Being fit is something we all want, but did you know that staying fit can help you save money?
You don?t need to spend thousands on an expensive gym membership, and you don’t need to hire a personal trainer.? You just need cheap, healthy food and exercise.
Here are 12 tips to help you save money and get fit.
#1: Take Up Sports.
Don’t go to a gym ? it?s a waste of money (unless you USE it). You are unlikely to keep it up; you will then slump in to even more bad habits than if you had not gone at all. You could, however, take up sports such as tennis, baseball, soccer, skating, or swimming.
#2: Be Mindful.
Never watch TV and eat, as you will just keep eating absentmindedly. Eat in the kitchen at a table, where you aren?t distracted.
#3: Avoid the Hospital.
Save by avoiding medical bills down the road! Carry on some physical activities each day. Overweight people are more likely to have excessive weight-gain and complications such as diabetes, heart problems and one problem leading to many more. The more overweight you are, the higher are bills for clothes, food, gasoline and medicine.
#4: Walk More.
Use the car less. If you live nearby to shops, walk or cycle instead. It is better for you; the more you do it, the easier it will get. You will pay significantly less in fuel bills.
#5: Embrace Distance.
Walk more by parking at the far end of the parking lot. Carrying heavy bags the extra distance might seem a chore, but it is like using the gym for free. You can always make more trips back to the car and back to the stores.
#6: Cook from Scratch.
Pre-packaged food is more expensive and dining out is even more costly. Cooking from scratch is cheaper and it will keep you in good health. Fast food should be relegated to a ?once a week? treat.
#7: Be a Master Chef.
Learn how to make the foods you normally get when you go out to eat. For example, hamburgers are made of ground meat, so buy very lean ground meat, add some seasoning, and form patties. There are plenty of free recipes online. (Here’s a great low-carb, low-fat chili recipe, and here’s a low-fat, low-carb frittata recipe).
#8: Eat Less.
Cut down on your portions! Saves money and trims your waist!
#9: Snack on Fruits and Veggies.
Eat fruit as a snack and stay away from vending machines. You will save a fortune.
#10: Get a Crockpot.
Eat a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and meat. This does not mean existing on lettuce and cucumber. A crockpot of homemade soup will last for several meals.
#11: Avoid Junk.
Put the unhealthy things (like chips) at the back of your pantry and fridge. Better yet ? don?t buy it at all.
#12: Skip Dessert.
Make dessert a ?once a week? treat – something to look forward to on weekends only.
There are many ways you can improve your health (and your wallet!) on a daily basis by making a small effort. Try these tips, and hopefully you?ll soon notice your food bill going down!
Photo courtesy Flickr user Vogue Marie 2010
