One of this biggest complaints I hear about eating healthy is that it is “too expensive”. This makes me incredibly sad because I know, first hand, how much money I actually saved by cleaning up my diet. Kim Snyder recently wrote about this and so I was inspired to do my own write-up based on real life experience.
I am embarrassed to admit that I used to eat the same things every single day (okay, I still pretty much do). But back then I’d open a packet of pasta to boil, pour pasta sauce from the jar over it, open a bottle of Dr. Pepper, and call it a meal. Every night.
For lunch I’d go to Taco Bell and order the same thing every time. I even had the exact change memorized per Taco Bell so that way I’d have my money ready. (It was 2 cents more at the Taco Bell on West versus the one on Sepulveda … ) In the end, I’d spend close to $80 at the grocery store for my prepackaged foods and then $20-$30 more on fast food and quick bites.
I get really sad when people think they can’t eat healthy because it’s expensive. That is just not true. You have to shop smart with fruits and veggies just like you do with packaged foods, and if that means not buying organic then you will be totally fine. Don’t even worry!
What money saving tips do YOU have??
xo
My way of saving money at the moment is… travelling^^ never would´ve thought, but I am only spending 1/3 of the money that I spent when I lived in my hometown. Due to my diet I never really eat out anyway. And I love cooking, so it´s a win-win 🙂
I think the non-eating-out is too forceful for most people: as highlighted (by this blog as well), food is about ease. If it gets too complicated it cannot be enjoyed, it becomes a chore. And for most people, eating out is part of that ease. Sure, I live in a city where there are raw food options not only as restaurants but also as cafes, so I am privileged that way.
As for my experience, switching from vegan to mostly raw, I definitely felt the bills inflating. In my case, they definitely have, there is no doubt. Rice VS cauliflower rice? Guess which one costs more… And there are very few saving strategies I can really implement: as buying in bulk is not usual in Europe (smaller homes in the city and all that), I can just rely on offers, unless I go the long route and order enough from a wholeseller that they will charge me the prices they charge to shops! I have considered doing it but since it would be only for non fresh products, I thought it was not worth and storage space is a problem. The bottom line is, though, that I think it is worth. Even for someone like me who cannot say that it is at all cheaper being a mostly raw foodist, the food is wonderful, I may be saving some by non putting the the hobs and oven on (no dehydrator either, you see…) and there is basically no food waste happening since despite I pack my fridge with veggies, I also go through them all very fast. This has been the only real improvement, cost-wise, but as I said, the food makes up for the extra costs.
I agree with the above comment that raw vegan is definitely more costly than vegan, but I agree that vegan is pretty cheap. Brown rice may cost more than white rice but it is still cheaper than meat. One of my tricks is to scope out ethnic grocers – lots of great bargains to be found.
Oh my goodness you raise some good points! I guess I didn't realize how fortunate I was to have such affordable produce available to me. When I eat fresh produce, only, and not the fancy, packaged raw foods then I find, in my area, that it is extremely affordable. I also have many grocery stores and farmer's markets within walking distance so it's easy for me to.
Also, you're right, I love doing things with ease. To me, though, I choose not to eat out for financial reasons so for me it really is a great thing! I agree, when things are not enjoyable then it's more like you're a prisoner, not thriving. But you know, you hit on a good point, even if my food bill had increased I have saved in so many other areas as a result. I do not buy medicine or visit the doctor and I have felt that savings, tenfold!
Thank you so much for bringing up these points, I love that you can bring this perspective 🙂 sometimes I forget not everyone has the same experience!
Oh definitely, ethnic grocers are like a gold mine. And I loved the above point because it reminded me of how fortunate I am to have access to such affordable produce like I have. I eat mostly fresh produce, only, so I can get a week's worth of produce for a very affordable price that is good throughout the week. I forget that this isn't the same experience for everyone! I meant for this post to be like a tips-and-tricks post, so I hope that it is helpful to some! If not, then I think I need to readjust some of it 🙂
How interesting!! Yes, traveling can force you to eat a lot of on-the-go produce which is a very affordable way to eat.
How interesting!! Yes, traveling can force you to eat a lot of on-the-go produce which is a very affordable way to eat.