Maybe you’ve been wanting to eat healthier, whole foods but feel that it’s too expensive and you often end up throwing out spoiled fruits and vegetables that have gone to waste. You’ve even wanted to buy organic because you know the food will not be contaminated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals and it contains more vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients than conventionally raised foods. But, there’s no way you want to pay the price for organic, especially when you know this food has gone to waste in the past. Well, I can tell you that it’s possible to afford healthy food, even organic food. Read my tips below for how to eat healthy, organic foods without breaking the bank.
Local Farmers Markets
Shop your local farmers markets! The produce and foods found in farmers markets are minimally processed, often grown without using pesticides, antibiotics, or genetic modification. Farmers typically sell their ripest and freshest foods which have peak nutritional value. Plus, you’re often getting these foods at wholesale prices as farmers sell direct to consumers and cut out the middle man. Go support your local community and eat healthy!
2. Have you heard of The Environment Working Group (EWG)?
EWG is a non-profit group that specializes in research and advocacy in the areas of agricultural subsidies, toxic chemicals, drinking water pollutants, and corporate accountability. Every year they create a shopper’s guide to pesticides in produce. The EWG recognizes that many people who want to reduce their exposure to pesticides in produce cannot afford an all-organic diet. It helps them seek out conventionally grown fruits and vegetables that tend to test low for pesticide residues. Click this link to learn more about the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen to help you budget organic produce for your next grocery shopping list. https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/full-list.php
3. Buy in season
Seasonal food is fresher, tastier and more nutritious than food consumed out of season. Purchasing seasonal produce is typically less expensive than buying that same fruit or vegetable during its off-season. This relates to the simple concept of supply and demand. In-season produce is in large supply so it is sold at cheaper prices to maintain demand. If you’re not sure what food is in season and when, here’s a seasonal food guide to help you https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/
4. Start a small garden
Keep it simple. Choose a few vegetables or herbs that you commonly eat and will grow well in your environment. Vegetables that ripen in the garden often have more nutrients than some store-bought foods. Growing your own food is a healthy way to save money, enjoy fresh product at home and you just might enjoy the time spent in nature. Gardening nourishes so many of our senses and helps us feel connected to our food, which can help us enjoy it more.
5. Finally, a few tips on how to keep your food fresh and last longer to save you money! Blend leftover herbs with olive oil and place in ice cube trays to freeze for Tbsp size servings to enjoy all year long. Place celery or carrot sticks submerged in water in a glass container. Wash berries with diluted vinegar and place in glass jars (pro-tip: put strawberries with imperfections into ice water for 20 min and see how they come out firm and bright). Place stems of your leafy greens in water for a few hours and then wrap loosely in a damp towel and put into a plastic bag to keep it crisp and last longer. If you want more info on keeping food fresh, here's my other blog post on "10 Tips to Keep Food Fresh and Last Longer" https://www.katiekoutnik.com/post/blog5
If you found this helpful and want more health and wellness tips, follow me on Instagram @katiekoutnik or join my Wellness Suite aka email list to learn more.
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