6 Ways to Save Money and Stay Healthy

Just because you are trying to cut back on expenses these days doesn't mean you have to cut back on staying healthy. There are many ways to save money and still enjoy a healthy lifestyle. As an outdoor professional, here are some ways that I stay healthy, save money and reap some additional benefits, too.

1. Save money on snacks. Do you frequently stop at convenience stores or fast food restaurants to grab a snack or a drink? Instead keep some healthy snack foods and water with you in your car, or a backpack or purse. Things like dried fruit, trail mix, nuts, whole grain crackers, and granola bars are excellent snack foods. Initially you may spend a little extra money at the grocery store, but in the long run you will save. You can even buy many of these items in bulk, or make your own snack mix or granola. If you don't like drinking water, buy some inexpensive packets of a drink mix like Propel to add flavor and some nutrition.

2. Save money on food. Cook from scratch using basic main ingredients, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and fresh meats. Pre-made and processed foods are more expensive in the long run. You will eat more because they are lower in nutritional value than fresh foods so you need to eat more to feel and stay full. You are also paying for processing, packaging, advertising, and so on when you purchase processed foods. Expect to spend a little more time in the kitchen preparing meals, but many excellent meals can be prepared from scratch in about 30 to 45 minutes. This extra time can also be a benefit if you plan family time as part of meal preparation. Another way to save money and eat healthy is to plant a vegetable or herb garden. Gardening itself is healthy and good exercise. Get the whole family involved and enjoy some good bonding time.

3. Save money on recreation. Cut back on recreation expenses, but not on recreation. Get outdoors. Bike, roller blade, paddle, hike, walk, or just relax at a local park, state or national forest, recreation area, or wildlife refuge. Take advantage of the free or very inexpensive programs these places have to offer like guided hikes, wildlife viewings, educational programs or other types of entertainment. Pack a picnic lunch or dinner. Take a Frisbee or a football. Try a weekend camping trip instead of a weekend at a hotel. Bring a camp stove so you can cook instead of going out to eat.

4. Save money on gas. Are there places that you drive to that are close enough for you to walk, roller blade, or bike instead? Plan ahead to allow yourself more time to get around. Enjoy the fresh air. Listen to the birds. Feel the wind in your hair. Take time to stop and smell the flowers. Allow the slower pace to rejuvenate your mind and spirit in addition to saving your wallet some gas money.

5. Save money on entertainment. Instead of going to sporting events, how about participating in them? Join a sports team or club. Join a volleyball league. Many teams are very inexpensive to join, and some are free. Get out to a local park or playground with a ball field, basketball court, or a tennis court. If team sports aren't your thing, maybe find a swimming club, a hiking club, or a biking club. Do you like to go out dancing or to the theatre? Join a community dance group, neighborhood theatre group, or local improv or comedy club. Invite your friends, and even make new ones. Enjoy healthy and inexpensive forms of entertainment while building friendships.

6. Save money on exercise. Do you go to the gym to ride a bike, use the rowing machine, or the treadmill, or take an aerobics or spinning class? Cancel your gym membership, save the gas money and do those things on your own. Riding your bike or running outside is just as good if not better, and it is free. There are many good home workout programs available for a moderate initial investment. Even those awesome machines can be replaced with some simple and inexpensive equipment and a good training regimen. Invest in a few basics like free weights, an exercise ball and some resistance equipment. The old standbys like setups, pushups, and crunches are also still effective.

With all these options, not only is it possible to stay healthy during these rough economic times, it can be fun. It may take a little bit of advance planning or extra time, but the benefits far outweigh the sacrifices. Think about it. Besides the financial advantages, you will also reap benefits to your mental and emotional health, your family, and your friendships by making a few simple lifestyle changes. In my own life, I like to think of it as getting back to basics. Maybe there are some things about this bad economy that are not so bad after all.