As the cost of living continues to rise, so does the price of groceries. It can be expensive to eat healthfully between the cost of fruits and vegetables, specialty items, and even organic items. Healthy eating doesn’t have to cost the earth, and in fact, it can save you time and money. Moreover, many high-quality foods that are the most nutrient-dense and lowest in calories cost the most. However, there are ways to eat healthy without busting your budget. Here are some healthy lifestyle options that will save you time and money.
Eat breakfast
The importance of breakfast cannot be overstated. Americans tend to eat the bulk of their meals in the latter part of the day when our metabolisms slow to a crawl. By skipping breakfast, we signal to our bodies that they don’t need to stop and digest during the rest of the day. This leads to higher cortisol levels, which can compromise insulin function and leave you feeling tired and unmotivated. Moreover, because breakfast is usually the most nutrient-dense meal of the day, it’s also the cheapest.
Eat fish
Fish is a healthy source of protein and can help lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some cancers. Moreover, it’s one of the cheapest sources of protein you can buy. It’s important to eat the right kinds, though. Like tuna and salmon, some fish are higher in unsaturated fats and have been linked to an increased risk of heart problems. To prevent these, swap out those high-risk varieties for higher-quality fish, like cod, herring, sardines, and mackerel.
Drink water
While water isn’t necessarily a healthy option, it is essential. As summer comes to an end and we start to feel the effects of the shorter days and cooler temperatures, we often reach for cold drinks instead of water. Cold drinks are generally sweeter and less refreshing than water. Plus, any sugar in cold drinks will be burned off during physical activity, leaving us feeling even more tired than we did in the first place.
Get more sleep
Sleep is one of the slowest metabolism rates of any activity we do, and it’s essential to healthy living. Sleep is when our bodies repair and build new tissues, which helps us feel rested and energized. Moreover, sleep is when our brains get a break from our constant mental activity, which is essential to the functioning of our brains.
Swap white snacks for color
When they get hungry while they’re trying to eat, some people reach for a snack that’s far too high in calories, such as crackers or cheese, as a quick and cheap fix. Snacks should be used as a way to tide you over until dinner, not as a meal replacement.
Conclusion
Healthy eating doesn’t have to cost the earth, and in fact, it can save you time and money. These healthy lifestyle options will save you time and money by cutting the cost of everyday items, like fruits and vegetables, and adding more nutrient-dense foods to your diet, like fish and breakfast.