There are plenty of good reasons to start building healthy habits. Maybe you want to avoid medical problems that run in your family. Maybe you just want to look better. One benefit you might not have thought of is saving money.
Here are five healthy habits that can help you cut costs, often in unexpected ways.
1. Healthy Home Meal Planning
You’ve probably heard it before. Eating healthy means eating more whole foods and cooking more often. On the surface, this may sound more expensive because fresh, organic produce often costs more than junk food.
That doesn’t have to be the case though. By meal planning, you can prepare healthy meals and treats in bulk, which saves money on ingredients. Plus, cooking at home saves you money by preventing you from eating takeout. According to the Bureau of Labor, the average American household spends about $3,000 a year on eating out.
2. Biking (or Walking) to Work
If you live close enough to where you work to bike, you might be able to save money while getting some exercise during your commute.
Rather than driving across town, biking to work, or walking if you’re close enough, can save you money on gas, wear and tear on your car, and the cost of public transportation.
3. Not Smoking
If you’re a smoker, one of the best things you can do for your health is quit. Not only will you save on the cost of cigarettes themselves, but when you quit smoking you can also decrease your risk of developing costly health problems later in life. You might even be able to save money on your life insurance premium.
4. Working Out at Home
If you need to squeeze more exercise into your life, you don’t need to shell out money on fancy exercise equipment or appointments with a personal trainer. Working out at home can be an effective, low-cost way to stay in shape.
Save money by going for walks, following along to recordings of yoga classes, or using a fitness app.
5. Flu Vaccinations
Another healthy habit that can save you money is getting a flu shot each year. Health insurance providers often cover the entire cost. By not catching the flu, you won’t have to spend money on doctor visits and medicine. You also won’t have to use your sick days or take unpaid time off while you get better.
If your own wellbeing isn’t enough to motivate you to adopt healthy habits, maybe saving money is the motivation you need.
6. Contact lenses instead of glasses
Designer Optics is one of the largest supplier of contact lenses online. They respond to the needs of every individual. Young or old, male or female, active or passive. On the long run, contact lenses save money.