By Ariane Bilodeau, Copywriter/editor, and health & food blogger
We’ve all heard that one: “I couldn’t be vegan… it’s way too expensive!”
But when we think about it, it’s actually the price of meat and dairy products that’s keeps on going up. Still, this is one of veganism’s biggest myth. In my opinion, the two following reasons could account for it:
- 1.People who go vegetarian/vegan often become more aware of healthier food options (organic and/or higher quality foods).
- 2.Cooking a yummy tofu dish takes more time and skills than throwing a piece of meat on the grill. Therefore, many new and unexperienced vegetarians/vegans often go for ready-to-eat products.
In either case, that grocery bill will add up quickly! But fundamentally, a plant-based diet isn’t more expensive than any other diet, especially if we adopt a few very simple consumption habits:
- Avoid Ready-to-Eat Foods
- Tofu and legumes are probably the cheapest proteins available. Avoiding processed and ready-to-eat foods by making your own sautés, hamburgers, sauces, etc. will help you save a lot. Plus, the web is full of blogs that offer free plant-based recipes that you only have to try out.
- Go for Dried (Rather Than Canned) Legumes
- Legumes will double or triple in volume when rehydrated&mdashtherefore, a bag of dried legumes will often yield more than 12 cups. Once cooked and drained, legumes can be portioned and frozen in Ziploc bags, for a last-minute option that’s easier to digest and easier on the wallet than the canned version.
- Eat Seasonally
- When they are in season, fruits and veggies are always tastier… and cheaper.
- Look Out for Sales
- Read through flyers and make your grocery list while keeping special offers in mind.
- Reduce Food Waste as Much as You Can
Wasting food is bad for the environment and for your wallet. You have everything to gain by planning your meals and adopting good food preservation habits.
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