March 2009 - Vol 4 Issue 3

Money Saving Health Tips
4 easy ways to live well on a budget
by Michelle Gibeault Traub, R.D.

Healthy living doesn’t have to be expensive. But, the opposite can certainly be true, eating junk food and skimping on nutrient-rich foods and supplements can lead to costly health problems. You don’t have to sacrifice good health for the sake of your bank account. Just follow these easy tips for a healthy body and bottom line.

1. Fill your cart with nutrition bargains
The dollar menu at the local fast food joint may seem like a good deal, but given its high fat, sodium, and calorie content- it’s no real bargain for your health. To save money and your waistline head for the grocery store instead and fill you cart with these nutritious stand-outs:

Low Cost Proteins – Rather than basing meals around pricey cuts of meat, choose economical protein sources like beans and legumes, canned tuna, nuts and nut butters, and eggs.

Frozen Fruits and Veggies – Just as nutritious as fresh produce, frozen fruits and vegetables are easy to use in soups, casseroles, and smoothies.

Canned Goods – Lower sodium soups and canned vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals and make a quick meal or side dish. Canned fruit in juice also makes an economical, vitamin-packed snack.

Whole Grain Pasta or Brown Rice – Pasta and rice are inexpensive and versatile. Toss with a vegetable and sauce for a filling casserole or simply serve with a sprinkle of herbs and spices or parmesan cheese for an easy side dish.

Oats– Not just for breakfast, oats makes a satisfying meal or snack any time of day. Their soluble fiber helps keep you full for hours, and when made with milk a bowl of oatmeal provides a good source of calcium and protein.

2. Use coupons and seek sales
It may seem like a lot of effort, but scanning store fliers, cutting coupons, and using online offers can save big money.

Shop by the Sales – Many supermarkets post their fliers online, and you can even sign up to have them delivered to your email. Stock up when items go on sale and plan your weekly meals according to those specials.

Look Online – Internet retailers often release their coupon codes and offers exclusively to their online subscribers. For example, because you are a subscriber to the Women’s “circle of health” you are notified about monthly specials on Adora Calcium supplements.

3. Team up with friends
There are often discounts for larger purchases so combine your purchasing power among your family and friends for additional savings.

Buy in bulk – Then divvy up your purchases with friends, neighbors, or family members.

Order Online – Buy a case of Adora Calcium online (store.adoraCalcium.com) for the best price and then split the shipping costs with friends.

4. Be a homebody
For a surefire way to save money, sometimes the best option is simply staying home.

Make your meals - Going out to eat is no bargain from a nutritional standpoint and certainly not from a monetary one as well. Save money by making meals at home. Do much of the preparation at night or on the weekends, and then freeze items for use later in the week. Invest in an insulated lunch tote so you can always have a home-cooked meal available at the office.

Exercise at home - Forgo your gym membership and start working out at home. Opt for inexpensive work-outs right in your living room. There are loads of easy exercise options including resistance bands, exercise balls, DVDs, and free yoga podcasts.

Living well and saving money does take some effort, but good health and a balanced budget are worth it!

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