Do you love being frugal and saving money on food while eating plant-based? Yes, it is possible to go vegan on a budget if you do so wisely. It is generally more affordable and less expensive to eat a vegetarian or vegan diet than a regular diet. Therefore, staying on a budget can be done while eating plant-based.
What Is A Plant-Based Diet?
Foods that are primarily derived from plants are considered the main part of plant-based diets. Besides fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes are also included.
It is still possible for you to consume more plant-based foods even if you don’t want to become a full vegan or vegetarian. As a result, you consume most of your food from plants.
Is it possible to go plant-based on a budget?
Go plant-based and you won’t regret it. Plant-based diets are not necessarily expensive; you can make meals for a very low price with careful consideration. Foods made from plants are only expensive if they come wrapped in fancy packaging.
4 ways to get started with a plant-based diet on a budget
Decided to embrace a plant-based diet? Contrary to some people’s belief that eating leafy greens is too expensive, leaving them hungry and broke, choosing a plant-based diet is more affordable, and if planned correctly, can be more economical than eating a lot of animal products.
1. Choosing Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Choosing ingredients that are not expensive is one of the foremost steps to consider a plant-based diet on a budget. Make a list of vegan ingredients that you would need in your meal-prep and cut down on the expensive ones.
If you can’t do without a specific vegan ingredient, look for cheaper alternatives that serve the purpose. Grocery shopping doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, there are so many vegan-friendly snacks available in supermarket these days, so you have no excuses to be bored.
2. Buy Frozen Fruits & Vegetables
Produce that is frozen is often cheaper than fresh, which means that it is more accessible. Cauliflower, Spinach, Green Peas, Mushrooms and Corn are some of the cheapest frozen vegetables to buy while considering a budget-friendly vegan diet.
You can buy them in bulk and forget the stress of their shelf life. Buying in bulk will save you a lot of money and they will never go wasted like fresh produce.
3. Be A Mindful Meal Planner
When you are planning for an inexpensive plant-based meal, you need to be mindful. Combine beans, lentils and tofu to make One Pot One Shot (OPOS) meals more substantial. You can plan much ahead with these cheap ingredients as they have a longer shelf life than fresh veggies.
You can get the most nutrition for the cheapest price by eating a plant-based diet on a budget. When compared to frozen beef, frozen beans are more than 50% cheaper.
4. Grow Your Own Food
To keep your budget low, you can opt for growing vegetables on your balconies or in your garden or allotment. It is one of the best ways to save money on a plant-based diet. Growing your own food will only require you to buy a few seed packets. and you can almost skip buying fresh or frozen veggies altogether.
With these effective tips, you can learn How To Go Plant-Based On A Budget. Adopting a vegan, vegetarian or mostly plant-based diet is an easy path to support you in sticking to your food budget. Follow these tips and you will be able to save a lot on your next meal plan.