5 Practical Ways to Save Money and Live Healthier in 2020

The new year (and new decade) is the perfect time to set your goals for the coming months. However, the age-old tradition of New Years Resolutions can be hard to maintain as the year goes on.

Need budget-friendly health tips that are easy to stick to? These simple tweaks will help you jumpstart your journey to a healthier body and mind. Find out how you can leave 2020 as a better version of yourself!

1. Meal prep for the week

Woman cooking meal prep in kitchen

Meal prep is an effective way to budget your food expenses and nutrition for the week, and reduce the chaos of deciding on meals.

This is also an excellent opportunity to learn how to cook. Meal prep doesn't have to be complicated at all - after all, it is designed to make your life easier. Add these simple recipes that are packed with nutrients to your arsenal.

2. Bring a Water Bottle

Reusable Twizz leakproof water cup Karl

Instead of buying water or a drink, carry around a water bottle wherever you go. With water easily accessible, you'll have no excuse not to stay hydrated. It's especially important to drink water in the hot weather - and Australian summers are a scorcher.

As you lose water through sweat or urine, you may become more at risk for mild dehydration (2% loss of body weight) which can lead to headaches and fatigue 1. In extreme cases, dehydration can be fatal.

You generally receive around 20% of your daily water from what you eat (depending on the food type, your body composition and activity levels). And you obtain the rest from the drinks you consume.

With a bottle of water on hand, you avoid the need to purchase caloric drinks. Often, these alternatives are also artificially sweetened and acidic.

By drinking from your handy-dandy water bottle - 1) You save money and avoid excess calories 2) Boost your skin health 3) Help your body's detoxification 4) Protect yourself against dental caries and dental erosion 5) Avoid spikes in blood glucose and sugar addiction (multiple wins!).

Reach your hydration goals with our light, leakproof and reusable Twizz Mug.

3. Exercise with a partner

Group exercise with people doing yoga

Grab a friend, lover or family member and commit to exercising regularly. You'll be able to hold each other accountable and cheer each other on when it gets tough (because it will!). Together, you're less likely to let excuses slide or let life's messiness get in the way. What's better? It's more fun and a great way to connect with the ones you love.

This is also a wonderful opportunity to pick up a new sport, whether that's rock climbing, pilates, or krav maga. Mix up your usual exercise of choice, or just add a new exercise move to your gym or yoga routine. The novelty will help bring excitement for your fitness regime.

4. Drink less alcohol

Cheers with glasses of red wine

If you've let yourself go over the holiday season, the new year is the perfect time to kickstart sobriety. Just remember, you don't need to drink to have fun. If alcohol has been a way to celebrate or drown out anxiety, depression or stress, switch it out for better alternatives. Avoid toxic people, build high quality relationships, journal, meditate, and exercise instead.

Cutting back on alcohol will also save you big bucks, and improve your immune system, skin, sleep and mood.

5. Volunteer

Volunteer group with outreached hands

Volunteering a fantastic way to support a cause that is close to you, and a free way to lower your stress and blood sugar levels. Check out the volunteering opportunities near you!

Kick off your journey towards a healthier and wealthier 2020!