How to Eat Whole Food Plant-Based on a Budget

It feels unfair that eating a whole food, plant-based diet seems more expensive than unhealthy, boxed foods – especially when just starting out in this lifestyle. So if you are just beginning a whole food, plant-based lifestyle the grocery bill can feel overwhelming. But…you CAN eat whole food, plant-based on a budget. I promise.

Let’s talk about how.

First things first, shop the outside of the store. This sounds funny, but typically grocery stores keep all of their fresh produce around the outside of the store. If you don’t go through the middle aisles you won’t get sucked into purchasing things that are NOT on your grocery list and that are loaded with refined sugars, flours, and oils. When you don’t deviate from your list, your budget will thank you and so will your waistline.

Shop Farmer’s Markets

It’s farmer’s market season here in the midwest and there is nothing better than produce fresh from the farm. You could also invest in a CSA (community support agriculture), or participate in a community garden if there’s one in your area.

Shop in Bulk

Often times, health food stores will have bulk containers that you can purchase from which makes your money stretch longer. You can also purchase and freeze some of your food to last until your next budgeted grocery shopping sesh.

Eat at Home

Eating out can cost 2 to 3 times what a regular, homemade meal would cost. If you’re looking to save money, cut back on eating out (and the daily coffee run). You’d be amazed at how much of your budget goes to restaurant meals.

Double Up

When you make meals at home, make extra, double the batch and freeze some for later. It will not only save you money, but save you work and time on another day.

Eating a whole food, plant-based diet doesn’t have to be a painful thing to your wallet. It’s completely doable if you take a little extra time, stick to your plan, and put some extra effort into finding the places that have what you need within your costs. The biggest thing you’ll notice is that when you take meat off your grocery bill, it’s not as expensive as you thought. In fact, you’ll see that overall you’ll be saving money.