Personal trainers, fresh vegetables, and gym memberships all cost money.
Not everyone can afford such luxuries.
Its one reason whybeing poor is too expensivea crappy diet and sedentary lifestyle costs more down the line.
)Money, time, and effort.
The real problem is that time and energy are usually in as short a supply as money.
Maybe you work two or three jobs to make ends meet.
It might sound like a catch-22, but remember: Just because you cant doeverythingdoesnt mean you shouldnt doanything.
Your health is worth it, and its the foundation on which everything else rests.
Seek Out Free or Affordable Fitness
Skip the pricey gym membership.
Here are a few examples:
Join a localYMCAorYWCA.
The Y is still around, and offers fitness centers all over the country.
Most memberships include gym and pool access (if there is one) and even fitness classes.
Check out your local community college or community center.
Universities often offer fitness classes to students, but community colleges usually fire up the door to the neighborhood.
Their classes are often free, or available for a small, flat fee.
Do equipment-free bodyweight exercises.
You dont need equipment to get a good workout.All you need is your body.
Some hand-weights can help if youre willing to buy them, buteven a towel will do.
Maybeyoure getting into running, and want totake it outdoors.
Maybe you just want a little room to stretch.
That may be demanding, but its better than spending money on a gymandthe time and energy going.
Its possible tosave money on groceries and make awesome, healthy food.
It just takes planning.
Manyoffer double-dollar incentives for SNAP beneficiariesanddeeply discount their produce at the end of the day.
Shop around though: many havent gotten the message and still cater to the upscale crowd.
Scour those sale flyers and plan your meals.
Being on a tight budgetdoesnt mean you cant plan your meals.
Luckily, you dont even really have to stretch your budget to improve your diet.
You will, however, need to adjust your expectations.
Dont give a shot to replace your favorite dinner spots or restaurant dishes just yet.
As youturn home cooking into a habityoull startplaying with flavors and trying new things.
Before long, youllditch takeout and fast food entirelyand love the food you cook.
Cooking takes time, too.
Use yours early, use it often.
Brines and marinades infuse big flavors without you lifting a finger.
Keep it simple and easy, and let the flavors of your ingredients shine through.
Then, when you do feel like doing something elaborate, youll have the effort to do it.
So yes, money can definitely buy you better health and fitness.
If you have moneyandtime and energy, well, youre set.
But for most of us, all three are in short supply.
