Fit for Life: Do You Have to Be Wealthy to Be Healthy?
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Saturday, January 25, 2014
Matt Espeut, GoLocalWorcester Health + Lifestyle Contributor
I am always hearing about how being healthy costs more than being unhealthy, and that you have to be wealthy to be healthy. Well there is some truth to this, because life in general is easier with a large bankroll. But I am going to give you some tips on how to overcome the expense and explain the pay off, if you do.
Most of the people that complain the loudest are the ones shopping at big box stores and looking for deals on food. When I occasionally visit this type of store, I observe what is in shoppers’ baskets and carriages and I always see cases of juice and junk food purchased in bulk. This is the type of wasteful spending that is going to impact the cost of shopping in a negative way. Some good news here is that these stores are jumping on the organic and health food bandwagon so you can still get some better prices on food than the smaller stores, but you will probably end up buying a bunch of stuff you don't need. I use these big discount stores for non-perishable goods such as paper goods. I recommend shopping for your food on a weekly basis and purchasing fresh stuff.
Don’t (always) listen to your mother
My mother is notorious for buying larger quantities of meat and freezing what she doesn't immediately need. I find fault with this for 2 reasons, first - frozen food doesn't taste as good, and second, I watch as she regularly throws stuff away. You forget it's there and it gets freezer burn or gets old. Imagine a stocked freezer and losing power in your house – there goes hundreds of dollars down the drain. When you pay a little more for food you buy only what you need and never waste, so it all averages out anyway. Buying in bulk is not necessary, you do not need to store food, we are in no danger of a shortage!! Buy fresh and shop frequently.
Like money in the bank!
When you look at the big picture, shopping healthy actually pays off – in big ways. First you spend less when you shop rather than buying cases, you only buy what you need. Now look at the long term savings: most OTC drugs won't be needed because when you eat correctly you breathe better, so allergy meds are needed far less, if at all – your joints ache less, so you probably won't need the anti inflammatory stuff - your sex drive is still there so you don't need to buy ED drugs! Your headaches, and other symptoms that eating wholesome, good food prevents will become non-existent, you will be more productive, ambitious, and that pays off into your ability to work better and make more money. So, the next time you are in the check out line at the organic quality market remember you are not overpaying for food, you are making an investment - in yourself. And that’s as good as money in the bank.
Matt Espeut has worked as a personal trainer for almost 20 years with clients ranging in age from 14 to 86. His focus is on overall health, strength, and functional conditioning. Holistic health and nutrition is the cornerstone of all his programs. Matt works in private and small group training available at your home or office location or at gym facilities. Matt offers his services to everyone wanting to be more fit and healthy, overweight young people, youth/collegiate athletes, and seniors. Matt has worked and continues to train at several facilities in the Providence area including Gold's Gym and CORE Studio, and he believes continued education is a must in his field. Email Matt:[email protected], check out his website atwww.fitnessprofiles.net or on Facebook atMatt Espeut or on Twitter @MattEspeut.
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