8 Ways to Improve Your Recession Health

Hey, we all know that being in a recession is the pits.

Fears of job and house losses, not to mention dwindling 401Ks (retirement funds) can make things like pretty gloomy.

But, believe it or not, the recession could actually be good for your health – well, at least your physical health.

Here‘s why – by suddenly looking at your life and starting to examine the way you live, how you spend, and what you do with your time, the recession could actually help you recreate a more healthy and even happier you.

Here’s how…
1. Pull out the saucepans and start cooking

Eating out is convenient but it’s not good on the wallet and it’s not good on the diet. So now’s the perfect time to get back into the kitchen and start cooking up good, healthy, and great tasting meals to be shared with the family.  This way, you know exactly what’s in the food and can regulate the amount of food you eat. A full plate at a restaurant is hard to resist. At home, serving up smaller portions will do wonders for the waistline.

For some it will sound more like a chore than having fun, but you might surprise yourself and discover your inner Julia Childs or Jamie Oliver. Make pouring over cookbooks and old recipe books a family affair and you might just find it becomes a family affair.

2. Grow Your Own Vegetables

Looking at all those recipes is going to give you at taste for fresh herbs and vegetables so why not get out and grow your own.

You don’t need a large patch of land. Container gardening is just as effective and will provide you with all the fresh vegetables and herbs needed to create tasty and nutritious meals.

3.  Walk more and drive less. 

Are you cringing every time you fill up the car with gas ? Then maybe it’s time to hit the pavements and use foot power or even pedal power to get around.  You know the old saying ‘running your errands’ – well, here’s a great chance to do just that, especially if you live in a pedestrian-friendly city. Walking, or even running, is not only good for your physical health, it’s actually good for you mental health as well.  And of course, there’s the added fact of the Vitamin D factor – ie sunshine – that is necessary for good bone health.

4. Re-discover the lunch box

Stop buying lunch at work and start brown bagging it. It will be cheaper and more nutritious if you plan and pack your lunch every day. 

5. Lose some bad habits

Been thinking about giving up smoking or cutting down on the drinks. Well, now might be the perfect time to give it a go. Sit down and work out how much these habits are costing you and think of what you could do with the money instead.

6. Stop and Smell the Roses

Less money means fewer nights on the town and more time at home. So aim to foster healthier family relationships with family dinners, movies at home, and game time – monopoly anyone?

7. Drink more…Tap Water

Cutting out sodas and bottled water will save you a heap of money and will do wonders for your weight, your skin, and energy levels.

8. Less Carnivore, More Vegetarian

Reducing red meat and eating more vegetables and fruit not only improves energy levels but also helps the pocketbook.

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