Originally published November 7 2010
How to Benefit from Natural Health on a Budget
by Fleur Hupston
(NaturalNews) Good health is more valuable than all the money in the world. Yet, the fact remains that the natural, organic products that contribute to good health are usually much more expensive than the cheap, toxic products that are so easily available. Pure, organic food, cleaning products and personal care items are sometimes out of reach for the budget-conscious family struggling to survive each month. Here are some tips that all, rich and poor, can benefit from when it comes to enjoying a natural lifestyle.
Budget Carefully for Organic Produce
Eliminating fast food meals and trips to the vending machine can free up a surprising amount of cash. In the same way money would be set aside for savings, set money aside and be determined to spend it wisely on organic food. Draw up a budget sheet for basic monthly supplies.
Buy in bulk when fresh vegetables are in season and fast freeze them for later on. Fruit can be preserved or dried. Freshly made foods and sauces will always be cheaper than anything processed. If time is an issue, make sauces in bulk and freeze them so that a meal can quickly be put together at the end of a work day. Watch out for coupons, discounts and special offers.
Grow your own vegetables if possible. If there is no time or space, try planting herbs in flower pots. Harvesting your own herbs or tomatoes is rewarding, plus you will have the added satisfaction of knowing that you're eating something organic and healthy.
Organic Cleaning Products on a Budget
Remember that true, organic cleaning products are often concentrated. While the initial outlay may seem expensive, the cost evens out. Use beeswax to polish furniture, or polish with jojoba oil mixed with a little lemon juice. Other homemade cleaning products using ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar or washing soda are inexpensive and effective.
Skin Care Products
Instead of purchasing expensive moisturizers and lotions, experiment with pure essential oils, coconut oil or olive oil. Coconut oil, for example, is said to soften and condition hair and skin. There is a plethora of information available on blending various oils for many different skin and hair conditions. Be cautious, however, and seek the advice of a medical professional, especially if you have a bad skin condition.
Exercise
This is stating the obvious, but simply walking, running or working in the garden each day costs nothing and will have amazing health benefits: from having a fitter and healthier body to having a more alert mind. Invest in a workout dvd for times when it's too cold to venture outside.
Sleep
Be determined to switch off the TV and/or computer early for some relaxing downtime. Then go to sleep early. Enough sleep will enable you to be more productive, increase alertness and fight off diseases.
Drink Pure Water
Switch from bottled water to purified tap water. The investment in a water filtration system is worth the money and a healthier option than drinking water from plastic bottles.
Sources:
http://life.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/How-to-Be-Orga...
http://www.naturalnews.com/007038.html
http://www.essentialoils.co.za/jojoba-oil.ht...
About the author
Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer. She is passionate about natural, healthy living and is currently studying to be a naturopath. She divides her time between writing for Natural News and various other sites, home schooling her children and studying part time.
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