By Mille Jones

Save Money by Becoming a Healthier and Happier You

Most of us are constantly looking for ways to save some money, and living a healthy lifestyle may not always be seen as being cost-effective, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways you can save money while enjoying a healthy lifestyle. 

Fewer Doctor Visits

Getting healthy means you save on health care costs because you're more likely to have fewer doctor's visits and fewer medicines. It also lowers the risk of developing other chronic diseases like cancer, stroke, Alzheimer's, and heart disease, which can not only be devastating physically but cost well above what you would spend on think like organic foods and gym memberships.

Lowering the Cost of Health Insurance

The United States spends more money on healthcare than any other country. There is a growing trend of employers and insurance companies to reward better health with lower premiums.

This system works by rewarding employees for healthier habits, such as quitting smoking, eating right, and getting exercise. The company or employer provides these rewards in the form of premium reductions, cash incentives, and other benefits such as gym memberships, or reduced deductibles.

When employers provide these types of rewards in various ways, it can have a direct correlation with the health of their employee population.

Lowering Food Costs by Eating at Home

Cooking at home has many advantages. For one thing, eating out may lead to consuming too much sodium and fat due to restaurant food being high in these ingredients.

Furthermore, the food that's cooked at home is usually made with natural seasonings and flavors - not with artificial additives like MSG. That's why it can taste better than restaurant food while also making you feel better after you eat it.

Cooking at home is also cheaper than eating out because the ingredients are already in the house.

If you want to minimize your grocery bill, consider purchasing inexpensive meats instead of higher-quality cuts. The difference in price is typically astronomical, especially when comparing ground beef and steak fillets. Try buying chicken wings as they are much cheaper than chicken breasts.

Visit your local farmers’ markets for healthier and frequently cheaper produce, herbs, and many other cooking essentials. 

Walking, the Cheapest Form of Exercise

According to Discover, walking is more than just transportation — it also happens to be really good for us. Countless scientific studies have found that this simple act of moving our feet can provide a number of health benefits and help people live longer. In fact, a walking routine — if done properly — might be the only aerobic exercise people need. The only investment you may need is in a good pair of walking shoes, the rest is all you. 

Working From Home

Not only is working from home cheaper, since you’re not paying for commuting, an expensive wardrobe, or lunches out, but you’ll also be lowering your stress levels. Working from home allows you to more easily balance work and family life. If that means starting your own healthy lifestyle business then good news! This happens to be a great time for start-up entrepreneurs. 

Write a business plan first so you’ll have a roadmap for how to proceed. Your business plan should describe your company, detail how you'll sell your services, describe how your business will be structured, and include what funding you'll need and financial projections. Read this ZenBusiness - Start a Business Guide to help you navigate how to go forward with your business goal.

Save on Medical Costs

Staying healthy while lowering costs can mean saving on medical care and prescriptions. It's easy to get prescriptions filled and refilled when you visit an online doctor who can determine if you qualify for a prescription and what medication treatment options to consider. Prescription orders are electronically sent to a pharmacy of your choice to be filled, and you may be able to save on prescriptions as well. 

When You and Your Pet Need Care

All Species Nurse promotes support for both the hospitalized human patient and their pets until the owner can return home. (Pets are proven to help patients heal quicker). Follow their blog here for all the information you need with websites that are broad in containing both Human and Animal information for the public and professionals.

Getting healthy should be reason enough to adopt a healthier lifestyle, but when that’s coupled with saving money, there’s no reason not to start today!