The Twenty-Something Health Plan: Healthy Investments for just $20

With bills topping out at around $200 to $300 for a family of two at the organic market, gym memberships well into the hundreds, “healthy” price tag attached tonatural makeup and personal hygiene products, most of us have come to associate the price of good health and an extremely high one.

Still, while this may be true in several environmentally conscious and organic arenas, experts suggest that watching out for our own well-being can be as affordable as attending a movie (with a friend). That’s right for just $20 can invest in your health and your future:

· A chic chapeau: A baseball hat will do. Not only does it keep hair and sun our of your face, but it’s a great and stylish way to block harmful UV rays.

· A fitness tape: Not only does this allow you to work out in your own home, on your own time but it makes successive “classes” free. Plus, others in your family can benefit from it too.

· Fitness resistance bands: a great way to tone up without the high cost of equipment. They are great for strength training and they can be transported anywhere you go.

· A wok or steamer: both are great for ensuring healthy recipes. You can steam veggies helping them retain all their nutrients, and serving up some stir fry helps cut down on costs of ordering out, ensures no MSG use and gives you a healthy, filling meal that’s not fried.

· A low-fat or vegetarian cookbook: Switching to a vegetarian diet, at least a few days a week is recommended (more and more) by many health professionals. Finding tasty recipes can help the transition be a much more delicious experience.

· Thermals: Many folks put their activity and fitness routine on hold during the colder months. Get your self motivated and moving by keeping warm with some long Johns and then explore walking in the brisk winter wind, skiing, etc.

· Buy a (small) blender: Ideal for nutritious “meals” or snacks such as fruit smoothies and veggie purees.

· Protein powder: Because most of us don’t eat right and because the one essential item missing from most of our diets is protein, having some on hand to throw in a shake or smoothie can give you the verve you need to get through the day.