| Money may be tight these days (and we're all | | | | meals tend to be bigger in size, more fattening, |
| feeling the angst of that possibility, even if we're | | | | and higher in sodium and unhealthy fats than |
| not personally feeling the pinch yet), yet it is still | | | | meals cooked at home?). |
| critical for us to prioritize our health and well being. | | | | 3) Plan ahead - Of course, eating at home |
| In fact, it may even be MORE critical now than | | | | requires some planning, so make sure you gather |
| ever! Why? Because our physical AND mental | | | | your goods ahead of time. Sit down for a few |
| health are everything - just ask anyone who has | | | | minutes and think about what you will need to |
| ever been sick for an extended period of time, or | | | | prepare your meals in the next few days or |
| anyone who struggles with chronic exhaustion, or | | | | week, and get your fridge stocked ahead of time. |
| depression, or constant colds and allergies. When | | | | Proper preparation can make a HUGE difference! |
| we are unwell, feeling better is all we wish for. It | | | | If you'd like an already-prepared dinner menu and |
| is then that we recognize how important our | | | | grocery list, check out my friend, Aviva's, six |
| health is. We desire the energy, the clear head, | | | | o'clock scramble newsletter |
| the ability to focus and function at our best that | | | | 4) Pack a lunch. See #2 & 3 . It's the same |
| comes with wellness. Strong healthy bodies, and | | | | idea, really, yet most of us don't even THINK |
| strong, healthy minds, are better able to respond | | | | about packing a lunch for ourselves. It might be |
| to stress and react to it appropriately without | | | | time to rethink that! Bringing your own lunch is a |
| becoming run down, sick or overwhelmed. | | | | great way to save money (check out a cool |
| So, whether you are feeling economic stress now | | | | calculator to figure out your savings at |
| or not, I urge you to make your health a priority | | | | dinkytown.net/java/LunchSaver.html) AND your |
| NOW before it's too late. Below are some of the | | | | health. My favorite earth-friendly lunchboxes (adult |
| tips and tricks I'm using now to maintain my | | | | and kid-appropriate) can be found at |
| mental and physical health, while keeping an eye | | | | 5) Shop at your local Farmer's Market - there you |
| on my budget as well. | | | | will find healthy, local, delicious foods for less than |
| 1) Yes, you guessed it - DESTRESS. This costs | | | | you would pay at a traditional market (check out |
| you nothing, yet it is the highest-impact thing you | | | | localharvest.org to find one near you). |
| can do. Stress is one of the KEY contributors to | | | | 6) Buy foods in bulk for lower prices, including |
| illness. Meditate, breathe, have more fun, turn off | | | | grains, beans, nuts, flour, and cereals. Also |
| the TV, focus on what's going RIGHT in your life, | | | | consider buying bags of apples, onions and |
| play with your children or your dog, take a bath...it | | | | potatoes, which offers a better value than buying |
| doesn't so much matter WHAT you choose to | | | | individually. |
| do, just choose to do something every day that | | | | 7) Replace soda with water - this will amount to a |
| brings peace and calm to your body and your | | | | HUGE savings in your pocketbook and your health! |
| mind. It's THAT important. | | | | 8 ) Consider forgoing your gym membership |
| 2) Eat out less often. I know you know that, but | | | | (especially if you're like many people who are |
| I have to say it, because I hear people complain | | | | paying for one without using it), and instead |
| about the high prices of healthy food, yet they | | | | exercising in the FREE outdoors, or in your home |
| are also going out to eat for mediocre food on a | | | | with a DVD from the library. But do move your |
| regular basis. It is much less expensive to enjoy a | | | | body - it's one of the best things you can do for |
| home-cooked meal of all organic foods than | | | | your physical and your mental health. |
| probably even the least expensive dinner out! I | | | | Remember - investing in YOU and your well being |
| am not saying NEVER go out to eat (enjoying a | | | | is THE most important (and least risky!) |
| great meal at a wonderful restaurant is one of | | | | investment you can make. The benefits? |
| my greatest pleasures, and pursuing pleasure is | | | | Lowered health care costs in the future, less time |
| great for your health), but I am suggesting that | | | | off from work, more productivity, and most of |
| perhaps that last minute | | | | all, feeling GREAT, which is absolutely PRICELESS. |
| dinner-at-your-local-restaurant (or take out | | | | Take the time to commit to one action in the |
| r-dinner may not be necessary. You will spend A | | | | service of your health today - your body and |
| LOT less money if you eat at home, and you will | | | | your pocketbook will thank you. |
| GAIN a lot in health (did you know that restaurant | | | | |