Save Money - Eat Plant Based
Animal protein has become the biggest ticket item in our grocery cart. This could actually work in our favour. As we look to plant-based alternatives, our decreased consumption of calories and saturated fat may also be a beneficial result.
Is Eating a Plant Based Diet Expensive?
NO — In fact this does not have to be the truth. If you have noticed the grocery prices, it is actually the animal protein and the pre-prepared and packaged food that are the largest ticket items in our grocery cart.
Health Canada has emphasized the importance of plant-based nutrition. For value it’s about making the best choices when shopping and creating new habits.
Follow These Simple Rules:
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Meal Planning is Essential
Collect favourite recipes. Schedule time for meal planning. Food prep. on weekends or immediately upon returning with groceries. Planning ensures you have supplies for interesting and wholesome meals. When you have a meal plan you will not be tempted to take out, order in, or eat away from home as often.
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Stock Up on Staples
Have adequate dry and canned food supplies to support a wide variety of regular meals. Purchase staples when they are on sale, for example, canned tomatoes, chickpeas, vegetable broth, pasta.
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Cook Extra and Plan to Use Leftovers
Consider doubling the recipe. Use leftovers the following day, or freeze for future use. Incorporate your leftovers in the follow day’s menu planning. For example, use leftover grilled vegetables in a wrap or on your salad.
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Use Your Freezer
Keep a record of your freezer contents. Track the number of servings and type of frozen leftover meals ie. pasta sauces, casseroles. Tape the list to your freezer door. It’s economical to make larger meals that you can freeze, saving you time and money. Purchase frozen fruit and vegetables – they discourage waste as you only use what you need. The fact is that frozen vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh.
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Limit Packaged and Processed Foods
Make your own homemade version of veggie burgers or falafel balls. Consider which stores in your community are the most economical, and ensure that they stock items your family consumes more regularly. Avoid expensive prepared and packaged foods.
