If you are constantly looking for ways to improve your lifestyle and diet, but are put off by the overall costs that come with it, don’t give up. There are many ways that you can achieve those desired habits while sticking to your budget. We offer a few healthy-lifestyle tips to get you started.

Eat healthy meals while saving on your grocery budget by:

• Meal planning and preparing

There are a number of health and financial benefits to preparing meals ahead of time, so always hit the supermarket with a list of everything you need. This will help you avoid impulse buys and ensure you pick healthy options that you can prepare for the week. Meal planning also means you can more accurately budget for your groceries for the month. Another benefit is you will reduce the amount of wasted food if you buy only what you need and prepare it in advance.

• Only buying produce in season

Fruit and veg prices go up when they are not in season. What’s more, fresh produce is generally tastier when bought when it’s at its prime. Research what’s readily available and when and create a meal plan around that. If you can’t go to the shops regularly for fresh groceries, buy frozen vegetables – they are cheaper and healthier than the tinned versions.

Stay fit but cut your pricey gym membership with these movement options:

• Get around by walking

A few extra steps a day can help you get a little exercise in and will cost you much less than a gym membership. Rather than taking the lift or escalator, take the stairs. Park a little further away from the office and walk, or take a stroll during your lunch hour. It’s simple, but can be the start of a lifelong healthy habit.

• Exercise at home

Another alternative to joining the gym is to exercise at home. There are plenty of ways you can use your own body weight or day-to-day items you have at home to tone and stretch. For example, a bench or step can be used for push-ups and step-ups. Buy yourself a skipping rope at a very low cost and you can experience a full-body workout in your lounge. Search online for a variety of workouts to keep it interesting.

Save on your doctor’s bills by:

• Going for regular health checkups

Prevention is better than cure. Visits to your GP and dentist should be done regularly so that you can have peace of mind, or can quickly take action should something arise. Ultimately, you will save on big medical costs, as well as improve your health, if you catch something earlier rather than later.

The information contained in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

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