At the start of a new year, it seems everyone is ready to start a new healthy living lifestyle. We’re usually on a budget, too, so I’m sharing healthy living tips that are also frugal. These tips for beginners will help you make simple changes that will leave a lasting impact on your health while saving money at the same time.
Whether it’s clean eating, losing weight, or exercising … here are some great tips to get you going in the right direction.
Healthy Living Tips for Beginners on a Budget
Many people are tempted to pay a lot of money for things that will improve their health. But, you’re probably here because you’re trying to save your money, are on a tight budget, or just like to live frugally.
No matter the reason, you’re in luck because there are a lot of ways to get healthy without spending any or much money.
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Get Some Exercise
It may be tempting to go out and buy a gym membership … but we know that most people don’t take full advantage of their membership within a couple of months of buying it. Usually, they’re not a smart purchase.
If you’re not sure whether to pay for a membership, try exercising at home for 30 days first. Here are some free and inexpensive forms of exercise:
- Walking
- Bike Riding
- Rebounding
- Dumbells
- Yoga on YouTube
- Calisthenics – Here’s a Beginner Full Body Calisthenics Workout – No Equipment Needed
- Exercise DVDs
Reduce or Stop Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol is expensive. If you’re a regular drinker and you stop, you will save lots of money.
If you want to continue drinking, cutting back even a little can be beneficial. Some health benefits of cutting back:
- Better Sleep
- Better Mood
- More Energy
- Reduced risk for cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more
Healthy Living Food Tips
Eating healthy foods is one of the most important ways to adopt a healthy living lifestyle. You can make a big difference in your budget, too, while you’re figuring out how to eat healthily.
Related Reading: Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget
Make A Meal Plan
When you don’t plan out your meals, you end up eating out a lot more and you tend to buy food when it’s not on sale. Your meal plan can be as frugal as you need.
You can create a meal plan based on how busy your days and evenings are. Plan super simple meals for nights you’re going to be running the kids to activities. Plan more complicated favorites on weekends when you have more time.
Meal Plan Related Articles:
- Make a Super Simple Meal Plan in 10 Minutes
- How to Make a Frugal Meal Plan in 7 Steps
- Ultimate Guide to Monthly Meal Planning
Cook More at Home
Notice that said, “More?” A healthy living lifestyle isn’t sustainable if it’s no fun. And, we know that eating out is fun and festive. So eat out sparingly.
Most restaurant meals come in huge portions that just might be your entire day’s calorie allotment. You also have limited knowledge of the ingredients used by the chef. Many times they use processed convenience items that have been flavor-enhanced with chemicals.
If you don’t have a lot of time for cooking, try making freezer meals ahead of time. Here’s an inexpensive Freezer Meal Plan.
Eat Simple Meals
You can make simple meals at home that are full of fresh vegetables and meats that meet your own health standards.
We use Butcher Box so that we can afford healthy grass-fed meat at a great price. It’s even delivered to us so we don’t have to spend our time sourcing it ourselves. Use this link and get $30 off your first purchase.
Simple Healthy Menus
- Chicken Breast, Baked Potato, Broccoli
- Pork Loin, Roasted Cauliflower, Sweet Potato
- Steak with Salad
- Pan Sauteed Chicken with Brown Rice and Vegetables
Drink Water
Water is FREE! Usually … yes, I know in some parts of the country you need to buy filtered water. If that’s the case, buy a good system to filter the water at home instead of buying individual bottles.
Definitely stay away from soda, Gatorade, Juice, and Kool-aid.
Add Frugal Fruits and Vegetables
Many people think that produce is too expensive to buy, but the reality is that most of the time you can get produce much cheaper than dairy, meat, snacks, etc. You have to be wise about your shopping, though.
- Eat more frozen vegetables
- Buy produce in season
- Choose less expensive options, like cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, potatoes, apples, bananas
- Don’t buy pre-chopped produce
Eat Whole Grains
Grains are usually very frugal if you buy them in their natural state. Meaning … don’t buy this type of packaged grains. Instead get a great deal by buying them from the bulk bins or in a large package, like this. Remember that grains can go bad, so be sure to use them.
Grains are very filling, too. A bowl full of oatmeal and a plate of rice will keep your belly full for a long time. Add in some protein, fat, and a vegetable and you’ve got a complete meal.
Related Reading:
Whenever you start something new, like healthy living, start with simple changes and build on them. Maybe you can just start by planning your meals, or adding a walk to your day. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Remember that things are more sustainable when they’re easy. Pick the easiest changes first.
