Given the price of gym memberships, whole foods, and fitness gear, you’d be forgiven for thinking that a healthy lifestyle has to be expensive. But with a few key strategies, it’s possible to take charge of your body and your diet and save money in the process!

Here’s some cost-saving health advice from Sarah Bull, Your Economy Mom, to get you started:

Workout at Home or Outdoors

It’s possible to design a home workout that is both affordable and effective. Start by taking the time to look online for low-cost weights and workout equipment, and be careful to read the reviews of any products you intend on buying online to avoid low-quality purchases that could result in injuries.

You can also take your workout outdoors by going for a walk, a bike ride, or venturing further afield for a wilderness hike. If you have a dog, why not take them with you? Just do your new workout buddy a favor and invest in an escape-proof harness so that you can keep an eye on them. By using your local environment, you’ll not only save money on treadmills or monthly gym memberships, but you’ll also save on gas and time.

Buy Nonperishable Foods in Bulk

Bulk-buying healthy, nonperishable foods when they are on sale or in season is another great way to save extra cash. Stock up on staples like beans, rice, oats, nuts, and seeds, which are inexpensive and packed with nutrients. Many of these can be used as a substitute source of protein, which will also help you reduce the amount of meat in your diet. Tinned goods can last for months in your pantry, so be sure to check out some of the best recipes that will help you incorporate them with fresh food.

Maintain a Clean Home

Maintaining a clean home is crucial for health and wellness. It reduces the risk of allergies and infections and promotes a sense of mental clarity and peace. Regular vacuuming is a key component of keeping your living environment dust-free and hygienic.

To enhance the effectiveness of your vacuuming, ensure that you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap even the smallest particles, and don’t forget to vacuum under furniture and in corners where dust and allergens tend to accumulate. Additionally, incorporating a weekly vacuuming schedule can help ensure that no area is neglected, keeping your home clean and conducive to overall well-being.

Grow Your Own Food

Taking this strategy a step further, if you have the space, start small with a few herbs or vegetables to get comfortable with growing your own food. Once you’ve got the basics down, you’ll be able to grow in batches, and if you have too much to preserve or eat on your own, you could even consider selling your veggies at the local market for a little extra income.

Monetizing Your Healthy Lifestyle

Leading a healthy lifestyle can be more than just personally rewarding; it can also offer opportunities to monetize your passion and expertise. Depending on your area of interest and expertise in wellness, there are several avenues to explore.

You might consider starting an affiliate marketing blog where you share your money-saving wellness practices, opening a yoga studio, or even setting up a store that specializes in sports gear. Look for helpful online resources to help you learn the basics of starting your own business to better understand how to monetize your wellness journey.

Stick to a Wellness Routine

If you have one available, employee wellness programs are often free or low-cost and can help you save money. They also help you keep track of your health on a regular basis so you can seek additional medical advice if needed. If you have been prescribed medicine for a chronic condition, be sure to take it diligently to avoid a decline in health and further complications.

Getting a massage at regular intervals can also help prevent any long-term muscle fatigue as your body will become more accustomed to the therapy. This helps prevent illnesses that result in excessive trips to the doctor.

Use Free or Low-Cost Health Apps

There are a ton of great health and fitness apps available that can track your steps, monitor your eating habits, and even help you find discounts on healthy foods. Many of these are free or low-cost, so it won’t cost you much to try out a few until you find one that suits your lifestyle.

It’s important to remember that being healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little bit of planning and effort, it isn’t too difficult to make a few lifestyle changes that will benefit both your waistline and bank balance.