More ways to be healthy and save money

Ways that living a healthy lifestyle is cheaper.

 

1. Cable has cost us anywhere from $45 to $60 a month in the past. And all that led to was a lot of tv watching and sitting around. We decided not to get cable when we moved here 1 and a half years ago. We haven't missed it for a second. We decided to get netflix ($8 a month) so that the kids would have some cartoons to watch during tv time and we would have some shows to watch late at night when the kids are in bed. We also decided to get gym memberships. The memberships are normally $20/month for both of us, but with the kids we have to pay another $15/month for childcare fees. So a total of $35 for the gym, plus $8 for netflix. $43/month, still less than any cable bill we've ever received. Don't want to go to the gym? Go for a run/walk instead of watching tv. Or start a garden, you will be growing your own veggies (saving money there) and getting outside and exercising instead of sitting in your house. More exercise, less money= healthier and cheaper!

2. Eating healthy foods and exercising prevents so many diseases. Scientist have linked healthy foods to preventing certain cancers, heart diseases, and so much more! Exercise can do the same thing and help to prevent osteoparosis in women. Why is this cheaper? This is more of a long term savings, but if we are eating right and exercising, our chances of having serious health problems lessen more and more. Therefore, we are using less prescription medications to get by everyday. (saving money there) We are visiting doctors less (saving money there) our insurance is most likely going to be less (saving money there) We are happier (can't put a price on that).

3. The little things: a few things that save us money and make us healthier are, walking Ella to and from school instead of driving. We are lucky enough to live close to her school that we can do this, but you may live close to somewhere else that you may go often that you can choose to walk to instead of driving. Another thing, and I know you will laugh at this one, is we bought an old-fashioned lawn mower. Engine free, just spinning blades, like you would see on a movie or show based in the 50's, 60's. (or like some of you remember from your childhood :) It was cheaper in the first place to buy, it doesn't use gas (which right now saves us a lot of money) and will need no maitanance. Saving money, and we get GREAT exercise pushing that thing around our yard. We also probably get a few laughs. Let me tell you, I know now why people were healthier then than they are now. You had to actually do work to get things done. Things weren't self-propelled! We still pay a neighborhood boy to mow once a month, $20. We were paying $60-$80 a month in the summer. So... saving money and getting exercise. Win, win.

4. Part of being healthier is also about using as few chemicals as possible, not only in your food but also in your day-to-day life. This includes household cleaners. Cleaners are filled with many chemicals that are not only bad for our kids and pets, but for us also. Amazingly enough, going natural with cleaners is also cheaper and very effective. A large bottle of vinegar is less than $1 and a box of baking soda is about 25ct. Between these two ingredients and some water, you can pretty much clean anything. (Combine them and you have a great drain cleaner: I know this very well!) Here is a website that I have used if you are interested:  http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/10/clean-up-your-act-all-natural-homemade-cleaners/   Don't like the smell of vinegar taking over your house? Look into the Dr. Castille's soap. It goes a long way and smells minty good!  So by making this switch to natural cleaners, you are saving money and breathing in less chemicals.