Eating Plant Based on a budget

If you are making the switch to being more plant based this year, rest assured you can make healthy choices and save money too. It does take some planning and creating space to cook, but the end result is a filling, delicious and nutritious meal, even on a budget. I love that we have so many options now between mock meats, vegan cheeses and dips, you can essentially replace the animal with the vegan version very easily. Unfortunately, these items tend to be processed and pricey. I like to keep some of these products on hand as a go to when I'm in a pinch, but don't rely on them regularly.

Instead, I keep a stash of prepared beans, dried lentils, tofu and tempeh on hand as well as a variety of grains and fresh veggies so I can whip something together quickly or get creative and try new combinations.  I also keep fruit, nut butter, dark chocolate and a jar of mixed nuts and seeds on hand as my go to snacks. I try to keep nuts in my purse when I know I'll be out for awhile so I can have a handful if I get hungry. 

Here are a few tips to eat plat based on a budget:

• Get inspired by watching videos on YouTube, reading food blogs or flipping through a cook book or food magazine. Try a new recipe each week to learn what flavor combinations you like best. 
• Base your shopping list off of what recipes you want to make for that week, write out your list and stick to it. Be sure to build in snacks like popcorn, nuts, seeds, dried and fresh fruit. 
• Make friends with the bulk aisle. This is where you can go to try items without committing to an entire package. Just buy what you need for a recipe or try things in small quantities. My favorite bulk items are: oatmeal, nuts/seeds, popcorn, rice, quinoa, polenta, nutritional yeast, beans and lentils. 
• Engage your partner or family in the cooking process, learn together! Make notes on the recipe so you remember any modifications you made and what you liked/didn't like about it. 
• Taste as you go and adjust seasonings. In cooking, recipes are guides that are easily modified especially as you learn what you like. 
• Use packaged/processed foods sparingly. Friday nights I tend to come home hungry - for this reason I keep Gardein chicken strips, ramen, or items to make pizza so that I can get something going quickly once I'm home. 
• Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process. Allow yourself the space to learn and experiment as you go.