[Sensibowl] Day Seven

When we talk about health, we often think of food, exercise, and discipline. But there’s one aspect we tend to overlook: money.

Health has a price tag.
A simple home gym setup, a few high-quality supplements, or a Pilates class using a reformer — none of it comes free. Organic produce? Costs 2x–4x more. Free-range eggs? More expensive. But being healthy is soft on your bank in the long run. Being unhealthy is where the real cost hits hard.

Hospital bills. Lost time. Reduced energy. Supplement fatigue. Even then, you can’t swipe a card and buy back your health — you have to earn it. Every meal. Every rep. Every movement.

So as we journey together for these 300 days, it’s time to shift your mindset.
Health is an investment.

Set a Health Budget

Start by budgeting for your Point A — the starting point of your current health condition.

• Mildly unfit? You might just need a decent pair of sneakers and a community gym. That is all.

• Highly sedentary? Flexibility and conditioning is a non-negotiable - Might need professional help as a priority.

• Micronutrient deficient? Your blood work might call for high-grade supplements.

Here’s a rough guide to help you get started:

• 🥬 Organic Produce (Partial Use)
  Cost Estimate: ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 annually
  Healthier, cleaner options that reduce pesticide load — especially for fruits, leafy greens, and eggs.

• 💊 Supplements (FDA-Regulated)
  Cost Estimate: ₹12,000 – ₹30,000 annually
  Based on your lab reports, you may need vitamins, minerals, or functional supplements — opt for high-quality, tested brands. I use Pure/Throne/Now/Jarrows etc.

• 🏋️ Gym Membership / Trainer / Pilates
  Cost Estimate: ₹20,000 – ₹80,000 annually
  Choose based on your current fitness level and needs — flexibility work, strength training, or holistic conditioning.

• 🏠 Home Gym Setup (One-Time Investment)
  Cost Estimate: ~₹20,000
  Includes essentials like dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, and a yoga mat — for those who prefer working out at home and have the necessary space.

• 👟 Good Sneakers
  Cost Estimate: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000
  A solid pair of sneakers is non-negotiable if you walk, run, or train regularly. Your feet are the foundation. Don’t be stingy on shoes. It hurts in the long run.

• 👩‍🍳 Meal Prep / Home Chef (Optional)
  Cost Estimate: Variable
  Can help if you're time-constrained or want to reduce daily decision fatigue — especially useful for those following strict meal plans.

💡 Personally, I spend around $300 every six months on supplements alone. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but it can pinch — especially if you aren’t prepared. Overall I keep around 2 lakhs (2500 USD) for 300 days as budget. If you don’t use it all, post 300 days spend on a treat for yourself. You deserve it.

In summary, use the listicle below for planning purposes.

• Organic Produce (Start small: leafy greens, fruits, eggs)

• High-Quality Supplements (post-lab report)

• Gym / Trainer / Pilates / Yoga

• Home Gym (if you prefer convenience)

• Durable Sneakers (your daily tool)

• Cook or Meal Service (to reduce decision fatigue)

You’ll Also Save More Than You Think

No more expensive cocktails. No Friday-night binges. Fewer impulsive Swiggy orders. Less dining out. All of that stacks up. For me, the spend on health evened out because I stopped spending on what was hurting me.

And let’s not forget the invisible cost of saying “yes” too often: the burnout from overcommitment. Healing requires time. Energy. Focus. So offload. Say no. Simplify your calendar. It’s a financial investment, yes — but more importantly, it’s an energetic one.

Final Word: Add It to Your Balance Sheet

You budget for rent. For your kids. For EMIs.
Why not for your body — the vehicle that carries you through it all?

Think of every rupee spent here as compounding interest for your future vitality.
Not an expense. An asset.

So get ready — this 300-day journey might ask you to spend a little. But it will return so much more.