“Being a vegetarian is expensive” – this is a myth! The truth is, vegan diets can be tailored-fit according to your budget and eating habits. Foods that are considered a kitchen staple for a delicious vegan diet are very affordable such as beans, legumes, and grains. With these foods, you can make a sumptuous meal without breaking the bank. Some meals you can do are vegetable stir-fries, pasta dishes, and salads, rice, and tofu.
Becoming a vegan will lead you to a healthier lifestyle. There will be days that you will find yourself searching for that ultimate vegan food in the market only to find out that some are expensive. But you don’t have to worry! You can still make a balanced vegan meal even on a budget.
Here are six (6) great ideas to help you shop vegan foods cost-effectively:
- WholeFoods is not the only place to get vegetables
WholeFoods is vegetable heaven for vegans. And the shopping experience is always enjoyable there. But the truth is, it’s really expensive.
You can get your veggies at any grocery store. Other groceries sell organic foods but not as expensive as the ones in WholeFoods.
- Buy in bulk
Buying in bulk is a great way to save money especially if you’re on a budget. It turns out that bulk buying can save you as much as 89% over buying packaged goods. Some items to buy in bulk are seeds, spices, whole grains, nuts, and beans. Just be very careful before buying and check your items thoroughly. You might find some spoiled beans in there. Always check the cost per pound before buying.
- Grow your herbs
By just having your herb in your backyard can save you hundreds of dollars every year. Buying a single bunch of herbs can cost like a whole plant that you can put on your garden or porch. Rosemary and cilantro are one of the easiest herbs to grow. You can also plant parsley, basil, thyme, and sage. You are not only adding some great plants in your space, but it’s also good for your wallet
- Prepare your own food
We know that you are busy and convenience is very important in your everyday life. But you don’t have to prepare your food every day. You can do it on a weekend to prepare the food for the entire week. Also, it’s kind of therapeutic. So instead of buying pre-packed veggies, buy a few greens and chop it in your kitchen. Same vegetable, but you just didn’t have to pay extra cost for the packaging. So if ever you find yourself buying prepackaged foods every time, buy an insulated lunch box and get a reusable grocery bag to store your vegan meals. You can also keep your food cold by freezing them before putting it on your lunch box.
- Take advantage of store markdowns
Some grocery stores have good deals for their vegetables. You can get veggies in 25% to 50% markdowns. Always make sure to check out all areas in your grocery store to scout for good deals. Look for the ones that are marked down. Some stores do markdowns in the evenings or when they are about to close down for the day. Or you can check out veggies early in the morning so you might want to try waking up early to grab those veggies at great prices. Always check the dates of the items on the shelf just to be sure you are buying the fresh ones.
- It’s okay to substitute
When you do a recipe that has chia seeds but you don’t have them, it’s okay to leave out if it’s not available in your kitchen. If you’re making vegan burgers, you can make your own by adding your own ingredients instead of buying veggie burger patties at the grocery. You don’t have to follow all the fancy ingredients on the recipe. Especially if you’re just going to use it once, don’t buy the whole jar. This can save you $15 to $20 on your grocery trip.
Green doesn’t have to be expensive
You know you want what’s best for your body and it’s rather okay to spend extra money or loan flexible cash from a licensed moneylender like Cash Mart Singapore for buying the best veggies and fruits available in the market. But you don’t have to do it from time to time. Some people want to live a vegan lifestyle but couldn’t afford it. You just have to set a budget and stick to it while you commit to putting the best foods in your body.