Health and Fitness on a Budget!

by guest writer Camille Johnson, at bereaver.com

Keeping in shape and eating healthily doesn't require spending hundreds of dollars on gym memberships or fancy ingredients and drinks each year. You can easily incorporate healthy living into any schedule without spending a fortune. The following tips from Cary Integrative Health show you how.

Building a Home Gym

The average cost of a gym membership in the United States is $37.71 per month. Building a home gym could save you money in the long run. Costs vary depending on what you want in your gym and whether you buy new or used equipment. Yard sales are often great sources of second-hand gym equipment. Some essentials you'll need for your gym include.

• Dumbbells

• Barbells

• Bench

• Dip station

• Plates

• Weight plate rack

By building some of the items above yourself, you can further save money. You could make a weight plate rack or a dip station using industrial pipes and wood.

Even if you're strapped for time because of work commitments, you can still partake in some form of physical activity. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or take a brisk walk during your lunch break. You can also park farther from entrances to get in extra steps.

Eating Healthily on a Budget

Fitness and healthy living go hand in hand, and just as you can save money by building your own gym, you can also eat healthily on a budget by planning your meals, sticking to your grocery list, and cooking at home. Planning ahead is essential in your quest to eat healthy without breaking the bank. Choose a day to plan your meals for the week. Write a list of all the ingredients you need to prepare those meals, and stick to it. Before buying ingredients, check your fridge and cupboards to see if you already have any items.

It's easy to get sidetracked at the grocery store, and before you know it, you've spent more money than you intended on items not on your list. Download a grocery store app to help you shop. Home-cooked meals cost, on average, $4.31 per serving. In comparison, the price of dining out is considerably higher at $20.37. Besides saving money by cooking at home, you'll also know what goes into the meals you prepare. This is something you may not be aware of when dining out.

Wash It All Down With Water

Although a glass of wine may make it seem as though your meal is going down smoothly, drinking it with a fatty meal may cause your food to linger in your stomach for longer. This can lead to feeling full for more extended periods. On the other hand, water is free and accessible to all and can aid digestion and prevent overeating. The liquid helps break down your food, so you can easily absorb its nutrients.

Fit and Healthy Without Breaking the Bank

Many people believe that to stay in shape and eat healthily, you have to spend a lot of money. Working out at home and preparing your meals in advance are just some of the ways you can stay fit and healthy without breaking the bank.

Cary Integrative Health offers a range of services to help clients feel their very best. From massage, yoga and chiropractic therapy to nutrition, mental health counseling and more. Visit our site today to find out how we can help you work toward whole-body health