Based in Grandville MI, Jennifer McGregor is a pre-med student who enjoys writing about health and medical topics and providing health and medical resources. She co-created PublicHealthLibrary as a way to push reputable information on health topics to the forefront, making them easier and quicker to find
Budget-Wise Building Blocks of Health to Keep You and Your Baby Healthy
Health and wellness are the foundations for a long and happy life. This is why taking care of yourself is so essential. When you are responsible for the well-being and life of another, practicing healthy habits becomes even more important. Even so, it can be difficult to know which routines to practice when you are pregnant. It can be even more of a challenge when you are also trying to protect your family’s budget. So long as you keep these basics in mind, however, you will be able to protect and nourish your health, and that of your child.
Smart and Healthy Diet Choices
While there are many steps you can take to boost your health, eating healthy food is one of the most powerful. A diet rich in whole and nutritious foods can improve your heart, body and mind, all while reducing your risk for chronic and life-threatening diseases. For expectant mothers, eating healthy can be even more important since doing so can provide a healthy start for the developing fetus. Lean proteins found in beef, chicken, eggs and beans will ensure your baby’s muscles and tissues grow strong, while healthy fats in moderate amounts supply the nourishment needed for a healthy brain and organs. Getting the nourishment your brain and body needs on a budget can be simple too, especially when you use coupons and affordable meal kits.
Health-Boosting Vitamins
Balancing your diet with plenty of fresh foods can help keep you and your baby healthier. Still, it isn’t always possible to get all of the nutrients you need from food alone. That’s why taking vitamins is always a good idea when you are trying to boost and maintain your health. Of course, vitamins can be expensive but you can always use Vitacost coupons from Rakuten to make them much more affordable. These online coupons include promo codes and cashback offers to help you get the supplements you need without putting a big dent in your growing family’s budget. You can use these coupons to stock up on prenatal vitamins, which are so essential for women who are pregnant or planning on getting pregnant in the near future.
Regular Physical Activity
Exercise is another basic building block for good health but all too many of us avoid it. That could be due to the fact that our lives don’t necessarily require us to stay active. While you may feel hungry when you haven’t eaten, for instance, you may not feel any immediate effects when you skip a sweat session. With this being said, staying physically active can prevent a long list of chronic health conditions and every little bit counts. You could take the stairs or take a brisk walk each evening, both of which are free. If you need more comfortable gear, shop affordable bras and leggings that you’ll look forward to wearing. If you’re currently pregnant, just be sure to check in with your healthcare provider to see what sorts of exercises may be off limits. It may also be a good idea to consult experts and doulas like the ones at Balanced Birth Support.
Simple But Meaningful Self-Care
Last on this list is self-care but this should be a top health priority. Taking better care of your mind, body and soul have been shown to have the same powerful effects on overall health and well-being as eating well and exercising regularly. In fact, diet and exercise can also be forms of basic self-care but there are other free and low-cost practices you can try as well. Getting more sleep, getting outdoors or even getting comfortable saying “no” are all effective and inexpensive habits that can save you stress. These self-care routines can be extremely beneficial for first-time moms, since they will help you nourish your body and prepare for the journey ahead.
It’s been said before but health and wellness are truly lifelong journeys, rather than destinations. So set your little one up for a healthy start to this journey by taking better care of your physical and emotional health now. Most importantly, focus on the basics to see the most effects.