Let’s be real: being healthy shouldn’t be super strict… or super expensive. You don’t need a $12 green juice, a gym membership you’ll only use twice, or a pantry full of ingredients you can’t pronounce. (Looking at you, spirulina.)
The truth? Getting healthier is simpler than it seems. You don’t have to give up your favourite foods or spend hours googling “what even is a macro?” Small changes, a dash of creativity, and a focus on balance can do wonders for your body—and your wallet.
Good news—you don’t need a kale addiction or a billionaire’s budget to feel healthier. A few small tweaks can go a long way, and you can still enjoy life (and pizza).
Let’s dive into some no-nonsense, budget-friendly tips to help you feel great without losing your sanity.
1. Keep It Real (Literally): Eat Whole Foods
No, I’m not saying shop exclusively at Whole Foods or only choose organic. Just aim to eat foods that look like they came from nature, not a factory.
- Translation: More apples, fewer apple-flavoured toaster pastries.
- Pro tip: Frozen veggies are your secret weapon. They’re cheap, last forever, and don’t judge you if you forget them in the back of the freezer.
When it comes to organic, allow me to introduce you to the Dirty Dozen – the 12 most heavily sprayed (with pesticides) produce items. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) creates this list every year. As much as you can, aim to buy those items in their organic version to avoid so many unnecessary (and toxic) chemicals from entering your bod… and go for conventional (i.e. not organic) for the rest.
It’s not always possible (hello $$$), so what I do is, if the organic version is similar or slightly higher than its conventional counterpart, I’ll go for organic. But, if it’s substantially more expensive, I will choose the conventional, and with no guilt.
The goal is to reduce our pesticide exposure as much as we can, without needing to be 100% perfectionists.
2. Get the Protein, Fat, and Fibre Trifecta
Protein, fat, and fibre are like the Avengers of nutrition—stronger together. They keep you full, balance your energy, and make your meals way more satisfying.
- Protein ideas: Eggs, meat, fish, legumes, yogurt.
- Fat: Butter, coconut oil, olive oil, avocados, nuts & seeds.
- Fibre: All vegetables & fruit, nuts & seeds, legumes, and whole grains like quinoa (technically a seed but we shall put it in this category) and brown rice.
3. Keep It Simple in the Kitchen
You don’t need to be a culinary genius to eat better. Simple meals with minimal ingredients are your best friend.
Quick and Easy Ideas:
- Breakfast: 2 fried eggs on toast. Add bacon if you’re feeling fancy.
- Lunch: A salad with canned salmon and a couple chopped veggies from the fridge. Add homemade dressing and boom, a delish and complete meal you will salivate over (and then devour).
- Dinner: Toss some chicken and veggies on a sheet pan. Roast it. Done.
4. Water: The Unsung Hero
Are you actually hungry, or are you just thirsty? (Yes, this is a thing. Humans are weird.) Hydration is underrated and free (unless you’re splurging on fancy sparkling water).
- If plain water bores you, jazz it up with lemon, cucumber, or that one sad strawberry in your fridge.
5. Move How You Want, Not How They Tell You
Here’s a hot tip: Exercise doesn’t have to involve spandex or people yelling, “ONE MORE REP!” If you hate running, don’t run. (Seriously, who made that the default suggestion?)
- Dance while cooking dinner (my millennial mom self definitely brings out the hip hop most nights).
- Take a walk while listening to an audiobook or podcast.
- Do a mini stretch session while bingeing your favourite show.
- Do five squats while waiting for your coffee to brew. You fitness influencer, you!
The goal isn’t to punish yourself—it’s to feel good.
6. Take Baby Steps (Because Giant Leaps Are Overrated)
Don’t try to overhaul your entire life in one day. Start small, and let those little wins build up over time.
- Add one extra veggie to your plate.
- Say no to that second donut (unless it’s a really good donut).
- Try cooking at home one extra night a week.
Consistency > Perfection.
7. Treat Yourself (Guilt-Free)
Let’s be clear: Eating better doesn’t mean giving up pizza, ice cream, or that second slice of cake. It just means enjoying them mindfully and balancing them with the good stuff. (Aim for the good stuff 80% of the time, while leaving the 20% for those indulgences.)
Improving your health doesn’t have to mean giving up everything you love or spending a fortune on things you don’t. With a few tweaks plus a commitment to living in a way that will improve your health, you can make meaningful changes—without being super strict or spending a ton.
What’s your first step? Let me know in the comments (and share your funniest food fails while you’re at it!).