So often I hear people complaining about how expensive it is to eat healthfully or buy foods that will allow them to lose weight, after all, a bag of chips really is a bargain. Additionally, when people hear I am a vegan, they think I have to buy all my food at pricey stores like Whole Foods, or farmers markets.
I was thinking about just this, yesterday morning, as I was making my oatmeal. I used to buy only steal cut oats, but honestly, when Quaker Oats (and I buy the old fashioned ones) goes on sale, it’s about 3 bucks for a huge canister that lasts for weeks. I buy flax seeds and grind them (takes 2 seconds) myself. I add that and some vegetable protein to my oatmeal, sprinkle with cinnamon and I have an insanely inexpensive, healthy, low calorie, high fiber, breakfast…almost every day.
Same thing goes for the soup I make, and I do make a pot every week of winter. For the most part, soup always starts with chopped onion and celery which I think most everyone has hanging around. Whether I add a cup of lentils, or beans, or cut up some sweet potatoes and simmer, the only other expense is the veggie broth if I choose to use that along with water. (I never use straight broth because it is way too salty!) You can feed a family of 4 for 2 nights with that pot of soup that costs a couple of dollars.
Whether you are attempting to lose weight, get healthier or stay away from animal products, there are a world of foods available that will help save you money, as well. You have to compare prices, too. Whole Foods sells their brand of uncooked tofu for 1.99 while it is 2.99 at my local Publix. Sometimes the foods that are novel at your local grocery store, will actually be a better deal at a store where they aren’t so novel, like Whole Foods, and locally, Tunies. Compare prices on organic produce as well. Sometimes, I find will find them to be very comparable to the non-organic version. Often at my local Doris’ Market, I can find some beautiful organic kale and mushrooms for the same price as I would pay for the non-organic at another store. Finally, when you buy seasonal items, they will always be a great deal, and if you can’t buy organic, know that veggies grown in the USA are at least monitored for certain pesticides, so they are always a better choice than buying foods from other countries.
So today, on Vegan (Feast) Thursday, there are no excuses to eat the foods that are good for you, for our animal friends and for the environment. Thanks for stopping in. I am always grateful for your visit!
