"Vegan on a Budget?"
When I talk to people about eating healthy I have been told countless times that it's just too expensive! I have to disagree, in fact I find it to be cheaper, yes, cheaper. Many people become extra Organic or or feel like they have to double up on the "Superfoods", if that's what you think you have to do then prepare to dish out big bucks. If your like me and you love to keep a little cushion in your pocket than here are four simple steps that will help you eat a Plant Based diet on a budget.
1. Don't get "overly Organic":
If you can afford Organic Fruits and Veggies go for it but Fruit and Farmers Markets are just as trustworthy. Freeze your fruit like Berries, Pineapples and Bananas keeping them "smoothie ready". I've seen many people eat Organic Junk Food, Pizza, Cookies, Pop and Chips aren't any more healthy because they are labeled Organic.
2. Keep it simple:
I love trying and creating new awesome recipes but when you keep it simple you are more likely to stick with it. Stir Fry's, Beans and Rice, Sauteed Veggies and Salads frequent my Dinner table. Stock up on dry Beans, Raw Nuts, Brown Rice, Quinoa and Coconut products(oil, water etc) because they are Potassium rich and add wonderful flavor. For sweeteners use Raw Agave Nector, Raw Honey and Maple Syrup, you can find most of these things on sale at an off brand store like Big Lots or Aldi (Michiganders are familiar) but for the sweeteners it is best to use Organic.
3. Swap seasonings:
We love our seasoned Salts but they are full of sugar and preservatives (Silicon Dioxide is a major preservative which is a fancy word for Sand) making them very unhealthy. Trade in your Seasoned Salts for Pink Himalayan or Sea Salt and Herbs like Cayenne, Basil, Cilantro, Dill and Cumin. Fresh herbs will be costly to maintain but if you by the dry Herbs Seasonings you can make your own vegetable rubs that are not only delicious but will help to improve your health. This will definitely save you money! Bullion cubes like "Not Like Beef" or "Not Like Chicken" work great in Beans and Stir Fry.
4. Have the right Appliances:
This is a really important factor in keeping up with a Plant Based Diet. You will be doing a lot of Powdering, Blending and Food Processing as you become a little more "Vej Head" Savvy (yeah I know, corny rears it's head every time). It will be discouraging if you don't have the right utensils to try new things. You will need:
A Blender
Major for Smoothies and Nut or Beans Sauces
A Food Processor
This is such a helpful tool to assist in chopping things up really small, also for nut sauces and major in Raw Desserts
A Magic Bullet
There are other forms of this machine but if you decide to bake any Breads or Cookies you may want to make your own Flour or grinding Flax Seed for Eggs, this will also save you a lot of money.
That's it, that's all you really need to get started with your Plant Based Journey on a Budget. Adding herbs to your regimen will help you on your journey as well, if you'd like to find out more join me for a free webinar on "9 Herbs Everyone Should Have In Your Home". Click the link below to register and the first three people to sign up will receive a "Be Your Own Herbalist" kit!
