Following a Plant-Based Diet on a Budget

People use dozens of excuses for not eating healthy. Some blame it on their co-workers who bring free unhealthy lunches to work every day, while others claim that fruits and vegetables don't last long enough in the refrigerator before spoiling. Another common complaint is price: "Buying healthy options is just too expensive." But making smarter food choices doesn't have to be so costly. In fact, you can save a lot of money by taking this nutritious route because you won't be buying meat or dairy products anymore. If you're still worried about embarking on your new-and-improved regimen because of the price, don't worry. Here are a few tips for following a plant-based diet on a budget: 1. Go Easy on the Superfoods Goji berries, chia seeds, açai berries, quinoa and other options often referred to as "superfoods" can be more expensive than your average produce. To ensure you don't overspend every time you go to the grocery store, don't buy these foods so often. A variety of basic fruits and vegetables can provide the vital nutrients you need to thrive. Treat yourself to the superfoods every once in a while instead. 2. Buy in Bulk When it comes to organic whole grains, spices, nuts and seeds, don't settle for the small package at the local grocer. Instead, head to the wholesale store, and buy these items in bulk. When purchased in mass quantities, these food products are cheaper. Plus, they don't expire fast, so you won't have to worry about them spoiling like you would if you bought too much produce. 3. Grow Your Own Foods It's easy to head to the grocery store every time you need a head of lettuce for a salad or tomatoes and carrots for a soup recipe. But what if you could eliminate the time, money and effort it takes to make the purchase? Gardening is a simple way to make this happen. Growing your own produce will save you money in the long run, as well as the time and effort it takes to get to and from the grocery store. Plus, when you're growing fruits and vegetables from the comfort of your home, you know whether they're organic or not. Relying on the produce from the grocery store, even when it's labeled "organic," can sometimes be risky. Some farmers use chemicals and pesticides in their soil, which can be dangerous for you and even harbor nutrients from fruits and vegetables. Gardening in the winter isn't always an option - especially if the snow wreaks havoc on your part of the country - so at the very least, try growing your own spices and herbs in a temperature-controlled room inside of your home. This undertaking will save you a lot of money. 4. Be Creative in the Kitchen Do you rush to the grocery store when you're missing a staple ingredient that goes into most of your meals? This approach can be a waste of money if you already have a kitchen full of food! Don't be afraid to create new dishes out of the items you already have in your refrigerator and pantry. It's an opportunity to experiment and maybe even find your new favorite plant-based dish! See? Following a plant-based eating regimen isn't going to drain your bank account. You can save money in plenty of ways while making healthier lifestyle choices. If you're looking for more information on the Hallelujah Diet, subscribe to our daily emails and look through our database of recipes for inspiration in the kitchen.