Enjoy comfort food while being kinder to your budget and your health. Plus, discover why your BMI plays a role when applying for life insurance.
Winter’s in full swing and while it’s now even more tempting to order takeaways and remain glued to your couch, if it becomes a regular habit, it can start affecting both your budget and your health.
The good news? You don't have to give up your favourite foods to make healthier choices. A few simple "fake-away" swaps can help you cut calories, save money and support a healthier Body Mass Index (BMI). And when it comes to life insurance, maintaining a healthy BMI can matter too.
Why Does BMI Matter for Life Insurance?
BMI is a simple measurement that compares your height and weight to estimate whether you're within a healthy weight range.
While BMI doesn't tell the full story of your health, insurers may use it alongside other information, such as your medical history, blood pressure and lifestyle habits, when assessing your risk profile.
A BMI that falls significantly outside the healthy range may be associated with certain health conditions, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Because these conditions can affect life expectancy, they may influence the cost of life insurance cover.
That's why making small, sustainable lifestyle changes can benefit both your long-term health and your finances.
Healthy Fake-Aways to Try at Home
The next time you're tempted to order takeout, try one of these healthier alternatives instead.
Burger & Chips
Instead of ordering a fast-food burger meal, make your own lean beef or chicken or burger at home.
Serve it on a wholewheat roll with plenty of salad and swap deep-fried chips for frozen sweet potato wedges you can pop in the oven or air fryer. Sweet potatoes can be just as satisfying as regular potatoes, but their lower glycaemic index means they may cause fewer blood sugar spikes.
Pizza Night
Homemade pizza can be surprisingly healthy.
Use a wholewheat wrap, pita bread or low kilojoule pizza base, then top it with tomato sauce, grilled chicken, sliced veggies and half a handful of your favourite cheese. (Extra points if it’s feta, which is lower in fat than cheddar!)
Fried Chicken Cravings
Love crispy chicken? Skip the deep-fryer and make a healthier version at home.
Dip chicken strips in beaten egg or low fat yoghurt, then coat them in seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes before baking them in the oven or air fryer until golden and crisp.
Pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for all the crunch without the extra oil and kilojoules that come with deep-frying.
Taco Tuesday, Any Day
Mexican food can be both delicious and nutritious when made at home.
Fill soft corn or wholewheat tortillas with lean mince, grilled chicken or beans, then load them up with salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado and a sprinkle of cheese.
By making your own tacos, you'll have better control over portions and ingredients while still enjoying a meal that feels like a treat.
The Bottom Line
Looking after your health doesn't have to mean giving up the foods you love. Small changes, like making healthier fake-aways at home, can help you maintain a healthier BMI while saving money at the same time.
If you're thinking about protecting your future, it's worth thinking about life insurance too. With MiWayLife, getting a quote is quick and easy, helping you take an important step towards protecting the people and plans that matter most.
Did You Know:
You can now take out life cover with us online in a few simple steps. No calls and no agents! Make sure to take care of those you love today by buying MiWayLife cover online.
