Are you looking at following a Paleo lifestyle, but feel the cost of doing so is too prohibitive?
Quite a lot of people are put off following a Paleo diet simply because they think that everything is going to be expensive.
Yet with the right kind of planning and making the right decisions you can enjoy following paleo on a budget without the worry of breaking the bank.
Well, why not give some of the tips I offer a below about how to save money on a paleo diet a try. All the ones provided will help you to keep the costs down.
10 Tips To Help You Save Money When Following A Paleo Diet
Tip 1 – Do Your Research
By now you have probably found out that the cost of grass-fed meat and free-range poultry is much higher compared to the mass-produced kind.
It is important that before you go shopping for Paleo foods you do a little research so you can compare the prices.
Today it is a great deal easier to compare prices because of the internet. There are lots of specialty food companies who have websites where you can easily see what is available.
Tip 2 – Buy Paleo Diet Foods In Bulk
When on a tight budget like so many others you may find that buying in bulk is a great idea. It is possible even when following a Paleo diet.
When you shop in bulk, not only are you saving money, but also time. The cost of buying is a lot cheaper when you compare it to buying single items.
If you can invest in a freezer (even a used one). Then buy what you need for the coming month or so and freeze it. Not only can you do this with the meat but also your fruit and vegetables.
Yes, you may spend a little more than you intended, but remember you’ll have good quality produce readily available. But make sure that you have enough space in the freezer before you do buy in bulk.
I know using fresh herbs and spices is lovely, but using dried herbs and spices instead can prove more cost effective. The one benefit of using dried herbs and spices is that they have a much longer shelf life.
I actually have one shelf in my kitchen where my stock of herbs and spices is kept. I also tend to buy these in large bags from a health food store as they work out a lot cheaper to buy a jar at the time.
If you want to think about buying healthy fats and oils in bulk as well. If you do the make sure to read the label first. Check what expiration date is on them.
Tip 3 – Never Let Anything Go To Waste
It is hard to believe that less than 100 years ago we knew how to make the most of everything that we had. Don’t throw away the bones, use these to make stock, as for the drippings in the pan save these to use for cooking other meals with.
When it comes to fresh produce use it wisely. This will ensure that you don’t end up throwing most of it away because it has lost its freshness. Again it is worth thinking about freezing some.
It is best you should only cook what you need and no more. But if you do find you have something left over then either use it up the next day or freeze it.
If you cook more than you eat it really does defeat the purpose of saving money on a Paleo diet. The best way to avoid wastage is through planning all meals in advance.
As well as helping you to see how much you will have to cook. It will also help you to work out the number of ingredients needed.
Tip 4 – Learn To Cook Cheaper Cuts
The kinds of cuts of meat I’m talking about here are the shoulder, hock, oxtail, shank or even the trotters. These types of cooks need to be cooked slowly in lots of liquid (this is where having a slow cooker comes in handy). Once cooked you’ll find that they have a really great flavor, for such a small amount of money.
As well as making stews that are packed full of flavor, the bones can be used to make great stock with.
Another thing worth considering eating more organs from animals as these tend to come at a lower cost as well.
More often referred to as offal, organs are in fact a cheap source of meat. Plus you’ll find that they are actually more nutritious than conventional cuts.
One organ that isn’t just cheap but is also a nutritional powerhouse is liver.
Also, you may want to consider trying kidneys, heart, tongue, marrow, and sweetbreads.
Some of these are an acquired taste, whilst others you may find the right recipe will help you to forget that you are actually eating the organ of an
Tip 5 – Buy Local Produce
So it is worth time finding out where your local farmer’s markets are being held each week.
When it comes to fruit and vegetables as well as meat and fish going local really can prove to be your best option.
These markets are a great place to go for fresh good quality produce. Although not everything is going to be organic there will definitely be products there that fits in perfectly with your new Paleo lifestyle.
Not only are you buying products that you know is fresh. You are also providing assistance to your local community.
One thing worth considering is actually visiting your local farmers market towards the end of the day.
You’ll find that those who sell produce at these markets won’t want to take it home. They will offer some really good deals just so that they don’t have to worry about getting rid of what they haven’t sold as waste.
Tip 6 – To Go Organic… Or Not?
You may wonder why I suggest this. But often what you find that the hype surrounding it is such that this helps to inflate the prices charged.
Also, you may find it hard to get organic food easily. Often what you find is the organic food has, in fact, traveled halfway around the world before it reaches the supermarket.
What you can do instead is to choose the food you buy wisely. Read the labels and if you can take time to check out the producers of the food you are buying.
When it comes to buying meat then look at buying the leaner cuts rather than going for that is grass-fed or organically reared.
As for the fruit and vegetables, if you cannot afford to buy organic then make sure that you wash everything. This will help to remove any pesticides on the outside.
Going organic is ideal, but it isn’t your only option. It is far better if you use what money you have to buy meat and vegetables that are locally sourced.
Tip 7 – Make & Grow Things Yourself
Get in the habit of preparing meals from scratch and this should include any stock, dressing, mayonnaise or other condiments you use. This will then ensure that you only buy the ingredients that you really need.
For people following a paleo diet, this shouldn’t be a problem. You’ll be amazed at how much you can save by preparing your own rather than buying that which has been prepared for you.
Another point worth considering here when I say to make things yourself is to actually look at growing your own produce as well. Not only is this another great way to keep costs of following this diet down, but it provides you with a sense of achievement.
You don’t need a lot of space to grow your own say peppers, carrots or tomatoes. A few planters should do the trick. You could even set these up in your home if space in the garden is limited.
Tip 8 – Stick To Meals That Are Simple
When it comes to cooking meals make sure that each one is made up of at least one type of animal protein. Along with some nice fresh vegetables and a good animal fat.
As well as being easy to prepare you’ll be eating food that is much healthier for you. Plus you’ll find it turns out to be much cheaper as well.
Again it is important to come up with a weekly meal plan before you start cooking. This will ensure that you have all the ingredients that are needed.
Not only will such a plan ensure that you keep within the confines of your budget. You will also find it helps you to keep your calorie intake under control. Especially important for those of you who have chosen to follow a Paleo diet in order to lose weight.
Tip 9 – Eat More Eggs
Compared to meat you’ll find that eggs are pretty inexpensive, even when you go for the good ones. Again it is worth sourcing what you need locally rather than buying them in the supermarket.
Begin each day with some eggs for a meal that isn’t only cheap but provides you with a healthy start.
Don’t just limit yourself to scrambled, fried or boiled eggs, mix it up a bit. Why not make an omelet or a frittata.
Tip 10 – Go For In-Season Vegetables And Fruit
Make sure that you never spend too much of your budget for food on vegetables. By choosing to go for ones that are in season you’ll find that they are a lot cheaper, and, of course, a lot fresher.
If you want to buy them in bulk then freeze any extra for use later on. I do this quite often with carrots, onions, and certain fruits such as blueberries and raspberries.