Most people would agree that eating organic is best; best for their bodies, their families and best for the environment. However, many families feel that the cost of an organic diet is prohibitively expensive. While it is true that organic meat, dairy, produce, and grains are more expensive, there are some simple tips you can follow to help you eat a clean, organic diet, without blowing your grocery budget.
Know What You Should Buy Organic
The first step in saving money on an organic diet is to know what you need to buy organic and what you don’t. Quickly familiarizing yourself with the “clean 15” and the “dirty dozen” can save you a ton on your grocery bill. The clean 15 represent produce that have been tested and found to have the lowest concentrations of pesticides and are conventionally considered safe to buy, this list includes avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, sweet peas, onions, papayas, eggplant, asparagus, kiwis, cabbage, cauliflower, cantaloupe, broccoli, mushrooms, and honeydew. On the other hand, the dirty dozen represent produce that has been found to contain the highest levels of pesticide residue. This list includes apples, celery, cherries, grapes, kale, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes.
Less Meat, More Veg
If you are buying organic, organic meat in Vancouver is probably your largest grocery spend. Consuming meat is one of the best ways to give your body essential nutrients such as protein, iron, and B12. However, many of us are consuming too much meat and might not even know it. While the new Canadian food guide has gotten rid of the four food groups and portion suggestions, they do recommend eating more vegetables and including plant-based proteins as part of a healthy diet. By cooking to include more vegetables and plant-based proteins you can include healthy, organic meat in your diet by simply buying less, but buying quality.
Buy in Bulk
When it comes to purchasing thing such as organic meat, non-perishables, or items that have a long shelf life, your best be to save money is to buy in bulk. For example, when buying organic meat in Vancouver, you can buy an entire animal at a great discount and have it cut down into freezable portions, ready to defrost and cook as needed.
Eating a clean, healthy diet is achievable on a budget with a little preparation and planning. When it comes to our bodies and the health and wellbeing of our families, food is not the place to skimp.
