With the state of the ecomony and unemployment, it’s hard to spend a precious dollar for a whey protein with-a-scoop-of-acai-and-a-shot-of-ginseng shake in the name of health. I’m glad I don’t sell whey protein with-a-scoop-of-acai-and-a-shot-of-ginseng shakes. However, there are still ways that you can stay healthy without breaking the bank. I know it’s hard to be encouraged about a bright future and complete happiness when you are facing dire straights. Believe me, I’ve lived there. And when you care about your own health, and those you love, it’s even harder. Anyone’s willpower will be tempted by the almost-healthy looking fast-food burrito on the billboard for $1.99 when they have financial stress. Just once, you say. Before you know it, the fast-food joint is taking in lots of $3.59′s for combo meals. Then comes other areas of neglect. The “I can’t afford it” mentality sets in and 20 lbs and one heart-scare later, we have a problem.
Here are some tips to continue living a healthy, organic lifestyle on the tightest of budgets.
Food:
Not sure if you caught that video I shot a while back – the Shopping Spree. It’s a telling account of what you can get at the market if you shop wisely. If you aren’t privey to a whole foods or natural market, it can be a bit more difficult, but not impossible. When I did the price comparison between organic food vs. non-organic at completely different stores, the price difference was $.41. That’s 41 cents my friend. Here’s how.
Buy in bulk – Now I don’t mean go to Costco and get a whole case of sodas. I mean buy in bulk like bulk nuts, dried fruits, flours, oats, grains, beans – pretty much all of your staple cooking items. What you can’t get at a grocer in bulk, try a local farmer or even on-line. You can seriously stock up with some raw materials and herbs online at amazing prices. This will help your medicine cabinet as well as teas. The other way to shop cheap at organic stores is to purchase the stores private label products. Most every mid-large sized health store will carry virtually their own “brand” of product and it’s cheaper. Guess what – 99% of the time it’s the same exact ingredients you’ll find in “name” brands. Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are well-known natural markets, but there are plenty of others that do this same practice…Henry’s, Richards…give me a location and I’ll find you cheap organic food products!
Health Care -
Whether you believe it or not, there are some more affordable healthcare plans available. If you are short on spendable cash and in relatively good health, consider looking at your options. I’ve got a great, but basic, plan that affords me doctor’s visits if I need, with not a huge co-pay, but I don’t have a lot of frills. Compared to my friends, my plan saves me about $250.00/month! I’m covered for accidents, all major medical, etc., but I sacrifice on the things that supposedly make some plans so “great.” Insurance is insurance, it shouldn’t be a regular activity to use it, unless as stated, there are health issues that need constant attention.
Barter:
I am the queen of bartering. If you’ve got something I want, I’ll find something of mine that you need and everyone goes home happy. As a health practitioner and massage therapist, I have bartered for things that you might think are ridiculous. Someone needs or wants a massage but doesn’t have the money, I get my house cleaned. You get the idea. The point is, don’t be embarrassed to barter for services or goods that will improve your health or life. Just offer something of value (with a sincere heart) and I bet you’ll find a taker. Massage therapists, yoga classes, even chiropractors and other healing professionals – we tend to have a passion and a heart for what we do so wanting to do an exchange is usually seen as a gift.
Having financial stress or being unemployed can be difficult, but shouldn’t be a license to sit on the couch, eat cheetos and neglect yourself. Take the time to be creative, pay attention to your body, feed it well and maybe your creative mind will find ways to make new relationships through bartering or a visit to your local farmer.
Take care of your self and recognize this obstacle as an opportunity to expand your life, not debilitate it.