Shopping on a Shoe String, Plant-Strong Style
The debate still continues, “How can you afford to eat plant-strong foods, when vegetables are so expensive?” The myth that prevails about the expense of eating healthy is just that, a myth. When you compare the price of a bag of brown rice to a piece of animal protein…the rice wins, hands down. And, I always say to those who will listen, “A plant-strong diet is far more cost-effective than a day in the hospital.” That usually draws some attention.
For many years, I led tours at local grocery stores that focused on saving money while you shop. I have taken those tips, and streamlined them to meet the structure of being plant strong.
Here are a few tips which I think will help you cruise the aisles with confidence, and with more money in your pocket!
Plant-Strong Shopping Tips
-Plan a weekly menu of what you will eat. From that menu, you draw your shopping list. You can create four, weekly menus, and rotate them so that you do not get bored.
-Make a list and stick to it! Simple as that. Do not allow yourself to become in awe over a shopping display of neatly organized cans of something you do not eat. “Never leave home without a list.”
-Visit the bulk area. You can get everything you need from beans, dried fruit, vinegars, spices, and even nut butters. What I like about the bulk area is that you get what you only need, and there is little waste. When you are not paying for packaging and other incidentals, the cost of any product is generally reduced. Always check the “unit” price to measure the best bargain.
-Buy by the case. If you are at a Whole Foods Market® they generously offer a discount of 10% of all case purchases. That is a great savings. If you do not think you can use an entire case, share it with a friend or neighbor.
-Use coupons. There are enough circulars in the world to surf for coupons for things that you use. The reality is that you only use coupons for items you truly use. If you are a shopper at WFM, their “Whole Deals” coupon booklet is amazing! You can also find manufacturer’s coupons at the website of your favorite product.
-Buy produce that is in season. Whether you hit the local farm stand or the supermarket, buy seasonal. And, if a produce center or a conventional grocery store is where you shop, check for produce bargains. Frozen veggies are also a great option and offer as much, if not more nutritional value.
-Review and study sale fliers. You save time doing this, because the majority of items are things that do not cross your plant strong lips.
-Buy private label or generic. HUGE savings on things like cereals, canned vegetables, condiments, etc.
-If you buy in bulk, then cook in bulk. Making your favorite plant strong dish. Storing it in a plastic container ready for the freezer is perfect sense for making delicious foods. You’ll always have something at the ready for dinner. I cook a pound of rice in the beginning of the week, then bag it into four containers, so that we have rice at the ready.
-Plant an herb garden. I do not have a green thumb, but I do have an herb garden on my window-sill. I snip my heart away and add fresh herbs to many dishes. Herb plants pay for themselves almost overnight.
Lastly, if you are going shopping? Eat before you go! Shopping on a full stomach with a list in your hand will keep your checkout total at an all time low. Take your water bottle with you, and hydrate as you shop.
I spend $400 a month on groceries for me and my husband. We eat well. Loads of veggies, pasta dishes, rich salads, and more.
Lettuce hear from you! Tell us how you save money while shopping?
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