Embracing or maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the midst of an economic downturn can be difficult especially when healthy foods cost much more than fast foods. Banning fast foods completely is not something you need to do, but it is important to trend toward healthier eating than to make your regular diet consist of fast foods.

One problem with fast foods is that many restaurant chains are now trying to get business by offering cheap fast meals. Fruits and vegetables are more expensive than some other foods, but think about the long term cost. How much does the added sodium, low fiber, nutrient poor meal cost you in terms of health benefits long term?

Dining out cannot only wreak havoc on your budget it can also cause you to overeat. Why is this important to being frugal? Eating well and getting some exercise allow you to maintain health which can prevent disease and health problems later in life. Even taking maintenance medications for a year can be costly.

This does not mean that by eating healthy you can prevent any genetic predispositions to certain diseases but for a generally healthy person, eating fast food every day, or several times a week may be a cheap alternative to making a meal at home, but can cost you later.

Even if you are unemployed or working fewer hours and can’t afford a health club membership, walking a couple of miles a day or running can also provide some health benefits for very little money.

For some tips on improving or maintaining a healthy lifestyle, go to Small Step which features more than 100 tips on how to have a healthier lifestyle.