Happy Sunday Fluff Bunnies!
Today we're going to talk about your Paleo lifestyle and your budget. One of the biggest concerns clients relay to me about living Paleo is that it's expensive. Well, it doesn't have to be and one thing I'd like to put in perspective right out of the gate is this:
The money that you spend on the food you put into your body will have a direct correlation to the money you spend at the pharmacy.
Now that that's in your brain rolling around let's get some straight up tips out here in the open.
- Find a CSA.
In SB there are several but I'm in love with Plow to Porch. A CSA is a weekly delivery box of fruit and veggies. Mine has ad ons for eggs and meat which I love. It's about $45 per week and it's great to help plan my weekly meals, plus it forces you to get creative because you never know what you'll get!
- Shop at your farmer's market.
See what's in season in your area here! For my loves in Santa Barbara, here is great link.
- Look at your grocery store's weekly ad.
If grass fed ground beef is on sale buy 3 or 4 lbs, break them up into portions that will work for you and your family and throw them in the freezer.
- Buy in bulk (Costco).
Costco is a great place to stock up and save money, just be ready to do some prep work. Some even carry wild caught fish and grass fed beef. This is where a food saver comes in really handy. Also, buy your coconut oil there.
- Make enough for more than 1 meal.
Leftovers are the absolute best for breakfasts and lunches!
- Grow your own herbs.
Herbs are expensive to buy at the store (almost $4 per pack!). My favorite basics are basil, tarragon, oregano, thyme, sage and cilantro. Thanks to my sweet Mommy who just got me started on some new herb pots!
- Buy cheaper - bone in cuts of meat and organ meats.
Chuck roast, bone in and skin on chicken thighs. Think shredded meat and use your crockpot! It's for much more than soups and stews! Organ meats are tough for me but I can tolerate them mixed into spaghetti sauce or meatballs.
- Ground meats.
Buy the cheaper higher fat versions. Think meatballs, turkey burgers, ground pork stuffed bell peppers!
If they're on the clean 15, don't buy organic. The dirty 12 should ALWAYS be organic.
- Frozen fruits and veggies
These are usually flash frozen at their peak ripeness. Fresh is always best but frozen is nice to have on hand for quick meals and it's cheap!
- Freeze leftover carrot, celery and onion for stock bases.
The outer onion skins, ends of carrots and leafy stalks of celery are great to save up and freeze for stocks.
- Grow your own.
I don't have a garden but I REALLY want one. I keep a list of all of the things I'd like to grow so when I have the space, I'll have the garden of my dreams. Talk about cheap!
- Always check out this little bunny's website.
I love Paleo on a Budget! She's always keeping track of the best coupons and has lovely shopping lists.
- Make your own condiments and dressings.
Salad dressings, mayo and sauces are best and cheapest home made! Go here for more info.
- Roasted chicken has multiple uses.
Whole chickens are amazing. I usually cook about 1 per week. Save the carcass and make broth and you have lunch and a variety of dinners ready to go! Think chicken veggie stew, chicken enchiladas, chicken stuffed mushrooms and chicken salad wraps!
- Save broccoli stems for slaw or broccoli fritters.
You can freeze these and make broccoli fritters, broccoli slaw and you can even roast them. Just make sure to peel the outer skin off so they're more tender.
- Blanching and freezing veggies.
Buy broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, squash and bell peps in bulk and blanch them. Throw them in freezer bags or tupperware and simply defrost when you're ready to eat!
- Eat lots of eggs!
Eggs are cheap and are absolutely a super food! Hard boil them for lunches and if you're in a hurry, crack 3 eggs in a coffee mug, add veggies and meat and zap for 3 minutes. Voila, there's your breakfast (thanks Lynds!)
- Bacon ends and pieces.
Check to see if your butcher carries these (cheap!). They're great to throw in a pan and render some fat, then you can add to ground beef to spice it up.
- Make your own fat and broths.
Just like the above, if you can render your own lard or save up your bacon grease this will save you loads of money. Plus it's just delicous.
- Love your crock pot an eat more soup!
This is great for veggies or meats that are nearing the end of their fresh life. Throw everything in the crock pot with some herbs and salt and I promise, it's really hard to mess up.
- Don't eat out.
I'm not very good at following the rules on this one, Jeremy and I are obsessed with sushi but it really does save a lot of money if you're not eating out for breakfast or lunches.
- Invest in a good mug and water bottle- make tea and coffee at home.
Making your own coffee and tea can save you up to $45 dollars a month if you drink either every work day. Also - with your own water bottle you're less likely to buy single use plastic and will save a ton on water. Check out Culligan water or see if your work would be open to getting a water dispenser.
Live to Thrive,
Lauren
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$450/month on coffee?! Daaaamn.
Opps, there’s not supposed to be a zero on that!!!! Good catch!
Found your site when seeing if there is way to cheapen this way of eating cause it killing me financially. One huge problem is I don’t really like meat that much, not loving the greasy taste and texture, touching it and the smells it makes cooking and the lingering house smell. This goes way back to when I was a kid. And really I don’t even LIKE to cook. Boneless skinless chicken is best I can do without gagging cause it pretty plain. I may be doomed
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