My Dear Readers,
Welcome to this week's blog! I enjoy using this space where I can share the milestones of my family's journey to living our best life! (we still haven't found the perfect pet to bring home to our family!!)
Among the biggest changes was transitioning to vegan diet and more organic options. The gradual change took about a year. In addition to being creative about our menus, making sure we were eating sufficient nutrients, we also need to keep budget minded, as plant-based - organic - protein alternatives can be more costly than their meat equivalents.
So, how did we do it? It requires ongoing planning and creativity! Although we have chosen a vegan lifestyle, we do not always choose organic ingredients, so there's a balance. Over the past few years, we've found some great ways to keep within our budget. If you're ready to start - I would love to share them with you:
Living Organically - on a Budget
Menu Plan: Each week, we sit with our family and menu plan. We feel that if everyone is "on board" with our menu, it certainly helps - even our pickiest eaters! But more importantly, it drives our weekly shopping list.
Buy in bulk: Many organic foods, such as grains, beans, and nuts, can be bought in bulk at a lower price per unit. This can be a great way to save money and reduce packaging waste.
Cook at home: Eating out at restaurants can be expensive, and it's often difficult to find organic options. Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and save money at the same time.
Prioritize your purchases: Not all organic products are created equal, and not everything needs to be organic. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes a list of the "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen" fruits and vegetables, which can help you prioritize which foods to buy organic.
We love our local co-op! I am always aware of supermarket prices and find that their prices are often lower. (And supporting local farmers and helping to build a stronger local food economy is an added bonus!)
Look for sales and coupons: I'm a coupon clipper! I watch for sales at my local supermarket and buy when the price is low.
Make your own cleaning and personal care products: Whole Naturals Castile Soap is made with certified organic ingredients. Because it is concentrated, a little goes a long way and works as a household and personal care products. Saving you from purchasing additional supplies and beauty care products.
I'm going to add that growing your own produce can be economical, but requires tremendous effort, maintenance, irrigation etc. So, if you're ambitious, it's a great idea!
With a little effort and creativity, you can live a vegan, and organic lifestyle without breaking the bank. I would love to hear how you have integrated organic living into your day-to-day activities! Drop me a line and let me know!
Cheers!
