When I am talking to people about the importance of buying organic food, what do you think is the number one response I hear? It’s too expensive. People always complain about how expensive it is to buy organic food. I would not argue with anyone that sometimes I choke a little at the price of some things. Example red mango peppers that regular ones are 3/$1.00 and organic ones are 2/$5. I’m trying to start up a health coaching business and we still have 3 boys at home. Trust me I feel your pain. In reality though is it really because it costs so much? According to Forbes magazine article we spend more money on eating out than we do groceries. Maybe it is just that we need to shift our spending a little more. The true question is how important is our health and the health of our children? Spending more at the grocery store and less at restaurants seem like a good investment. Cooking at home is always a better choice economically and health wise. However there are ways that I save money while shopping for organic vegetables and ASH meat. (Antibiotic free, steroid free, and hormone free)
- www.Vitacost.com - I know it is important to shop local and I totally support that when I can, but my goal is the health of my family. If I can buy something cheaper on line, then I do. Their prices are very low on some staples that I buy.
- Compare Your Options- I shop at Kroger. In larger areas they have access to stores we do not. Cosco, Whole Food, Trader Joe’s just to name a few. They are not convenient for us to go to. We also have a few small stores in our area to pick up things such as Healthy Alternatives in Grayson, The Wild Ramp, Wholi Moli, Butter it Up, and Healthy Life all in Huntington. My main stop for week to week groceries is Kroger. I use my Kroger card; I buy things that are on sale for that week. I get lots of coupons by filling out their weekly surveys, and extra fuel points so it’s a win.
- Look for Local Farms- I am very blessed that we can raise our own eggs, chicken, pork and beef. Most people are not that lucky. When we are out for the season, I use John and Kelli Ruggles farm locally. You can also look on www.eatwild.com There you will find a listing of farms that have things for sale in our area. You can also look on www.localharvest.org for CSA’s that are available in our area. Then you can receive a basket for so many weeks for a set price. Also when you are on a budget go for ground meat. It is cheaper and you can make lots of things that stretch farther.
- Avoid Expensive Extras- If you are trying to be healthier on a budget, cut out some things that are just more expensive switch. Cereals, granolas, different types of flours. Kefir& Kombucha are both expensive items that aren’t necessary. All the gluten free mixes are expensive and not healthy. Just don’t eat things that contain gluten. Ice cream in another. Switching to almond milk or coconut milk ice cream is very expensive. Also use the dirty dozen and clean fifteen list. I always buy organic apples but not avocados. This list helps me avoid the most pesticide laden foods. Just make small changes to real food and gradually buy a little at a time.
- Check out EBay and Craig’s list- If you are dying to try juicing, or think you would love to have a vitamix look for a one on these sights. Lots of people buy these items and then don’t use them so resale them.