Starting to eat more plant-based can seem overwhelming and expensive, and it can be difficult to know where to start. While you may feel like you have to go hunting down exotic ingredients that are going to completely wreck your budget, you might be surprised to know that plant-based staples are some of the most affordable options available.
EATING WELL ON A STRICT BUDGET
Eat Seasonally
It tastes better and you use veggies that are more affordable. Knowing which fruits and vegetable are in season can help you to know which foods are going to be cheaper in the market and what to base your menu off of.
Shop the Bulk Section
There’s less packaging, you can make yourself a hip Mason jar pantry at home, and save a lot of money. Keep these ingredients in your pantry: garlic, ginger, onions, can of diced tomatoes, spices, and dried beans.
Go Dry
Dried beans are a fraction of the cost of canned beans and create less waste. You can also buy a pressure cooker, and cook soaked beans in 12 minutes. If you’re just getting started with cooking with dried beans, lentils are a good option because they don’t need to be soaked.
Create Simple Power Bowls
Affordable, easy and repeatable. Simply add a grain, protein, veggies and a sauce and you have a power bowl you can look forward to. For ideas, tips and combinations check out our Power Bowls recipe.
Our number one tip is one you may have heard before – don’t go to the grocery store hungry. Always have healthy snack before you start. Otherwise, impulse buying is very tough to control. Have a plan but be flexible so you can take advantage of what’s on sale.
We’d love to hear from you. How do you eat well on a budget? Connect with our community on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and let us know.
