Eating Organic on a Budget! It Can Be Done!
Eating organic in this economy can be quite tasking. With organic prices ranging almost 30% or more higher than non-organic items, it does make it difficult for the average American family. However, we all know that eating organic has so many benefits, it’s hard to pass the organic section up at the grocery store. There are ways to eat organic and still stick to a budget in the trying economic times. Not only will your wallet benefit from these tips but your health, and mood will improve by knowing you’re getting more nutrients and helping to protect our great planet.
If nothing else, there are some products that you should absolutely spring for organic. We all know it is extremely hard to buy everything organic if you just don’t have the money. Not to mention the time it would take to shop at a few different stores for all of your organic needs. I say this from experience as the only store that seems to stock organic broccoli is Whole Foods and because my family eat it like it’s going out of fashion I make my weekly stop without fail after going to Trader Joes and Pavilions (yes, it’s exhausting but oh so well worth it!).
However, the first product you should absolutely buy organic especially if you have children is milk. The organic milk is actually not that much higher in cost than non-organic milk and yet in organic milk there are no hormones, pesticides, or antibiotics, and you can buy it at any grocery store.
Second, you should try to buy organic produce as much as possible BUT always when it comes to any produce that you do not take away any peel. For example, peaches, berries, bell pepper, apples, celery, nectarine, lettuce, and carrots. All of the previous examples of produce are highest in pesticide residue. You can dramatically reduce your chances of ingesting pesticides if you buy organic when consuming those products. On the other hand, items like, onion, avocado, pineapple, mango, sweet potato are lowest in pesticide residue, so you could get away with not buying organic.
Next is meat, which is a hard call because this is where the expense comes in. The price difference is large, especially for beef but it’s truly worth it. A way to help ease the cost burden is to make the meat you buy go a long way by using it in soups, stews and eating left-overs for lunch. Chicken is a little more do-able in the organic department as well as being super healthy for you. Be sure to wash the meat thoroughly especially non-organic meat and trim all visible fat as this is where most of the toxins are stored.
There are many ways to buy organic at a good price point. Some stores such as Whole Foods have a signature line like “365 Everyday Organic” label. This line is significantly lower in price than many other organic labels. I buy the frozen “365 Everyday Organic Vegetable Medley” quite inexpensive and I love that I’ve always got vegetables quick and easy to go!
Shop farmers markets at the end of the day. Many farmers don’t want to lug produce back to the farm, just be sure the farm uses certified organic farming practices (this should be designated by a sign). The weather is great so there should be no reason for not taking a stroll to your local farmers market, not to mention you’ll be helping out the local economy.
Join a co-op, many co-op’s have a yearly membership (some as low as $15) that will allow you access to great priced organic items—email thegang@coopdirectory.org to find a co-op in your area. Use coupons, many natural foods have coupons right on the package, start clipping!
Look for sales, even organic items go on sale, and who doesn’t love a sale?
Just like non-organic items, buying in bulk helps save money. Just be sure you are buying in bulk what you will use, grains, nuts, and pastas. Stay away from items that could go bad before you can use them.
Buy items in season. Anything that is not in season is going to be more expensive. Be flexible and vary your eating habits, your wallet and body will see the difference.
We all wish we could eat all organic all the time, but for many of us it is not reality. The tips and tricks listed outline some information about the really important organic buys for those on a budget and for those who already eat organic, the tips might just save you a buck or two!
