Save Money, Live Healthy
Leading a healthy lifestyle can have many benefits. From decreasing stress and improving sleep, getting the proper amount of exercise and sleep as well as a rounded diet, can be beneficial to not only your body, but your wallet as well. In 2016, Americans spent an average of $9,400 on health care per household. As we get deeper into 2019, we can only imagine what the average cost of health care will be this year. By taking control of your body and lifestyle, you can take these small steps to help save money you would be spending at the doctor’s office.
Having a well-rounded diet can help prevent diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and a plethora of other conditions. This may seem like a simple step, but many Americans struggle in this department. With a McDouble costing $2 when a McDonalds Salad cost around $7, it is easy for us to consider initial costs more than health implications. Convenience and cost are driving factors when people are making their decisions regarding meals when we should be considering nutrients and how it fits into our diet. While it may appear to have a larger upfront cost, eating healthy will save you so much money in the long run. While there are many trendy diets out there, it is a good idea to stick to the basic model of the five major food groups, which include fruit, vegetables, grain, meat and dairy, unless otherwise recommended by a healthcare professional. A simple way to keep track of your eating is by budgeting. Having a specific amount put to the side for treats, as well as an amount for the necessities, can help keep your body and wallet in check.
Another simple, yet often ignored, step to take towards a healthier lifestyle is exercising for thirty minutes each day. Less than 5% of adults get the daily exercise that is recommended and only 1/3 of adults receive the recommended amount of activity each week. Exercising can make you feel happier, increase energy levels, help improve skin, as well as help strengthen your bones and muscles. Many people think they need a fancy gym membership that offers a sauna or massage room, but this is far from the truth. A brisk walk through your neighborhood can suffice (and it is free)! Getting your blood pumping can help reduce risk of heart disease as well as risk for stroke and heart attack. Not getting enough exercise can lead to declined bone health, obesity, and a variety of other issues. Getting active is an investment that your body will thank you for.
Our bodies are made up of 60% water. Can you imagine how your body feels when you’re only feeding it coffee or Coke? Getting water in your body is vital for it to carry out the necessary functions needed to survive. According to the Mayo Clinic, women need about 2.7 liters of water and men need 3.7 liters a day. Want to drink more water and not spend a ton of money? Invest in an at-home water filter! This can help you save so much money you could be spending on plastic bottles.
With the cost of healthcare increasing each year, it is time that we take more responsibility over our bodies and our health. If you’re persistent with these three steps, the long-term benefits will be noticeable in your overall health and financial wellness.
https://money.cnn.com/2018/03/15/news/economy/health-care-spending/index.html
https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/resource-center/facts-and-statistics/index.html