If you’ve read any reports about how a struggling economy can affect your health, most of them are pretty negative.  What’s usually mentioned is that when money is tight, people spend less on pricier foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, they cancel gym memberships, or they may turn to high calorie comfort foods or drink more alcohol. And if they dine out at all, it’s more likely to be less expensive – and usually less healthy – fast food.  So it got me to thinking, are there some lessons we can learn about how to save money and still be healthy?

• Walking or biking to save gas – When you have errands to run that are within a reasonable walking distance, why not save the gas money and ‘hoof it’ or take your bike instead?  It’s such an easy way to work some extra activity into your day.  Think of things you routinely do that don’t require your car.  I gave up my gym membership and my newspaper delivery  – and turned my quest for the morning paper into a 45 minute walk that I do every day.

 

• Eating more meals at home with family – There are so many positives that come out of this one.  For one thing, when you prepare meals at home, you have more control over what goes into your food – so you can prepare foods with much less fat and sodium than typical restaurant fare.  It’s also a great way to spend some quality time together. Studies show that children who have regular family meal times eat healthier diets and perform better in school than those who don’t.

 

• Eating more vegetarian meals – Since meat, fish and poultry can take a big bite out of your food budget, consider more vegetarian meals.  Beans, peas or lentils can be the start of a healthy soup or chili, or you can use tofu in place of meat in stir-fries, tacos and even pasta sauce.

 

• Growing food at home – Yes, it takes some time, but if you have a little space in your yard or on your patio, you can save money.  Easy-to-grow leafy greens like lettuce and spinach are great – you can pick the leaves week after week.  Fresh herbs might seem like an expensive luxury to buy,  but you can grow them easily on a sunny windowsill.  Not only do herbs contribute plenty of vitamins and antioxidants, they add a lot of flavor, which means you can cut back on fat and salt.

 

• Spending less on beverages – You can cut a lot of calories by cutting back on sodas and coffee drinks, and you’ll save big bucks, too.  And make it a habit to eat your fruits more often than you drink them.  100% fruit juices are expensive, and they don’t offer the filling fiber that whole fruits do.

 

Written by Susan Bowerman, MS, RD, CSSD. Susan is a paid consultant for Herbalife.

4 Responses to “Ways to Be Healthy and Save Money”

1. Gita says:

   January 21, 2012 at 5:59 am

   Hi,
   Does protein turn to fat if we take to much? some says eat so much you wan, other says it turns to fatty acids in lever and what that means? what kind of fatty acids?
   I am very confused.
   sincirly
   Gita
2. susanb says:

   January 25, 2012 at 12:37 pm

   Gita-

   If you take in more calories than your body uses, your body will store the excess as body fat, no matter what the source of calories. Recommended intakes for protein are based on body size. The suggestion that you can “eat all the protein you want” could lead to excessive calorie intake from protein foods. Every individual is different and we cannot make any specific suggestions but Herbalife® products are not designed to be a high-protein diet. They are part of a balanced nutritional program. We recommend 30 percent of your total daily calories come from protein. Our recommendation for protein is conservative and safe for healthy individuals.
3. DARSHAN says:

   March 1, 2012 at 5:02 pm

   Gita,
   Also proteins helps in development of lean muscle mass..replacing and helping in burning of accumulated/undissolved fats.
   Darshan
4. Keith Mulderig says:

   March 22, 2012 at 4:39 pm

   I can’t thank you anymore for my healthy life changing experience after juicing and following your suggestions.I’m committed daily.