and batch cook
- Cook at home
- Buy whole foods
- Avoid processed food
- Avoid takeouts
- Buy cheaper protein
- Drink water and avoid fizzy drinks
Planning and batch cooking
Those people working extra jobs and side gigs often struggle to find time to cook and shop. This leads to convenience meals such as takeouts and ready-packaged food. But planning meals and batch cooking them may be feasible.
Planning meals stops impulse buying, and allows you to write a proper shopping list and budget. Spend a few hours batch cooking, and you will have healthy meals in your fridge and freezer for the week ahead.
Stay away from processed foods
Avoid ready-meals and processed foods will save you money. There is a direct link between food poverty and dietary quality. Yet processed meals are often more expensive than healthier options.
Simple lifestyle choices like your diet, can be detrimental for later in life – for example a bad diet could lead to blocked or calcified arteries, leaving you in need of an Intravascular lithotripsy.
Whole foods are far healthier than processed foods. And they are often cheaper than processed alternatives.
Buy cheaper protein
Fish and meat are often the most expensive part of a food shop. Yet, people need protein. Cheaper proteins include tofu, beans, and lentils. Lentils and chickpeas can be bought dried and last a long time. The protein and fiber in legumes will help you to feel full for longer. And legumes release carbohydrates slowly. Even better, they are low in calories.
Dried beans and pulses are cheaper than canned versions, and far cheaper than meat. If you’re searching for ways to save on groceries, dried legumes will help.
Drink water instead of soda
Fizzy drinks promote a number of health issues from diabetes to insomnia. Water is free, and drinking enough of it will improve your body’s functions. You need to be hydrated to function properly. Everything from your joints to your brain requires hydration.
There is little excuse not to make this change as it is free and normally takes little effort. For those that have a soda addiction, try making your water more interesting by adding cucumber or mint; recognize your soda triggers and eliminate them; don’t go cold turkey – switch to water gradually.
Exercising on a budget: Tips and tricks
Exercise is vital for optimal health and maintaining a healthy weight. But, working all hours to make ends meet leaves little energy or time to exercise. Remember, any exercise at all is better than none. Even performing squats while brushing your teeth has some benefit.
Making an exercise plan will help you to stay on track. And setting goals will give you the motivation to stay focused despite being time-poor.
Here are some budget-friendly alternatives to gyms:
- Use free outdoor areas
- Walk and cycle more
- Community sports centers and teams
- Workouts with YouTube
- Invest in cheap workout equipment
Gyms often offer free trials. So, if you can afford a gym membership consider taking a trial first to see if you actually enjoy this type of exercise. About 18% of gym memberships go unused each year. This makes it an expensive way to exercise, and pointless for many.
Free outdoor areas and community centers
There is almost certainly somewhere near you where you can work out for free. Parks, trails, and community centers offer free or low-cost places to exercise. Join a community sports team or fitness group. Or just go for regular jogs and walks in the park.
There are also free exercise resources on YouTube and other platforms. Find short workouts that you can do before you head to work. Even 10-minute sessions are more beneficial than doing nothing.
Walk and cycle more
Leave the car at home whenever you can. Driving less will help the environment, save money, and improve your fitness levels. Saving has mental health benefits. If you are able to use the car less you will save a not inconsiderable amount of cash.
Invest in workout equipment
Gym equipment is expensive no doubt. But, garage sales and Craigslist are perfect for finding bargains. Strength training may be done in short bursts making it ideal for those limited in time. Even affordable gym equipment costs money. Therefore, this should motivate you to use your purchase.
Ways to buy vitamins and supplements without busting your budget
Vitamins and minerals supplements are often expensive. But, there are ways to find supplements within a budget.
Debt and finances impact mental health, but some supplements help to alleviate stress and depression. Natural ingredients and vitamins may help to supplement your diet if you are finding it hard to keep cooking healthy meals each day.
It can be hard to focus when under financial stress. As mentioned before, vitamin D will help to remove brain fog. However, most people aren’t getting enough vitamins in their diets. Here are a few ways to use supplements without breaking the bank.
Only take what you need
Speak to your regular doctor and discuss where you might benefit from different supplements. You will save money by not buying supplements that you don’t need.
Know what each supplement does
As well as avoiding unnecessary supplements, you should understand exactly how each one can impact your health. For example, the saffron supplement is shown to actively boost happiness levels. So, when taking this, you’ll be able to avoid taking extra supplements. Aside from helping you save money, it’s a move that adds convenience to your daily life.
Buy generic not brands
Branded supplements are more expensive than generic versions. Stick to generic versions.
Shop around online
You may find supplements are cheaper online than in health food shops. This is because ecommerce operators have fewer overheads. You may also discover discounts, sales, and other offers.
Buy in bulk
Online stores often give extra discounts when goods are bought in bulk. Look for vitamins and minerals that offer price reductions for larger sales.
Check the expiry dates
You may find supplements on offer in pharmacies and health food shops when the expiration dates are approaching.
Summaryhttps://brainmd.com/happy-saffron-plus
Introducing a few lifestyle changes should be possible no matter how busy you are. The smallest changes will be beneficial and may save you money. Good health contributes to a better quality of life too.
Joining a community sports team will not only improve your health but add to your social life. Your mental well-being will benefit too. Just drinking more water will be beneficial as you will take in less sugar, and caffeine, and save cash.
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