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You know you’re in an economic slump when all you can afford to eat at the local burger joint is the “value meal.” Ironically, the food you consume from such a meal has next to no nutritional value. You may think you’re saving on cash, but you may be scrimping on your health, too.
 
You’re probably aware of this fact, though you might be reluctant to shift to healthier eating habits—mainly because you’re convinced you’ll have to shell out more for fancy salads or well-balanced executive lunches! Fear not—contrary to popular belief, eating well doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, a good meal strategy can keep both your body and your wallet in good shape. Who knows, you might even save enough for a little reward—a weekend away, perhaps, or the down payment on a new Honda City. Here are some tips to get you started.

1. Switch to water. Cut down on costly beverages such as soft drinks (which are chockfull of unwanted extra sugar) and alcohol (which damages your liver). Instead, drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to keep your body functioning at its optimum level. Drinking water regularly is not only less expensive—it also improves your endocrine gland function, alleviates fluid retention, and actually burns fat through metabolic functions.
   
2. Try tuna. Tuna is an excellent protein source that’s rich in Omega-3, which slows the degeneration of eyesight and bones and prevents high blood pressure. Even better, it comes in a can! When buying canned tuna, stick to variants packed in water—oil not only adds fat, but can also leach the tuna’s natural Omega-3 content by mixing with its natural fat.
   

For yoga enthusiasts, the word mala is probably as familiar as their own name. For the rest of us, however, it might well be the first tangible taste of the mysterious, transcendent discipline that is yoga.

According to model, TV host, and active yogini Teresa Herrera, the mala is a string of 108 beads used for meditation and prayer. Similar in form to the Catholic rosary and used by Hindus, Buddhists, and Yogis alike, the mala acts as a counting check when one chants through a mantra—each bead is touched to mark a specific verse. The mala is central to the practice of yoga, as is the number 108—so much so, in fact, that an international day of celebration has been appointed on their behalf.