People are often wrong when they assume that I spend tons and tons of money on my groceries. The truth is I’m Frugal Fanny as some would call it. I dont like to spend a lot of money. Especially on groceries, but I also dont like to eat foods that have been genetically modified.
As many of you know, I switched to an organic non GMO eating lifestyle over the summer. At first it was certainly an adjustment, I was spending like $600 a month on food between Whole Foods and Trader Joes… Yea that got old real quick because I dont have the budget for that. Many people shy away from eating organic because of the cost. I totally get that, however our health is extremely important and our bodies are temples and we should treat them as such. While eating junk is ok on occaision (everything in moderation) we want to be sure we are putting healthy and non GMO/organic foods into our bodies to prevent having bad health and expensive health care in the future.
I have so many followers that tell me they can’t afford to eat organic but, guess what? It doesn’t always have to be expensive to shop organic/non GMO. Here are a few tips for changing your eating habits.
1. Do Your Research
Many grocery stores are taking notice of consumers wanting to eat more organic and non GMO foods. Due to this, they are offering frequent sales and discounts on organic products. Check the weekly circulars for your local grocery for promotional offers on organic and non GMO foods.
Look for coupons online for your favorite brands of organic products. Many companies offer downloadable and printable coupons for organic foods
Go to YouTube to get ideas for recipes and DIY snacks, which can also save you money because many of the snacks can be made with staple items you have in your home.
2. Travel For Food
When I grocery shop i go to numerous places on grocery day. I Go to Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Fresh World (International Grocery Store) and sometimes I even go to other chain grocery stores like Shoppers and Giant.
Many international grocery stores offer grass fed and organic meats at a lower cost. Be sure to read the label to see whether or not these meats are indeed organic. When shopping at these markets, you can find inexpensive cuts of meat and poultry for low prices. A few weeks ago I got a whole chicken for less than $3 and it was organic!
Stores like Whole Foods often have sales and discounts on their meats, check with the butcher to see if they have any meats that are close to their expiration date for even more of a discount.
3. Only buy what you need
Because organic products are not treated with any kind of preservatives they go bad quickly. I recommend shopping weekly and only for the foods that you need for the week. That way you are not over shopping and you are only buying what you need for the meals you have planned. Which leads me to number 4.
4. Meal Plan!
Each week before I go to the grocery store, I make a list of the meals I plan to eat for the week. I typically only make three meals each week and I make two servings of each meal so that I have enough for both lunch and dinner that week. This keeps me from over buying food, stay on budget and it helps me to stay organized for my week since I
am extremely busy I cook my meals on Sundays so that they are ready for me to grab and go for the week.
5. Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone
I’ve never been a picky eater but there are certain foods that I’ve never cared like even before having tried them. When I modified my eating habits to eating organic, I was forced to try things I never thought of before like lentils. I hated lentils previously, but after trying them I actually liked them especially when I pair it with spicy sausages.
Many of the cheaper organic products like legumes (beans) and quinoa will have you step outside of your comfort zone and try out new things. I’ve tried sweet potato hummus, taro chips, yucca and many other items because they were on sale and fit into my budget for that week. Normally I probably would never have eaten those items but in order for me to maintain my lifestyle change I had to step outside of my comfort zone and try new things.
6. Find Local Farmers Markets
Local Farmers markets are an excellent way to stock up on your organic fruits and vegetables. The USDA has a Farmers Market Directory which makes it easy to find markets in your area.
If you are in the DC/MD/VA area there are several Amish Markets in the area that provide organic meats and veggies. My Favorite is the Dutch Village Market in Burtonsville. Check out their ice cream pudding… thanks me later.
As I’ve stated before there are many benefits to eating organic. Its definitely a lifestyle change but its so worth it. Of course if you have any questions about changing your lifestyle you can always reach out to me (myproductaddiction@gmail.com) and I would be glad to share what I know
Until next time lovies…
