Raising children is not cheap. If this isn’t in Parenting 101, it should be.
But why does it seem like everything suddenly gets so much more expensive when you’re focused on raising a healthy family? How are you supposed to encourage health if you can’t afford the organic section at your local grocery store?
Healthy living is key to a long, happy life. But budget constraints can get in the way of reaching your family’s wellness goals. Here are 5 ways your family can enjoy a healthy lifestyle on a budget.
Eating Healthy on a Budget
There is a myth that healthier food is pricier. While fast-food chains might support this idea, grocery stores do not. According to a United States Department of Agriculture study, healthy foods cost less than unhealthy foods in most categories.
If you’ve struggled to find healthy meals on a budget, here are some cheap healthy foods.
- Beans: Beans are versatile. You can put them in tacos and burritos for extra protein or mix them with meat and chili in a savory stew.
- Broccoli: High in Vitamin K and C, broccoli packs a nutritious punch in a small package.
- Russet Potatoes: People have used these mineral-rich roots to complement their main dish for millennia. Or you could eat them alone for a starchy but satisfying snack.
- Brown Rice: Tired of potatoes as a base? Brown rice mixes well with just about anything. While it takes longer to cook than white rice, it’s far more filling.
- Eggs: These little pockets of protein make any meal heartier. They also have antioxidants containing anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cottage Cheese: This dairy product makes a fantastic dessert when mixed with fruit. Not only is it rich in calcium, but cottage cheese also contains enough protein to satisfy most post-dinner longings.
Get on the Same Page
When you go to the store, let your family know what you’ll be buying. Then, use the experience to teach your children about healthy foods versus non-healthy foods. Play a game by pointing out food and seeing who can guess if it’s healthy or not. Not only does this involve your children in the shopping experience, but it also teaches them where to choose nutritional food.
If you’re looking to support local farmers, take your kids to a farmer’s market where you can find healthy options and a fun family outing. An extra perk to farmer’s markets? Local organic products are generally cheaper than what you’d find in the grocery store.
Get the Family Exercising Together
Make exercise a fun experience. This is a great way to demonstrate health while having fun as a family.
Games are a great way to teach the rewarding part of exercise. Bring out the fighting spirit of your family by having a fair match. Humans are naturally competitive and revel in being the best. Use these games to teach acceptance of defeat and civility in victory. When paired with these lessons, exercising as a family can leave a lasting impression on a child.
Soccer is the world’s most popular sport for a reason. All you need is a ball and a bit of open space. Any two items you can move can serve as a goal post. But, especially for small, young families, consider playing without a goalie. Kids love chasing the ball and get bored staying in one place. Plus, standing still defeats the purpose of exercise.
Schedule Walking Tours
Family exercise can take many forms. Walking through a museum, for example, burns calories and strengthens limbs. In addition, many museums will have reduced prices for children under 12, and some let them in free. These institutions are a great way to learn while on the move.
Nature hikes are a fantastic way to see the world while exercising. No matter where you live, there will be some natural features worth exploring. This same idea applies to your local town. Check out the small shop section of the city. You’ll be sure to find a store each family member loves.
Be Consistent
Humans feel comfortable with consistency, and this especially applies to kids. So keep healthy foods in the refrigerator when your children ask for snacks. When you’re tempted to stray from this habit, remember that an apple costs less and is healthier than a bag of chips.
And schedule weekly family fun such as a walk to the park or a neighborhood football game. These actives cost nothing and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
Tolleson Health Advisors provide you with crucial health advice that will transform your life. Contact us today so we can schedule a professional to study your needs.
Key Takeaways
1. Buy healthy, inexpensive meals.
2. Get on the same page and shop local.
3. Make exercise fun through games.
4. Get adventurous and explore your local area.
5. Be consistent with your standards and schedule.