Health is wealth

While being a millionaire is certainly one good standard of wealth, after all, who wouldn't want to own their own airplane and buy diamonds with the swipe of a credit card...once a day? Yeah this would be a nice showing of wealth, but as we all know, not all wealth is monetary. There is one kind of wealth we ALL have every day and that is our health and fitness. We are only as rich as we are healthy, and this is a fact.

What good is having billions of dollars if you're too tired, too sick or too unhappy to enjoy spending it? This is exactly why we must always put our bodies before our pockets, and coming from me (the coupon clipping, penny pinching girl) this says a lot. It can be hard to eat healthy on a budget. I know this from experience. Here are a few tips for your 6th day of FIT-mas to get you through the weeks with a healthy diet without letting your wallet lose any weight for itself:

1. There is always an APP for that. Whether you have an iPhone, a Droid or whatever other technology you can have on hand, always check apps, sales flyers and store websites for any specials they might be having on organic, low calorie and all natural food items. Stores like Publix often have good BOGO sales on all kinds of healthy items. You just have to be patient and wait to buy it until it goes on sale. You may want it now, and you may see it in the store at full price now, but just be patient and wait until the next flyer comes out in a few days. The almond milk or yogurt that you wanted may be half price if you just wait a day or so.

2. Coupon collecting can and should be a hobby. Check your sunday papers and websites like redplum.com and coupons.com for printable savings off your favorite healthy brands. Don't be afraid to be that "annoying coupon person" in the line at the grocery store, because when you see your savings, you know it will be worth it. Yesterday My total before coupons was $107. After she scanned my coupons in, I spent only $60. That is some HUGE savings indeed! Give it a try and see how little you truly have to spend to eat healthy.
You can also go directly to the manufacturer's website (for companies like Healthy Choice, Smart One's and Dreamfield's) for printable and mailed coupons.

3. Use your gym membership for social reasons. Spend Saturday nights taking spin and yoga classes with your friends or take your significant other on a date for a relaxing massage at member prices (if offered at your gym) instead of going out for dinner and drinks. You'll not only save tons of calories, but you'll save plenty of money as well.

I know the holidays can hurt our wallets if we're not careful, but don't let your nutrition suffer the costs of your extensive gift lists. Save on the healthy foods you want to eat anyway, spend more time at the gym since it's already paid for anyway, and spend what you save on gifts galore! Now that's a happy, healthy Holiday hint!