Debunking the myth that it is more expensive to be vegan
One of the first questions or comments I get when I tell people I am vegan (other than where do I get my protein…I’ll save that response for a later date) relates to the perception that it is expensive to be vegan. I am not sure who is perpetuating this lie, but nothing can be further from the truth! It is far less costly to be vegan, in the short-term and in the long-term.
I can appreciate the concern that adopting a vegan lifestyle will be a strain on the family budget. We are in a period of uncertainty with the pandemic. There has been a loss of income for many. People are adapting to change without a clear sense of where that change may lead us. We need some sense of certainty. Adopting a vegan lifestyle can be complicated enough aside from cost. Let me assure you, veganism can be your budgetary savior!
Here are my tips to help you adopt the vegan lifestyle on a budget.
Buy Fresh Produce When it is on Sale
As you browse the produce aisles, notice what is on sale and focus on buying these items. For example, I wanted asparagus the last time I went shopping. That is until I saw it was $3.99 per pound. I will never pay $3.99 per pound for asparagus. But the zucchini was on sale for $.39 per pound. Did I have to adjust my plans on what I was going to cook? Absolutely. But I paid less than $1.00 for 2 ½ pounds of zucchini. Can you say Ratatouille?
I found butternut and spaghetti squash for $.49 per pound. Sweet potatoes for $.39 per pound. Kale for $.79 per bunch. These aren’t everyday prices, but if you take advantage of these sales, you can really enjoy immense savings. The other benefit of taking advantage of these sales is that you may try vegetables and fruits you ordinarily would not cook or eat. I love coming home with something new and then doing a search for recipes using that ingredient. This is an adventure…make it fun!
Make Your Freezer Friendly
I avoid canned vegetables due to the added sodium, with the exception of tomatoes and some beans. But the frozen vegetables rarely have any additives or preservatives. When the frozen vegetables go on sale I stock up. Green peas, corn, green beans, broccoli, edamame, and okra just to name a few! This makes sense, right? So, this may be obvious, but did you know…?
Fresh berries, bananas, avocados, and herbs all do great in the freezer. If you find blackberries on sale (like I did today), wash them, let them dry, and put them in a freezer bag. Pull them out when you need them. If your bananas or avocados are ripe but you are not ready to use them, stick them in a bag and put them in the freezer! Word of advice: peel the banana before freezing. Frozen bananas are great for smoothies.
Buy Dry Goods in Bulk When Possible
Rice, pasta, quinoa, beans, seeds and nuts, etc. are much more cost effective when purchased in larger quantities. Stored properly, they will last a long time. The initial outlay of money may be higher, but in the long run, it will cost less. If you are not familiar with an item, buy the smaller package first, make sure you like it, and then next time buy it in bulk.
Dry beans should become your best friend. I honestly cannot think of a more economical, highly nutritious item that you can buy. For example, 1 pound of dry garbanzo beans ($2.00) yields the same as 5 cans of garbanzo beans ($.99 per can is $4.95 total), saving you 60%. Buy in bulk and the savings are greater!
Repurpose Leftovers and Scraps
I hate to waste food. Plain and simple. I don’t consider myself cheap or stingy but knowing how much food in the world goes to waste, it is hard for me to stomach throwing out something that can be used.
If you have leftover roasted vegetable and rice, heat them up in some vegetable broth with some kidney beans, canned diced tomatoes, and dried herbs and you have a tasty soup. This is perfect with my Rustic Whole Wheat Bread.
Leftover sweet potatoes and onions become a perfect breakfast hash the next morning.
If you can reimagine the ingredients in another form or recipe, give it a try. The worst thing you will do is throw it away, which is what you were going to do anyway.
Become a Contestant on “Chopped”
You can really make a game of it by allowing your children to pick three or four items from your shopping bag or pantry. Let them be the judge of the meal.
Take what they selected and search for recipes on the internet. A quick Google search of the combination of items will yield so many recipes. I tried this with a search for artichokes, lemons, and linguini. The first recipe that popped up was a vegan Artichoke and Lemon Pasta dish. I’m amazed at all the recipes with ingredient combinations that I would not have thought of putting together.
Long-term Cost Savings
In my opening paragraph I commented that it will be less costly to be vegan in the long-term. How so? Aside from the money you save currently as I described above, your improved health will lessen the cost you bear for healthcare, medicine, and life insurance. If you are able to limit or eliminate chronic diseases through lifestyle changes, you will enjoy lower health related costs throughout your lifetime.
Final Word on Where it can Cost More as a Vegan
Unfortunately, vegan meat, dairy, and egg substitutes are, per pound, much more expensive than the traditional non-vegan alternatives. I expect with time the vegan versions will come down in price once there is more competitors in the marketplace. Until then, my word of advice is to use sparingly and try to find them on sale.
Do Not Let Cost be the Barrier
Don’t let the fear of cost be the reason you delay adopting a vegan diet and lifestyle. I promise, with time and a little practice, you will find veganism to be far less expensive compared to a meat-based diet.
Wishing you the best of health!
Stephen
