Staying Healthy on a BudgetStay fit and healthy on a limited budget

It may sound obvious, but it costs you far less when you're healthy than it does if you're ill, so this is another reason to look after yourself. This does not necessarily have to involve an expensive gym membership or pricey food, there are many ways in which you can have a healthy lifestyle without the huge price tag. Firstly, don't buy branded medication when there is a generic alternative, for example, Boots sell 'own-brand' alternatives to most branded medication at much lower prices, so ask in-store next time you stock up on painkillers, cold and flu remedies and allergy tablets. As these contain exactly the same drugs, they will be just as effective. More info

Where it comes to your diet, buy fresh fruit and vegetables from a local market stall or your supermarket (depending where you shop, the supermarket may actually work out cheaper). Don't buy ready-meals, as they are much more expensive and full of unhealthy ingredients such as additives and preservatives. Plan out your weekly meals, and buy ingredients that will work for a number of different recipes so that you minimise leftover food and waste. Don't buy ready-chopped vegetables and bagged salad, it is much cheaper to prepare these yourself. Buying frozen vegetables is usually also cheaper, and there is not much difference in terms of taste and freshness if you use them within a month of purchase. You do not need to be a member of a gym to keep fit, instead introduce exercise into your daily routine. Plan a walk with a friend, borrow a dog from a neighbour to walk or get off the bus a few stops early on the way to work. For the dark winter months where it is less safe or too cold to exercise outdoors during the week, you can buy exercise DVDs cheaply on amazon.co.uk or from a local charity shop. Find more money-saving tips on SimplyFinance.co.uk for staying healthy without breaking the bank. Less