Shopping Naked on a Budget

dstobo — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:36:19 +0000

Pick your Price: Decide how much $$$ you are going to spend on food each week. Make your budget realistic, if you are going to eat out a few times, some of your food you buy for home will go to waste. Shop at smaller Local Natural stores, they have a lot of specials so they can move items faster. Stock up on deals, like when almond/rice/hemp milk goes on sale, or raw almond butter is on special. Save enough cash in the till for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Plan a menu: When shopping think ahead to the main meals you will be eating that week. I usually buy for 3 dinners, my breakfast favorites and enough greens for salads at any time. Try not to create anything too wild, you want to be able to use the stuff thats in your pantry. Nothing worse than making a recipe that calls for a specialty item that ends up being a good chunk of your budget. I’ve done that before. Its still sitting in my pantry.
Buy bargains and deals: Pantry items are usually marked down, or have a two for one deal going on. When you see it, don’t hesitate to stock up. It may take a chunk out of the weekly budget, but it will lower your overall costs. When fresh fruit is in season and selling at a lower price, I will stock up and freeze for smoothies later. I’m not crazy about big warehouse markets, but lately they have organic/fair trade items and eco friendly deals.
Shop Farmers Market: Prices vary, shop around the market, there is always a few vendors that have really good deals. You can save a lot of money by buying organic fruits and vegetables that are in season. “In season” produce is less expensive and more delicious. If you own a Dehydrator, stock up. Dehydrated fruits and fruit leathers are awesome snacks. Freezing fresh organic fruits for smoothies is also a wise budget move.
Buy in Bulk: Buying in bulk is easier on your budget because they do not have packaging costs attached to them. You can purchase loose items such as cereal, tea, spices, coffee, almond butter, snacks and grain in loose bulk at your local natural grocery store. Bring your own containers and some markets will give you an extra deal.
Eat Less: Lets face it, our eyes are bigger than our stomachs. We buy for an army and can’t finish eating all that we purchased. Waste is eminent and we all get bummed when throwing stuff away. Buy less and eat less!
Eat Vegan: Animal products are expensive. They can add up to the bulk of your food costs each week. Treat a favorite vegetable as a meal. For example, I like Butternut Squash. I will make a butternut squash soup that lasts me three meals. (Recipe available in Get Naked Fast) For a mere $5 I have my favorite soup all week.
Butternut Squash soup from "Get Naked Fast"
Create your own flavor sensations: Don’t rely on bottled dressings, canned sauces, or prepackaged mixes. Put a cold pressed oil into your budget, such as Bariani Olive Oil, Nama Shoyu,a nice vinegar, miso, or some nut butter. All these items store well and last a long time, they are the base of all dressings and sauces in the naked lifestyle. Dressings, marinades, and sauces are very easy to make, and with these products on hand, you will have the best and highest quality ingredients at your fingertips for instant and inexpensive flavor sensations.
Prepare your own food: When preparing your own meals, you are in complete control of your health and your budget. Eating simply and nutritiously is not a difficult adventure, it is with ease and grace that food can be prepared and enjoyed inexpensively and deliciously. Packaged meals, and processed foods are laden with fillers, preservatives and very un-earth conscience packaging that increase the costs of the food.
Shop at different markets: If you buy at the same store every time, you will not be privy to price differences, specials, and deals that are happening all around you. A farmers market is always a great way to start your marketing, add in a chain market for some basics (you know will have a deal), and then go to your favorite health food store for the bulk items that were not available at Farmers. I hit the asian markets for coconuts, fresh mangos, and baby bananas. They are amazing and cheap! Shopping for your health should not be an all day chore, just pop into markets when you see them, and add necessary items to your pantry and fridge as you happen upon them. Utilizing a big warehouse market is also an option for getting organic products at a much more affordable price.
Bring Your Reusable Bags: Many of your local grocery stores may offer a reusable bag program. When grocery shopping if you use your own bags, a certain amount of money is deducted from your total bill.

For great recipes, ideas, and eating healthy, buy the book GET NAKED FAST a guide to stripping away the foods that are weighing you down and get yourself started on a path to eating for Health Vibrance and beauty!

Diana Stobo » eco

Shopping Naked on a Budget