Remember the days of going out more than you stayed in? If this recession has done anything positive, it's definitely been a huge reality check for most of us and now we find comfort in simple things like saving a few dollars while grocery shopping or making a creative meal we might have been "too busy" to do in the past.
One major concern I'm having though, is hearing that McDonald's sales are doubling and Spam has made a comeback. One important thing to keep in mind is saving money doesn't have to mean compromising our health. There are ways to buy organic, eat healthy and still save money. Here are several tips on how to save money while being healthy:
1. Instead of shopping for clothes and/or shoes on your Saturday or Sunday afternoon, go for a run and then hit up the local farmers market. You can find great deals but remember to go prepared and be realistic. Buying too many vegetables that look good will only go bad and will end up costing you more money. Have your menus planned for the week and shop accordingly. I'm a big fan of the Hastings on the Hudson farmers market. All my NYC friends, it's a quick hop on and hop off the Metro North.
2. Make at least one vegetarian meal a week. Cutting back on meats is sure to save you a few bucks. Might I also suggest a healthy brown rice or whole wheat pasta dish with grilled veggies. Always eat more veggies than pasta and you'll feel a healthy full.
3. There's absolutely no need to buy bottled water. Buy a Nalgene, Camelbak or similar cantene and fill it up with purified water. Rumor has it that NY is putting a deposit on plastic water bottles soon and I know most of you will not return these bottles.
4. Exercise, exercise, exercise: whether you love to run outside, have a gym membership or love your yoga and pilates classes, now is the time to start using them. I'm not a stats person but I would be comfortable saying that the little extra money you spend on exercising will save you lots of money in the long run. Traditional medicine rates are at an all time high, stay healthy so you can avoid them.
5. For all my coffee lovers out there, you can save more than $4 day by making your own coffee. I really don't think I need to further elaborate on this one. We all know it but now it's time to actually do it.
Namaste,
Jill
Hera Wellness
One major concern I'm having though, is hearing that McDonald's sales are doubling and Spam has made a comeback. One important thing to keep in mind is saving money doesn't have to mean compromising our health. There are ways to buy organic, eat healthy and still save money. Here are several tips on how to save money while being healthy:
1. Instead of shopping for clothes and/or shoes on your Saturday or Sunday afternoon, go for a run and then hit up the local farmers market. You can find great deals but remember to go prepared and be realistic. Buying too many vegetables that look good will only go bad and will end up costing you more money. Have your menus planned for the week and shop accordingly. I'm a big fan of the Hastings on the Hudson farmers market. All my NYC friends, it's a quick hop on and hop off the Metro North.
2. Make at least one vegetarian meal a week. Cutting back on meats is sure to save you a few bucks. Might I also suggest a healthy brown rice or whole wheat pasta dish with grilled veggies. Always eat more veggies than pasta and you'll feel a healthy full.
3. There's absolutely no need to buy bottled water. Buy a Nalgene, Camelbak or similar cantene and fill it up with purified water. Rumor has it that NY is putting a deposit on plastic water bottles soon and I know most of you will not return these bottles.
4. Exercise, exercise, exercise: whether you love to run outside, have a gym membership or love your yoga and pilates classes, now is the time to start using them. I'm not a stats person but I would be comfortable saying that the little extra money you spend on exercising will save you lots of money in the long run. Traditional medicine rates are at an all time high, stay healthy so you can avoid them.
5. For all my coffee lovers out there, you can save more than $4 day by making your own coffee. I really don't think I need to further elaborate on this one. We all know it but now it's time to actually do it.
Namaste,
Jill
Hera Wellness
