Are Your Finances a Roadblock to a Healthy Lifestyle?

A comment I hear often when discussing eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle is “it’s expensive”.  Whether it’s that “healthy” food costs more, spices and high quality oils for cooking rings up a higher supermarket bill, or the gym membership is too pricey — these thoughts can often be a roadblock to achieving your goals.

Although it sounds cliche, you can’t put a price on being healthy—sometimes you have to invest in yourself.  Think about all the work you have already put in to learning to be mindful.  That is an investment of your time and energy.  And, yes, some of you reading have also invested dollars into learning to become an intuitive eater. You see the value in it and are reaping the benefits. When we commit and invest, we often are more motivated and that’s when we see results.

Yet, we do live in a time when finances are tight for many.  So, when it comes to buying healthy food and living a healthy lifestyle, there are some tips I can share with you so you can break through those money roadblocks.

1)      Look for the “store brand” of foods, such as oatmeal instead of the popular marketed brand oatmeal and compare the price. The store brand will probably have a similar label but at a reduced price.

2)      Certain fruits or vegetables that are not currently in season will have a very high price tag.  Blueberries, for example, are high in antioxidants and dietary fiber and taste great in your morning oatmeal or smoothie. However, the price might be over the top for you.  Instead, buy frozen blueberries (check the label to be sure there is no sugar added) and enjoy all year round.  Same with veggies.  If fresh is too expensive for you, opt for the frozen, which is packaged at the peak of freshness and is a great alternative.

3)      Buy in bulk.  Many of the wholesale food stores like Costco and BJs are catching on to the movement towards healthy foods.  Sure, you may be spending more on a larger quantity up front, but you will be saving money in the long run. We are big Costco shoppers. My husband often jokes that when I run out of something, I just go to the cabinet or freezer and like magic, I have more product ready to go.

4)      Clip coupons….and use them.  Don’t just clip and let them sit in an envelope. Plan your shopping list using the store circulars and coupons.

5)      Watch for membership sales at your local gym.  Did you know that gym membership enrollment is lower in February since most people joined in January when they made their New Year’s Resolutions? This means deals can be better in February because management has a more difficult time meeting their quota.  If you don’t see any deals advertised, call and ask!  It can’t hurt.  Hurry, it’s still February, make that call today.

6)      Not a gym person?  Okay, I get it. I love home exercise DVDs. Schedule your exercise time in your planner or smartphone and plan all other tasks around your workout. Not motivated to do DVD’s?  Then just head outdoors!  Walk with a friend (or without…sometimes alone time is very therapeutic!).

Having a mindful plan for all the pieces that make up a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to require a lot of money.  Be smart about where you choose to invest, and know that there are always ways to save and get the most out of your money.  Healthy finances, healthy body, happy you!

Your turn to take action: What is one healthy item or habit you are hesitant to invest in? Let’s see how we can make it a worthwhile investment for you!