A plant-based diet is NOT more expensive than being on the usual standard diet. This misconception has no real truth to it and common sense will indicate that meats and processed foods cost much more than real food such as vegetables and fruits.
There are several ways you can be a smarter plant-based shopper. Every little amount you save here and there will add up in the long run.
Shop around
The first step to getting lower prices will be to shop around and see where you can get the lowest prices. Check the prices at different supermarkets and see if any one place has better deals than the rest.
If you live in an area that has a farmer’s market nearby, visit it and see if you can get better deals and prices. Many farmer’s markets usually sell organic produce cheaper than what you can get at the supermarket. You can even haggle a little and have some fun in the process. I love going to the farmers market to purchase fruits and vegetables, this also is a great way to support small business/farmers.
Buy your groceries at the lowest prices while ensuring that the produce is fresh.
Making a list
When doing your shopping, it’s best to prepare a list first and STICK to what’s on the list. Do not impulse buy what you don’t need. Very often, you’ll notice that your sudden purchases are unhealthy foods that you know you’re not supposed to get.
So, make a list and follow it when shopping.
Knowing when to go organic
Organic produce usually costs more than non-organic produce. While there are some extra health benefits to consuming organic foods, if it’s too hard on your budget, you can skip the organic foods and not worry too much about it.
Organic or not, a plant-based diet will still benefit your health. If you want to get some organic produce, it’s best to buy these foods: kale, spinach, grapes, strawberries, tomatoes, celery, peaches, potatoes and nectarines. These foods are most susceptible to having pesticide residue on them.
Here is list of foods that you should buy organic.
Buying in bulk
If your entire family is on a plant-based diet, check and see if you can get discounts by buying in bulk. Usually, buying bigger quantities will get you cost savings. Do remember to take into account how long the produce will last.
There’s no point in getting foods in bulk if they get spoiled before you can consume them.
Don’t shop when you are hungry
It’s common to buy more foods when you’re hungry. Always go grocery shopping on a full stomach so that you do not make impulse purchases or buy more food than you need.
Knowing your deals
Sometimes the supermarket may offer deals and special discounts for some foods. Always check the expiry date of the foods. Usually, they’re trying to clear stock before it expires.
If you can use up the food before it expires and it’s a good deal, then you can get it. You may wish to check online and see if there are any deals on Amazon, etc.
These are some of the best ways to cut your costs and save money on the plant-based diet. You’ll soon discover that all the fresh-produce is usually on the perimeter of the store and that’s really the only place to look.
As long as you avoid the inner aisles, you’ll be less likely to get processed foods. Besides this, the next best way to cut costs will be to do some container gardening at home and grow your own produce. It’s very satisfying to eat what you grow and has to be experienced to be understood.
Hopefully these tips help you shop and save money.
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