www.standard.net.au
The Standard FRIDAY, August 22, 2008 – 7
HERE is a strong belief going around that to live a fit and healthy life is more expensive and less convenient than the alternative. In today’s challenging economic climate we can all benefit from a little less drain on the wallet from time to time. Similarly, many of us live busy lives and any areas we can make or keep convenient and
Sure bet for fitness M T C
easy, the better. If you hold the belief stated above or, like most of us, are looking for ways to save money, please read on. Here are 10 ways you can get yourself fitter and healthier and save some of your hard-earned cash at the same time. ing waistlines. Simply ditching the bubbles in favour of water will do your health wonders in numerous ways. Best of all water is practically free. more productivity or a longer relaxing lunch break.
7. CUT DOWN ON THE MEAL SIZE
6. MAKE BETTER CHOICES FOR BREAKFAST
3. ALTER THE AFTERNOON SNACK
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1. TAKE THE WALK OPTION
S the weather starts to fine up, why not start walking to work or walk to the shops on the weekend or to get your daily paper. Perhaps you could even take the family out for a walk as a weekend activity. Not only will you save on the out-of-control cost of petrol, you will also be doing your bit for the environment.
XCHANGE the afternoon chocolate bar or scroll for a banana or an apple and save yourself a dollar every time, as well as saving your waistline.
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OINCIDENTALLY the most healthy options for breakfast are amongst the cheapest — porridge, eggs, Weet-bix and Vitabrits. Many of the sugar laden cereals (and there are plenty) are also on the pricey side.
ANY of us are guilty of eating too large a serving, particularly at tea time. Cut down in the portion size, save half for lunch tomorrow and save yourself time and money in the mean time. Too easy.
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8. EATING OUT
S with the above, opting for the smaller serving will more than often be enough to satisfy, cost less and give you less to work off through exercise. Bigger servings equal bigger exercise sessions or bigger love handles.
2. TRADE SOFT DRINKS FOR WATER
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FTEN you can make a quick healthier, less fat-laden alternative for less cost. For example trading those two large takeaway pizzas for the much lower calorie homemade pita bread pizza option will leave you with change for a DVD.
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4. CUT DOWN ON TAKEAWAY
9. DON’T SNACK PREPARING DINNER
W A T
OFT drinks are absolutely loaded with sugar and are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to our increas-
5. PREPARE LUNCH FOR WORK
ACKING a healthy lunch for work not only helps the belly and butt but also can save you up to $40 per week and save you time for either
E have all done it, returned home with the shopping and gone through a packet of rice crackers or dried biscuits while cooking tea. You don’t need it, have a glass of water and wait for tea.
10. CUT DOWN ON ALCOHOL
S with fuel costs, the costs of alcohol are forever increasing. Reduce your intake of alcohol and save for a new home theatre whilst saving your life.
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here you have it, 10 incredibly simple ways to save money at the same time as getting healthy and fit. Even by just trying a couple you will be taking a positive step forward. Good luck. ■ Former AFL footballer Bryan Bienke is a health and fitness coach for Karmony Health & Fitness. Email bryanbeinke1@bigpond.com.
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TOUGHTIMES
Health and fitness expert BRYAN BIENKE reveals 10 simple ways to get fit and healthy and save money at the same time.
TIMES are tough for a man who once weighed more than 450 kilograms, but Patrick Deuel says he’s trying to keep a positive outlook. ‘‘Oh, I’m still breathing,’’ the 46-year-old sighed before suddenly letting out a hearty laugh. Mr Deuel weighed 486 kilograms in 2004, and in order for him to have lifesaving gastric bypass surgery, a bedroom wall had to be cut out so he could be extracted from his home in Nebraska. After getting down to 168kg in late 2006, he was up to 245kg in May, the last time he stepped on a scale. ‘‘As far as being able to go out and do the things he wants to do, he’s been able to do that,’’ said his wife, Edie. Though Patrick Deuel has put on about 45kg in the past year and remains morbidly obese, his health is generally good, said surgeon Dr Fred Harris of South Dakota. If a patient loses 50 per cent of his or her excess weight after surgery, it is considered a success, he said. ‘‘Patrick’s still ambulatory. He can still drive a car,’’ Dr Harris said. ‘‘Last I heard, he can still ride a bike, as opposed to being a week or 10 days from dying.’’ Mr Deuel acknowledges willpower is not his forte. To the chagrin of his wife and Dr Harris, he still smokes. He also has a weakness for chips and salsa. ‘‘I notice that stress eating is something I do well,’’ he said. Mr Deuel is unemployed. He said he’s been going through vocational rehabilitation to determine the type of work that would suit him. The former restaurant manager said he definitely won’t work in food service. There’s too much temptation, he said. The couple’s only income is Patrick Deuel’s monthly government checque of less than $US600 ($A690). As for his diet, he said: ‘‘Whatever’s in the refrigerator is what gets put in the tank.’’ — AP