How to get fighting fit on a budget
Lots of delicious mince pies and mulled wine might seem like a good idea over the festive period but come January, we're all feeling the after effects. Here's how you can detox this New Year without breaking the bank.
The average person consumes a stomach-churning 7,000 calories on Christmas day - more than three times the recommended intake for a woman. January is the perfect time to purge your body of those nasty chemicals and even shed a few pounds.
Banish booze and cigarettes
Smoking and drinking alcohol are two of the worst - and most expensive - offenders pumping toxins into our bodies. If you smoke a £5 packet of cigarettes a day, that's £35 a week, £140 per month and £1680 a year. Likewise, a bottle of wine will probably set you back between £5 and £10 if you buy it from a supermarket, and if you purchase your vino when you're out it's likely to be even more.
As an added incentive, giving up smoking and drinking could lower your premiums for life and health insurance. Visit the NHS website to find out how to claim your free quit smoking pack.
Stay home from the spa
Having a massage might be a great way to relax but it won't help your bank balance. Why not trade shoulder massages with a friend or invest in an aromatherapy set from The Body Shop?
Frugal food shopping
It's a popular myth that all healthy foods are organic and over-priced but you can eat well on a tight budget. Don't be a snob about generic brands. Why not try a supermarket's own brand to see if you can tell the difference from its more expensive counterpart?
Shopping online is a great way to save. mySupermarket.co.uk compares the prices of thousands of items sold at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Ocado. Once you've completed your selections, you can switch and buy your groceries from the store that sells the items you want at the lowest price. The site also includes the calorie count of your shop to help you stick to your detox.
Detox diet
Eating too much fatty meat could spell a detox disaster. Fruit and veg are a much healthier alternative and there are some great bargains available at local markets. You could even try eating vegetarian meals a few evenings a week.
If you really can't live without meat, you'll make huge savings by buying from a butcher instead of the supermarket. To learn more about healthy eating, see www.eatwell.gov.uk.
Join the gym for less
January is the most popular time of year to sign up to the gym but memberships can be extremely expensive. Most gyms charge a one-off administration fee for new members but some recruiters waive this. Remember: if you don't ask, you don't get.
Many local councils also run facilities that are a fraction of the price of fancy, private gyms.
Think carefully before you sign up for a year's membership. We all know someone who has paid for a full twelve months in January with the best intentions to go three times a week but six months later, their running shoes are languishing unused at the bottom of the wardrobe. Make sure this doesn't happen to you.
Get fit for free
If you can't afford a gym membership, why not find a few budget-friendly ways to get fit? Borrow an exercise video from the library or watch a keep fit programme on TV. You could also introduce subtle changes into your everyday routine such as getting off the bus one stop earlier than you need to or take the lift instead of the stairs. Rearranging your furniture and vacuuming the house also burn those calories
See the NHS website for more suggestions.
Healthcare
Make the most of your GP. Many surgeries hold 'well-person' clinics. These are often run by a practice nurse who checks your height and weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. Catch any health problems before they escalate into something expensive or even worse, life threatening!
If you get sick
Paying out for cold and flu remedies can be an expensive side effect of getting ill but there are cheaper, natural alternatives. Vitamin C from fresh fruit and vegetables can help the body fight infection, while garlic has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient Egyptian times. Lay off alcohol and get an early night if you are feeling under the weather.
Of course, prevention is better than a cure. Washing your hands regularly helps prevent the spread of viruses, while exercise and eating well should boost your immune system during cold and flu season.
Picking the perfect PMI policy
Despite your detox,
things can still go wrong with your health. It could be worth investing in a private
medical insurance policy but make sure you find the cover that's right for
you. First, check if your employer offers health benefits or if you're covered
by your partner's policy.
If you do decide to buy, always shop around.
One of the most convenient ways is with an online
price comparison site. Remember the cheapest policy isn't necessarily the
best option so always go through each offer with a fine tooth comb and be sure to seek independent advice before you sign on the dotted line. To learn
more about PMI, you can check out Victoria Bischoff's
article 'Five
tips for buying the perfect PMI policy'.
**This material is for information purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We strongly encourage our readers not to rely solely on this content, but to seek independent advice when making financial decisions.**
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