Eating well, exercising regularly and
stressing less are great goals to aim for – but let’s face it, they come at a
(top) price. And with headlines screaming about a double-dip recession on a
daily basis, it’s no surprise that money, not health, takes priority.
In fact, a survey by the World Cancer
Research Fund found that a third of Brits don’t exercise regularly because gym
memberships are too costly. Well, we say you can have your organic veggies and
eat them too! We’ve tracked down the best ways to fight fat and boost health
without splashing the cash.
Create Your Own Gym
According to research by www.crunch.co.uk,
we spend US$55.5 million a year on unused gym subscriptions! If you don’t use
it, ditch it and make a home gym instead. ‘Exercise doesn’t have to be
expensive,’ says Anna Reich, personal trainer for Simple. ‘Even weight training
can be done at home using water bottles. ’ Fill two bottles with liquid – 1l
equals roughly 1kg – and, voila, you have homemade dumbbells! Want to go one
better? Invest in low-cost kit like resistance bands or a stability ball.
‘Even
weight training can be done at home using water bottles. ’
Put It On Ice
Think fresh is best? Think again.
Scientists from the Institute of Food Research claim frozen veggies are more
nutritious. It can take two weeks for fresh produce to reach our plates, losing
up to 45 per cent of nutrients en route. ‘Frozen produce often works out
cheaper and is just as healthy,’ says Caroline Farrell of Essential Nutrition
(www.essential-nutrition.co.uk). ‘Opt for antioxidant-rich frozen foods like berries.’
Shop ’Til You Drop
A study by the University of the West of
England found that the price of organic meat was 37 per cent higher at
supermarkets than farm stores, so it’s worth seeking out your local producers.
Fancy organic veggies? ‘Spend money on produce that’s been exposed to fewer
pesticides,’ tips Caroline. Log on to the www.ewg.org/foodnews to read the
Dirty Dozen Pesticides in Produce list, or download its free app to your phone,
to work out when to spend or save.
Race For Life
What’s the secret to a long life? According
to the Copenhagen City Heart Study, it’s jogging. Apparently , running at an
easy pace for one to two hours a week can increase life expectancy by
five-and-a-half years. ‘You don’t need the latest gear to run,’ says life coach
Gerry Henderson (w ww.positivevitality.co.uk). ‘And, it will help you
de-stress. ’ Struggling to get motivated? Join the two million UK workers who
run on their lunch break, according to sportswear company Helly Hansen.
Alternatively, turn your commute into a workout. ‘I recommend running home from
work three times a week, and getting a bus half way if it’s too far,’ says
personal trainer Dan Roberts (www.danrobertstraining. com). ‘It’s a great way
to unwind and get a toned butt!’
Bake In Bulk
‘Swapping ready meals for homemade food
will save loads of money,’ says Gerry. ‘Cook soups and casseroles in bulk and
freeze what you don’t use.’ You can also make several meals from one dish; a
simple whiz z in the food processor will turn vegetable curry dinner into your
lunchtime soup! ‘You could also try the paleo diet,’ adds celebrity trainer
James Nielsen (w ww.nielsenfitness.co.uk). ‘The foods on this diet – meat,
fish, fruit and veg – are relatively inexpensive and healthy.’
‘Swapping
ready meals for homemade food will save loads of money,’ says Gerry.
Grow Your Own
‘One of the cheapest ways to ensure the
food you’re eating is fresh is to grow your own,’ claims Louisa Popplewell,
head of nutrition at Nuffield Health. ‘The vegetables you grow will be tastier
than the shop-bought version.’ Experts from the American College of Sports
Medicines also found gardening burns more than 300 calories an hour!
Bend And Stretch
Stress is linked to high blood pressure and
it also causes weight gain. ‘The stress hormone, cortisol, has been linked to
fat around the tummy, ’ says James. How to de-stress? Yale researchers compared
the effects of meditation and yoga on hypertension, pronouncing yoga the
winner. Search the internet or your stash of Women’s Fitness magazines for poses
to do at home. ‘Squat in seated prayer pose when potting plants,’ says Dan.
‘It’s a great way to stretch muscles.’
