Guest post from Missy of Graceful Little Honey Bee
Americans spend billions of dollars each year on weight loss and fitness products, but being healthy doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Frugal and healthy aren’t words that are put together very often, but in a lot of ways, they go hand in hand.
Here are 5 habits healthy habits of frugal people that will help you stay fit and keep your wallet full at the same time:
1. Cook From Scratch
Cooking from scratch is almost always going to be healthier than buying convenience food or eating out. Fast food is filled with just the right combination of salt, fat, sugar and chemicals to make us feel happy, satisfied and completely addicted.
Even if you’re craving an unhealthy food such as fried chicken, it’s going to be better for you if you make it at home from scratch because you are in control of what what goes into it. Every time you choose to stay home and cook from scratch instead of eating out, your wallet and your waistline will be happy.
2. Go Outside for Entertainment
I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather spend my time hiking, running, gardening, swimming, going to the park, than shopping or going to the movies. Besides, taking your dog for a walk is going to do you and your wallet more good than eating a bucket of popcorn while watching a movie.
3. Use Fewer Chemicals
The next time you run out of a product — whether it be window cleaner, cooking spray, or moisturizer — do some research and see if you can find a frugal and more natural alternative.
I basically clean my whole house with baking soda and vinegar — eliminating the need for harsh and expensive chemicals. I also use coconut oil for many things such as lip balm and lotion. I get to save money and feel at peace about the amount of toxins I use in my home.
4. Live Within Your Means
People who spend above their means are also stressed beyond their means. Living a simple and frugal life is not only smart, but also secure and peaceful.
There is a huge freedom in knowing you have enough (and then some) each month. Plus, your marriage and other relationships will be stronger because they aren’t strained by financial pressures. In turn, you will probably sleep better at night.
5. Practice Gratitude
Frugal people tend to appreciate what they have because they know they’ve worked hard and carefully thought through each purchase. Plus, frugal people are prone to focus more on the relational side of life rather than on the material side.
Practicing gratitude and contentment goes a long way in keeping a person healthy — we would all do well to remember that.
Do you agree with this list? What would you add?
Missy is a stay-at-home mom of two kids who is passionate about encouraging woman to live a simple and Godly life. She shares easy recipes, frugal living tips, and spiritual encouragement over at Graceful Little Honey Bee. Stop by and say hello!
Nikki @ Growing Up Mom says
Back in September I heard what everyone has been saying for a while, and finally read The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. After this, I knew what we had to do, so I took the Financial Peace University class with my husband, who was only doing this because I asked him. After hearing what Dave had to say about money, and the truth behind his words, my husband and I realized that we were not as frugal as we thought and were not living within our means. Once we sat down and actually budgeted, we realized where we needed to cut back, and really started seeing a major change. I think living within your means is the most important part of being frugal, and still the hardest to grasp and master. We are still working on it at home, and are getting there, but it’s a lot of work. A lot of hard work, but it will pay off in the end.
Jessica says
I disagree with a few of the items in #2. Most pools charge $$, and around here, the public waterways don’t allow swimming. We’re in Ohio, and Lake Erie is not good for swimming and the ocean is far away. Gardening can be expensive too if you’re just starting out and have no tools or supplies. When I take my kids outside, we prefer activities like sidewalk chalk or bubbles and we ask for these for kids’ birthdays and I put them in their Easter baskets.
Luba Rokpelnis says
Thanks for the great list, Missy! My husband and I eat all our meals from scratch. Granted, most of them are simple: smoothie, salad, and mashed potatoes with chicken, for example.
We also stopped using chemicals for cleaning and have one natural cleaner that we use for everything–dishes, floors, mirrors, bathroom, and kitchen.
Missy says
Cooking from scratch really does keep you healthier since convenience food is full of fat, sugar, additives and preservatives. Sounds like you are doing great!
Joyce @ live laugh love post says
Great article! #2 tip is the best choice for me, my husband and I take our 6 dogs to the dog park near our house, it’s really fun! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Delorise says
Fantastic list. I also have found that you can’t beat white vinegar and baking soda for cleaning.
Missy says
I love cleaning with vinegar! Did you know you can add orange peels to it and let it sit for two weeks to give it a fresh citrus smell?? I’m posting a recipe for it next week! It’s awesome!
Amber says
Great stuff! I would have to add one more factor to the table, to really stretch the creativity of you all… 😉
I’m in nursing school and time is my greatest pressure. Genius tips for frugal, healthy, and QUICK?? Healthy meals and fast meals sometimes seem like opposites. Thanks friends!
Missy says
You definitely have to be intentional about eating healthy. The best tips I would have would be to set aside an hour or two on the weekend to chop veggies, shred cheese, bake muffins, pre-portion snacks/meals, etc. You could also put together a few healthy slow cooker freezer meals to have whenever you need them. Here are a few freezer recipes in case you’re interested:
http://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/6-healthy-freezer-meals-one-hour/
Good luck!
Christy says
I know since we have started tithing at church, our needs have been met and our appliances, car and home have continued to work even though they are quite old! In addition we have been able to save $700.00 additional dollars a month we would not have had earlier. Of course, we downsized our home, thank you Jesus, who needs 5 bedrooms 3 1/2 baths to clean. We are happier, healthier and alot more grateful for what the Lord has allowed us to use. Because in the end its all his anyway!
Missy says
I can barley keep my one bathroom clean I can’t imagine 3 1/2!!
Lana says
Ah, you are so right! Twenty-eight years of the Lord pouring His blessings out on us have proven that to be so true!
Lauren says
Love this list! I would also add to surround yourself with those that choose to live like you! For new years I gave up Facebook, and 2 weeks in I can already tell a difference in my happiness level. The constant keeping up with the joneses comparisons are fading, allowing me to focus more on MY life and the things and people around me.
Missy says
Great tip! I gave up Facebook (except for my blog page) a few years ago and never looked back!
Lauren says
Yes I guess I should clarify – I still use Facebook for my Etsy shop, but not for personal communication 🙂
Jessi Fearon (@TheBudgetMama) says
I love this and Missy’s blog! 🙂 Missy you are so right about #5, frugal people really do appreciate what they have and are some of the most happy and content people on the planet!
Missy says
Thanks Jessi! I enjoy your blog too! 🙂
Lana says
Great post! Fried chicken is the one convenience food that I will happily pay for! I hate that greasy mess!
Missy says
You’re right, it can be messy. 🙂 I like to dip it in egg, breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese and bake it in the oven for a healthier alternative. It’s still crunchy and satisfying without all the grease!
Katie says
Love Missy’s blog!! Been reading it for a few years now! She is such an encourager full of great ideas.
I would add to the list above: giving children haircuts at home and growing even a little bit of your own food (starting a small garden). Missy has some great gardening tips on her blog as well!
Thanks for the article!
Missy says
Thanks Katie! Growing your own food is a great one to add!