If you invest in your health and live a healthy lifestyle, you not only avoid sickness but save a lot of money along the way as well. Investing in your wellbeing, however, can feel overwhelming.

Gym memberships can be pricey, healthy food often costs an arm and a leg, and it’s hard to find out which investments are going to pay off and which ones are going just to swallow your money.

Here are a few ways that you can invest in your health without breaking the bank.

1. Comfortable Running Shoes

Get fitted with a good pair of running shoes that fit best. Note the brand and the size you’re looking for and check to see if it’s cheaper online, if you really want to save.

Then set a running target and set a regular routine. It doesn’t cost anything to run through your neighbourhood or along the local high school track. Make it more fun by running with a buddy or join a running meet.

2. Integrate Exercise Naturally

If you don’t have plenty of time each day for workouts, find ways to incorporate small portions of exercise into activities you already do. Park at the back of the parking lot, take the stairs, periodically clean your house – these modifications add up to keep the body moving.

It won’t cost you any extra to park further away or take the stairs whenever you can, but it will cost you a little time. It’s still an entirely worthwhile investment in the long run.

3. Have Regular Check-ups

It is a hassle going to the doctor. We get it. When you need to, you can’t always see the doctor and have to wait for an appointment. Unless your ailment can be easily treated or healed, not attending to it at all can lead to major health problems.

Most private health insurance plans completely cover preventive care. You need to see your doctor and dentist once a year to ensure that your health is safe, so make it easier with a private plan. This will cost you a little each month, but it will definitely pay off if something is wrong with your health.

4. Consider Walking or Cycling to Work if Possible

It saves you money on the upkeep of petrol and cars, as well as helps you get exercise. Concentrate on what’s right in front of you, on the road and on your body, and the stress and strain of everyday life will just melt away.

Also, walking or and cycling to work actually makes commuters happier and more productive. So, not only will walking or cycling save you money and improve your health, but it may also have direct, positive effects on your performance at work.

5. Buy Seasonal Produce

Seasonal produce can be costly, particularly if you accidentally let it sit in your refrigerator for too long and it goes bad. However, instead of buying anything in the supermarket, try buying vegetables in your area, which are in-season.

Seasonal produce is often cheaper than those that are imported, as they require less packaging and transport to get them to you. Also, you get the opportunity to try things you might have never thought about trying before, which makes it a little more interesting to eat healthily.

6. Buy Meat from Local Farmers

Buying meat directly from the farmer is a trend that has increased in popularity over the past few years, to the extent that it is available in most major metropolitan areas at weekend markets for farmers. When you buy from a farmer, you can often choose the meat cuts you want and how to pack it.

You will usually find organic and/or grass-fed meat, too. This is often cheaper because you pay a single price per pound compared to buying meat in the supermarket, particularly if you like roasts and steaks.