According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness is a $4.2 trillion industry. I’m certainly not surprised, as I understand the power of social media and marketing, not to mention the fact that my feeds are often filled with influencers pushing the newest “cure-all” products. But do we need them? Are there wellness swaps that are just as good?

I am not separating myself from this group. I’ve been gifted samples of various products, which I will share with all of you, but only if they’re something that I feel has made a difference. There are many more that I either decline or feel are useless and unnecessary that don’t get shared. I also understand that of the products I do mention, there are often similar, lower-cost versions that can provide the same benefits. It all depends on how much a person is willing to spend, and I want this post to highlight some choices on the more affordable end of the spectrum.

There’s nothing wrong with buying more expensive products if you want them and can afford them, but I know that’s not a majority of the population. Here are some wellness swaps to help make the things more inclusive.

Instead of adaptogenic herbs, buy less-marketed versions

Herbs and Eastern medicine have been around for far longer than this wellness industry, and what companies are doing these days is repackaging cheap products and selling at a higher cost.

The only main herb I use is turmeric, which is really dirt cheap if you go places like Indian or Asian stores. It might not have a fancy label, but it’s still the same thing. Do your research on things like adaptogens and mushroom varieties and

1) see if you REALLY need them in your diet, then

2) see if you can purchase them at a lower cost at those same types of stores.

Beware of products that have been around for thousands of years now sold in fancy gold bottles.

Instead of high-priced workout clothes, look for affordable alternatives

Do not get me wrong, there are some clothing pieces that I have invested in over the years, but that’s also because it’s my profession. If I had to pick one piece of clothing to spend a little more on, it would be leggings because that is what I feel is most important to me in terms of quality and length of use. I’m not picky about sports bras or tanks because those really don’t matter to me. If you’re someone with a larger chest, a well-made sports bra may be higher on your list.

If you want higher end workout clothes, but can’t bring yourself to pay full price (ahem, me), take a look first on sites like Poshmark, thredUP, or Mercari. This is where a majority of my more expensive leggings came from, but they were still cheaper than in the store.

Take into account your activity level and how often you’ll be wearing these types of clothes. If you think they’re worth the investment, find cheaper ways to get them as mentioned above. If you’re not as concerned with how long they may last and exercise a couple times a week, then consider some of the following places for more affordable options:

• Target C9 brand
• Old Navy
• Nordstrom Rack
• Fabletics (membership)
• TJ Maxx/Marshall’s
• H&M
• Forever 21

Instead of buying $25 coconut yogurt, buy regular foods

I’ve mentioned that yogurt more times than I can count, because it’s just absurd. You know what’s also a yogurt filled with probiotics? YOGURT. There are certain types that are better for you, such as my favorite Greek yogurt because of how much protein is provided, but there’s really no reason to spend so much on something that you can get from a much more affordable product.

You don’t always need to buy organic food, which is another price complaint I’ve heard. The Environmental Working Group puts out a yearly produce list of the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15,” letting you know which fruits and vegetables you should buy organic (if you want) and which are fine to purchase conventionally.

Don’t fret if you can’t afford $15 acai bowls and salads. Simply eat whole foods, proteins, fats, fruits, and vegetables, and you’re already doing much better than those people who spend their lives exclusively eating fast food. Make healthier choices at the grocery store and don’t let social media make you feel like your greens, chicken, and veggies are less important than their perfectly presented smoothie bowl.

Instead of spending a fortune on boutique fitness, find an alternative

I know that places like Soul Cycle and Barry’s Bootcamp are all the rage, but think about what the workout actually entails. SC is riding a bike. Barry’s is a treadmill and some dumbbells. What they are selling is the experience and the appearance, which, if you’re looking to get in shape, isn’t what you need to get there. You simply need to get your heart rate up and challenge your body.

Here are some fitness-related wellness swaps that you can work out without breaking the bank:

• exercise at home with YouTube videos or other on demand workouts (there are TONS, so this post may be helpful in choosing)
• join a gym for much less and take free classes there or use one of their trainers (first session or two is usually free) to learn machines and ask questions
• services like Classpass give you access to a multitude of boutique studios for one monthly price
• take advantage of free trials (many studios offer a free week or a free number of classes)

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What are some wellness swaps you’ve made? The more healthy options we know, the more we all benefit!