by Heather Jones

Created on: January 03, 2010

Healthy Living on a Budget

2010 is here and a lot of resolutions this year involve losing weight and eating right.  But, with the current recession, it is hard to afford all of the food and/or equipment needed to live a healthy lifestyle.  A lot of people rely on gym memberships or expensive exercise equipment to shed a few unwanted pounds.   Many are found eating poorly or not exercising at all because they can’t afford to live the way that they want to. 

Here are a few eye-openers that will help the average person eat right and exercise without going broke. 

Coupons are a great source for saving money on groceries.  They can be found in newspapers or even mailed in booklets.  A lot of online websites, such as ShopAtHome.com, offer coupon deals and bargains as well.  If enough coupons are used each visit to the grocery store there will be a significant amount of saving each month. 

Another option is to apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as food stamps).  SNAP is a federal-assistance program that offers assistance to low- and no-income families and people living in the United States.  This is very helpful for people who need extra money to purchase the healthy foods that they require. 

Starting a vegetable garden, small or large, is a great way to save money on food.  Invest a few dollars on the equipment and seeds needed and start from there.  Take out a few books from the local library that focuses on getting started with home gardens. 

While going to the gym or purchasing expensive exercise equipment are the most desirable ways to exercise, there are other ways that are cheaper and still as effective. 

A brisk walk through a park or neighborhood is a good starting-point and requires no cost, only the desire and will to follow through with it each day.

Turning on the radio and dancing for a few minutes or hours is free and also quite fun.  If free time is not available, another option is to squeeze it in while sweeping, mopping, cooking, doing dishes, etc. 

Other exercising ideas include: fast-paced walking up and down stairs, jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, low-priced exercise videos (there are free ones available on YouTube), family activities (i.e. sports, outdoor games), jogging in the morning, swimming (if you have your own pool, or indoor pools at places such as YMCA, or outdoor pools at community parks), group exercise routines (created with friends and family during specific time slots each week), and bike-riding. 

The opportunities for exercise without spending a lot of money are endless.  Online search engines can be very helpful when choosing diets and exercise routines. 

Motivation and knowledge is the key when attempting to live a healthy lifestyle and still having spending money when the week is over. 

Source: personal knowledge/experience

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