Health and wellness are priceless, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to get them. In the quest for better health, we’re all too quick to jump on the latest bandwagons. These trends can add up, fast, whether it’s a shiny new fitness class or a superfood that promises to change your life. The irony? Some of these ‘healthy’ choices may actually be draining your wallet more than they are helping your body.
Here are 11 health trends that are hurting your finances without you knowing.
Boutique Fitness Classes
Barry’s Bootcamp, SoulCycle, or that new hot yoga studio can charge $30-$50 per class. If you’re going multiple times a week, you’re spending hundreds of dollars a month. The jaw dropping price tag may be the same as a traditional gym membership or even free online workouts.
Fancy Gym Memberships
It’s tempting to join a high end gym with spa services, smoothie bars, and luxury locker rooms, but they can cost more than $200 a month. If you’re not using all the bells and whistles, a budget gym can get you just as fit for a fraction of the cost.
Organic Everything
Organic eating is often considered the gold standard of healthy eating. Studies have shown that organic produce can cost as much as 50 percent more than conventional. Some items like strawberries and spinach may be worth the splurge, but others, like avocados or bananas, are a premium you’re paying with little added benefit.
Supplements and Vitamins That Are Trendy
Adaptogens, collagen powders, and personalized supplement packs are all the rage. Many supplements aren’t backed by solid science and may be unnecessary if you’re eating a balanced diet. Americans spend billions on supplements every year, money that could be better spent, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Cold-Pressed Juices
Yes, those colorful bottles are healthy, but at $10 – $15 a pop, cold pressed juices can quickly empty your wallet. And many of them are loaded with sugar and don’t have the fiber you’d get from eating whole fruits and veggies. The same benefits can be delivered by your trusty blender and some fresh produce for much less.
Wellness Retreats
A weekend at a wellness resort can run you over $1,000. Meditation and yoga are great for your mental health but you don’t have to break the bank to find peace. You can get similar results on a budget: a local yoga class, a hike in nature, meditation apps, etc.
Meal Delivery Services
Meal kits are subscription based and promise convenience and healthy eating but at a premium — usually $10 to $15 per meal. By prepping your meals at home with groceries from your local store, you can cut your costs in half and still stay on track with your health goals.
Superfood Hype
Acai, spirulina, matcha — these are the superfoods that are regularly touted as miracle ingredients. Their hefty price tags, however, might not match their actual benefits. Fruits, veggies, and whole grains that are regular often have the same nutrients at a small fraction of the cost.
Detox and Cleanses
Juice cleanses, detox teas, and any other “cleansing” programs can run you hundreds of dollars. However, your liver and kidneys are already great at detoxing your body. You don’t have to go on a costly cleanse; water, fiber rich foods and being active works just fine.
Wearable Fitness Tech
While smartwatches and fitness trackers can be a great motivator to get moving, they can also be a pricey motivator, with prices ranging from $100 to $500. If you just want to track your steps, your phone probably has a free app to do so.
Alternative Therapies
Trendy but expensive cryotherapy, IV vitamin drips, and infrared saunas are $50 to $200 per session. These therapies are often not definitively proven and some people swear by them. It may be kinder to your body and your budget to invest in tried and true wellness practices.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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