Just some thoughts from my experience:
Living on a budget hasn't been this popular since victory gardens, possibly. How many internet sites boast ways to save money on food. I remember when Amy Dacyczyn was on Phil Donohue's show talking about her tightwad ways.
When people think of the Paleo lifestyle they think they have to load up on meat which is expensive. That isn't quite accurate.
1. Eating carbs makes you waste food. When we are in a hurry, what do we eat? Most quick convenience foods are high carb and processed. When we eat fast foods, the good food left in the refrigerator tends to go bad and ends up in the trash can. How much food do you toss out?
2. Save up to $60 week by staying home. We order out at least once week, sometimes twice a week. Why? Because we are tired after work and not in the mood to perform another chore: making dinner. Proper planning is key. Knowing ahead of time what you will cook and preparing some of it earlier in the day with a crock pot, for example, makes the chore less of a chore. How often do you order out and then after it is eaten you admit to yourself it wasn't that good and you feel awful about it?
3. The same goes with lunch. Even if you stick to a budget and pay for a $5 lunch, going to restaurants and drive thrus will add up to $25 a week.....$100 month. Eat the leftovers that you might end up throwing out.
4. Overeating is more likely a sign of dehydration, not hunger. Drink water. It's easy. For people who say water tastes awful, get a filter. It tastes awful because you have a carb craving. Also, quit the donut shop runs and skip the energy drinks.
Okay..... we know buying junk food is not the best idea. How do we cook Paleo on a budget.
5. Plan, plan, plan. Collect paleo recipes from blogs, the library, etc. Make it a game to discover new meals. Read her for more great suggestions http://paleodietlifestyle.com/paleo-on-a-budget/
6. Use the freezer for meats and stock up on sales.
7. Go to the grocery store more than once a week. Why? So you can pick up less food so it won't go to waste. (Yeah, I'm big on the waste thing). Shopping at least twice a week means you are getting fresh vegetables and fruits. Fresh vegetables are good for the brain. It feels good to smell fresh food. Fresh produce is more filling and healthier than canned.
8. Eggs, eggs, eggs. Eat 2-4 eggs some time during your day. It will keep you satisfied and energized. They are not expensive. You can drink them raw in a protein shake. Keep boiled eggs on hand (takes planning, yes,)
9. Eat everything. I'm not as good at this as I should be. Use all parts of meat. The bones are full of nutrition when used in a soup. Fat can be used for cooking vegetables. Even the less desirous cuts of meats (which cost less) can be prepared well so they are tasty. (Check out http://paleodietlifestyle.com/choosing-cooking-meat/ ) Peel less of the vegetables and eat the skins. Eat the stems of broccoli and cauliflower. Get an inexpensive food processor or blender for great soups.
10. Get involved in meat shares and community supported agriculture.
11. Use less medicine. Well, I am a chiropractor and promote drug free health care. When you eat well, you don't run to the doctor as often. Most of us have insurance so the co-pays are not a big bite of the budget, but think about it again. Even the occasional prescription drug is overpriced. You won't be buying them anymore. Over the counter drugs can add up over time. Skip them when you can. Another big caveat is when eating a cleaner diet, body aches go away. Exercise for recreation is more fun.
12. Stop paying for things that make you hungry and less active. How much cable TV do you really watch? Wii consoles are a big investment but they also require upgrading and purchasing more games also adds up. I'm not trying to take a way people's fun but look at all the clutter that collects in our homes?
13. Can you eat Paleo on $40-80 a week? Check out the folks on this discussion boards: http://paleodietlifestyle.com/paleo-on-a-budget/
Paleo is a mind-set. It is not just a walk down the grocery aisle. It encompasses your entire philosophy of life.
If you have anymore ideas. Please add them in the comments section.
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