How to maintain a healthy lifestyle on a budget

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle in South Africa has proven to be difficult for many, due to various reasons. Reasons include financial constraints, busy lifestyles, and all-round lack of motivation to sustain a healthy lifestyle. 

However, it’s possible to maintain a healthy lifestyle on a budget. There is a way to avoid that R10 kota (bunny chow), those R15 chips, and the pap & mogodu at the cafeteria at work. These are the ways you can beat inflation while living a healthy lifestyle.

MEAL-PREP (MEAL PREPARATION)

Preparing meals in advance can help avoid unnecessary spending on grocery shopping and takeouts. Meal prepping also helps with keeping your diet in check. You can include healthy options in your meal preparation, such as vegetables, fruits and protein. Protein doesn’t always have to be meat, you can substitute meat with beans, nuts or eggs.

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BUY IN BULK

Buying in bulk can save you time and money. When you buy your food in bulk you’re able to cash in on coupons/discounts, and you don’t have to constantly go shopping in between the month. Buying in bulk and meal prepping equals to a match made in heaven. It is advisable to consider buying non-perishable items when shopping in bulk.

NO TO SUGARY DRINKS!

We all love our cold drinks on a hot summer day, but cutting out sugary drinks can do so much good to your body. Considering that cold/fizzy drinks can be costly, rather stick to water. Water is much healthier and you get to save some money as well.

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HOME WORKOUTS

You don’t need a gym membership to stay fit and healthy. You can maintain a fit body without gym equipment. Some workouts are home-friendly and don’t need equipment – taking a walk can also do you much good.

YOU DON’T NEED MEAT TO EAT!

South African men might be going crazy over this because they love their meat. Meat can be quite expensive, you don’t have to completely cut out meat from your diet. You can start by having at least 2-3 meatless meals in a week. Who knows you might just convert to being vegetarian or vegan, which is the healthier route. Protein doesn’t always have to be meat, you can substitute meat with beans, nuts or eggs.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to break the bank. Planning your grocery shopping, trying alternative workout methods, and adding a bit of creativity in the kitchen can make a healthy lifestyle achievable.

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