“I can’t eat healthy because it cost too damn much!” If you have said or thought this, you aren’t alone. I myself have said and once thought this. But the truth is, if you’re eating whole foods, I would bet you see a decrease in your weekly grocery bill. So today I’m going to show you how eating whole, plant based food doesn’t have to break the bank!
The Difference Between Plant Based Processed Foods & Whole Foods
If you go to the grocery store and compare plant based meat alternatives to ground beef, you’re going to see the plant based option does cost more. But just because you see ‘plant based’ or ‘vegan’ on the packaging doesn’t mean that it’s healthier for you or what you should eating. More often than not, it is still a processed food & you should be aiming to eat your food in it’s most natural, basic state. This is easier than you think!
If you’re getting technical, modifying food in anyway is processing it. When I refer to processing, I’m referring more to foods that in no way resemble their ingredients & are highly processed. Whole foods, on the other hand, are as close to their natural state as possible. They usually don’t have a label on them because you can see exactly what they are.
The Proof Is In The Recipes
Let’s break down these delicious lentil meatballs by one of the most inspirational vegans, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. The main ingredients (without spices) are:
- water
- onion ($0.78)
- garlic ($0.48)
- dry lentils ($0.56)
- breadcrumbs ($0.28)
- ground flaxseed ($0.06)
To make these meatballs, it’ll cost you $2.16. A bag of pre-made plant based meatballs (with some questionable ingredients) is going to be about double that.
Another yummy example are my bean burgers that I plan to share in the future. You get about 6 burgers for around $2.00. Usually meatless burgers are upwards from $3 for less burgers. Their ingredients without dried spices are:
- cannellini beans ($0.50)
- black beans ($0.50)
- ground flax seed ($0.06)
- breadcrumbs ($0.28)
- a handful of fresh cilantro ($0.35)
- garlic ($0.48)
If you’re thinking that adding meat would be cheaper, keep in mind that cutting chicken from your salad and adding beans can save you close to $7, depending on the chicken you buy (I’m comparing a 3 pack of store brand chicken breasts vs 1 can of store brand beans). With the beans, you’re getting nutrients that are better absorbed by the body along with protein AND fiber.
Think you’ll try out some more whole food meals? I hope you found some inspiration from this post!!
If you’re looking for some plant based recipe ideas that won’t break the bank, you can visit here to find a few recipes I have made and talked about before.
Leave a Reply