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Can you believe we’re already in the final week of July? This summer is flying by! With No Buy July wrapping up this week and the global pandemic tightening our belts a bit, I wanted to share some of my best tips for healthy living on a budget — that is, with your financial goals in mind!
Fitness fo’ Free
For many of us, COVID-19 has forced a reduction in spending on our fitness goals. Gyms and studios are shut down, and home gym equipment has been out of stock online for months. So this is an excellent opportunity to try out free online workouts if you haven’t already, or take up running or other free outdoor activities. I’ll take this opportunity to plug Sydney Cummings on YouTube for the millionth time!
I personally find that using a home gym, with or without equipment, can be easier to stick to than a gym/studio routine. Removing the barrier of needing to plan ahead for a trip to the gym can really help keep you consistent and avoid excuses. Even in the long term, as restrictions relax and safety measures evolve, your home gym might serve as an excellent alternative or supplement to your usual gym routine. I’ve been working out at home for the past three years, and it’s a really great option for me! If you find you need a bit more motivation while working out at home, consider joining a free online community to hold you accountable. A quick search on Facebook will provide thousands of options!
Nutrition
As you can probably guess, healthy eating on a budget means eating out less, grocery shopping more, and doing some meal prep. Last year during No Buy July, I shared my best Meal Prep tips I learned throughout the month. A lot has changed for many of us since then (I no longer have to take my lunch to work since my office is closed!) but the principles still apply.
The two biggest areas I see newbie meal-preppers struggle with are two sides of the same coin: running out of the food they need, and having too much, leading to waste.
If you’re in the first camp, always grocery shop with a list! Pick a few meals you want to make for the week, and make sure you’ll have all the ingredients on hand. Also (this is a big one…) be sure to plan around your temptations. If you’re a habitual snacker or have a daily vice from a local coffee shop, don’t pretend that you’ll magically stop craving those items once you decide to meal prep. Find dupes in bulk or a good, healthier substitute you can make or store at home.
Do you find your produce always seems to spoil whenever you try to grocery shop and eat healthy? Similarly, make sure you always shop with a list, so you don’t overpurchase items you won’t have time to use. Take inventory of your pantry and fridge before you leave for the store — you never know what you’ve forgotten in there! I also just discovered an app called Plant Jammer that suggests recipes based on the ingredients in your home! Check it out if you’re in need of some inspiration, without having to stock up with any new ingredients.
Sleep — yes, a key part of healthy living on a budget!
Sleep might not be the most obvious area to improve your health on a budget. But remember, all areas of your life are connected! Getting into a good sleep routine can cost nothing, while having numerous benefits for your mental, physical, and emotional health. Plus, by getting more and better sleep, you might be able to reduce your spending on your coffee habit! (No, seriously, haha!)
Self-Care
Self-care has become all the rage in recent years — but it’s also been getting a bad rap for the associated expenses. Spa days, meditation retreats, art supplies, essential oils… it can definitely add up! But remember that there are tons of self-care options that don’t cost a penny. Take a long walk in nature, try some free guided meditations or yoga practices on YouTube, take a bath, you name it! Just make sure you take the time in your schedule for this recharge. Otherwise, you may be tempted by retail therapy or other costly endeavours to deal with the mental stress that self-care helps to alleviate.
What are your best tips for healthy living on a budget? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
