What to do if You Can’t do Organic on a Budget

I just posted a blog on going organic on a budget. Some people don’t have a Whole Foods (like my parents) in their area, or they really can’t sacrifice the extra money to buy those certified organic items. Totally understandable! Here’s some tips to get the most of out your food while also getting the most out of your budget!

1. Don’t go organic. Some products, like milk, don’t have to be organic to be good for you. With milk, just watch out for the label stating that its Rbgh-free. That’s the growth hormone that’s been linked to cancer. Organic milks can run upwards of $5 or more, while Publix has been offering their milk (which is always rBGH-free) for the low price of about $3.50. Look for products that say ‘all-natural’ or similar, and check the ingredients on the package for any funky words that you can’t pronounce. If you can’t say it, then its probably not that good for you. Also, try to avoid eating lots of things with high-fructose corn syrup or sugar or the like within the first couple of ingredients listed.

2. Help your neighbor. One of the best things you can do for your body and your community is shop at local farmers’ markets. If it’s a nice day out, it’s a wonderful way to kill a Sunday morning. By shopping at the market, you’re keeping local farmers in business which is good for the economy, but also local produce doesn’t have to travel as far as produce that comes from other countries so it is safe to say that it is going to be much fresher. They are also carrying more and more organically-grown goods. If you can afford it, Whole Foods has partnered with many local and domestic farmers to buy their bounty to sell at their locations.

3. Shop twice. I’m lucky to have a Whole Foods in my area that is also right next to a Publix. That way I can get what I can afford at Whole Foods, and I can get things like milk, cleaning products, and other house wares at Publix. Just keep a few places in mind where you know you can get the most bang for your buck, and shop there often!

4. Adjust your lifestyle. I’ve been cooking more and more meals that involve things like chicken thighs, lentils, beans, or tofu. I did grow up in a house where red meat was served 4 or 5 times a week, so I’m not going to lie and say that I don’t crave the occasional hunk of steak. Let’s face it- red meat is a luxury some times, not to mention it is better for your body to not overload it with burgers and steak. Some options are to grill Portobello mushrooms, top them with cheese and stick them on a bun. They taste very meaty and any vegan will tell you that it’s a satisfying alternative to beef. Also, fajitas are a good way to stretch a buck, just make sure you add lots of peppers and onions to the mix. Beef stew meat is usually pretty cheap, since anything that you have to braise or slow-cook tends to be.

Please feel free to post other tips that you’ve come across!

Cheers!