Quit smoking
Quitting smoking should be a no-brainer. According to Mic, 52 million people in the United States are still regular smokers. Besides the innumerable health costs associated with smoking, just buying cigarettes over several years will cost you an enormous amount of money. The average price of a pack of cigarettes is about $6. In 10 years, that comes to almost $22,000.
Maintain a normal weight
Achieving and maintaining an average weight is not easy, but it can affect your finances as much as your health. Even losing 15 to 20 pounds could mean no longer needing blood pressure or cholesterol medicine. Weight loss and a healthy diet could also help keep diabetes in check. Losing weight can also boost your immune system and improve your sleep, leading to better health and fewer trips to the doctor. Not having to visit the doctor frequently or taking as many medications can save you money.
Watch what you eat
You can do several specific things to lose weight and get healthy. What you eat can affect your wallet as much as your waistline. There are several ways to cut costs on your food budget.
- Eat Out Less - Americans spend approximately $936 each year eating out for lunch. According to Balance, eating out less is attainable if you plan your meals ahead of time and make meals that require little or no prep time.
- Cut Portions - Most Americans eat more at each meal than recommended for healthy portion sizes. Cutting back even a small amount can save money and help you keep your weight under control.
- Choose Healthily - While it's true that fresh produce and lean meats can be pricey, there are healthy choices that don't have to cost a lot. Eggs and beans are inexpensive yet good sources of protein.
Make healthy drink choices
Monitoring your drink choices is an excellent way to improve your health and still make a huge difference financially.
- Eliminate Soda - Eliminating soda from your diet will not only save you hundreds of dollars each year but will help trim your waistline. Drinking soda has been related to everything from tooth decay and gum disease to cancer and heart problems.
- Cut Out Alcohol - Reducing alcoholic beverages can dramatically improve your budget. If you can't imagine completely giving up an occasional glass of wine or beer, at least eliminate cocktails while dining out. Purchasing a bottle of wine for an occasional drink at home is considerably cheaper than the high prices restaurants charge.
- Drink Tap Water - While bottled water is still cheaper than most other beverages, the cost can add up. If you are concerned about water quality, install a filter on your faucet.
Change your transportation
If possible, you should walk or bike to work. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) states that taking public transit will save a person approximately $9,242 annually. If you could save that much riding a bus or a train, think how much more you could potentially save by riding a modestly priced bike. Biking or walking everywhere within a 5-mile radius will save you a lot of money and ultimately improve your health.
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Sources:
Balance - https://www.thebalance.com/slash-your-food-bill-stop-eating-out-2385715
APTA - http://www.apta.com/mediacenter/pressreleases/2010/Pages/100112_Transit_Savings.aspx