As rates of diabetes, heart disease, and other obesity-linked health problems have increased, so has our culture’s focus on getting and staying healthy. As a nation, we have worked to increase the nutrition of our children’s school lunches and snack choices, created weight-loss shows and programs to make fitness appealing, and held fast-food chains responsible for disclosing the caloric content of their tasty but typically unhealthy products. All of these changes help improve our health, our quality of life, and our longevity. But did you know that there are also financial advantages to living a healthy lifestyle? Here are some ways that improving your health will save you money.
- Lower grocery bills. Although healthy choices such as organic meat, dairy and produce are comparatively more expensive than their counterparts, choosing to improve the nutritional value of foods you purchase and consume will make a difference in your grocery bill, overall. Just eliminating unnecessary and unhealthy junk foods from your cart will cut a significant amount of spending, allowing you to focus more on the quality of the food you are buying. Keep in mind that although processed, packaged foods seem cheaper initially, buying the basics and cooking meals yourself will save more money per meal.
- Less dining out. Let’s face it – our culture is very experienced-focused when it comes to eating. Dining out is a weekly occurrence in most American households. If you consider portions alone, few restaurants encourage healthy eating habits; and, of course, dining out is significantly more expensive than preparing food at home. Choosing to eat healthier will require eating out less, keeping more money in your wallet.
- Cheaper entertainment. Sedentary activities are often more expensive (i.e. going to the theater, renting movies, gaming). A healthier lifestyle will often save you money on entertainment because being active is entertainment in itself.
- Lower fuel costs. Getting active by walking a few blocks to work versus driving saves fuel while pushing forward your fitness. Other ideas: take your family on a bike ride to a nearby town or park; mow with a push mower; shovel instead of using a snow blower.
- Fewer medicines and doctor bills. Although controversial, it’s a general truth that people who live healthier lifestyles need fewer medications and doctor visits. Losing weight and eating a low-fat, high-fiber, nutrient-rich diet has been proven to lower cholesterol, improve diabetes, and affect all aspects of our physical health.
- Lower health insurance. Medical insurance providers have to consider unhealthy people a risk, just as automobile insurance companies consider drivers with traffic violations to be a greater risk. In recent years, medical providers have provided significant monetary incentives for its recipients to stop smoking, lose weight, and enroll in fitness programs.
These and countless other savings are the natural result of choosing to live a healthier lifestyle. Remember that getting and staying healthy is not only good stewardship of your body and your health, but of your present and future finances, as well.
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