Raw Vegan On a Budget
Health should not only reserved for the wealthy. If you feel best on raw but are on a budget, don’t fret, there are ways to maintain this diet without blowing the bank!
20 Tips
Look at your budget. It sounds like cliche almost annoying advice. I’ve talked to people hosting health retreats asking for thousands of dollars and heard, “Well what’s the cost of your health?” Which is almost a trick question because obviously our health is priceless. I do believe this, BUT it doesn’t mean you have to blow to bank to be raw vegan, especially if being low on funds is going to stress you out later. So I’m not here to tell you to buy that $12 pint of blueberries because you’re health is worth it. We still have to be smart with our money. But if you’re asking how to afford being raw, the truth is is might very well cost more than your previous diet. So, it might be worth while to evaluate your spending and see if you’d be able to rework your priorities when it comes to expenses. Really look at where your money is going and decide what’s important to you. Remember, “So many people spend their health gaining wealth, and then have to spend their wealth to regain their health.” – Materi. Another good one, we can “Pay the farmer now or the doctor later.”
Make your staple foods cheap fruits, like bananas.
Buy in bulk in order to get case discounts. This can work for fresh fruit, juices, coconut water, frozen fruit etc.
Don't be shy to talk to the staff at grocery stores and farmer’s markets. Research your nearest produce wholesaler, some places even do free delivery! Get creative - I found a great grocery store once because I asked a local restaurant where they bought their produce.Shop locally and in season. Because of it’s natural abundance, in season fruit will likely cost less than something that has been shipped in. This also helps support your local farmers!
Find reduced, “aesthetically challenged” fruit at grocery stores and markets as they’re often on discount.
Don’t waste your coin on expensive low calorie fruit, like out of season fresh raspberries for example. If you’re really wanting luxury items like these, perhaps use them as enhancements than main meal. For instance, flavor a banana smoothie with the raspberries instead of having a giant mono-meal bowl of them for lunch. Also, think before you buy superfoods, they can be pricey and not always worth it. Also, don’t waste your coin on smoothies from restaurants (maybe once in a while is okay). Most of the time you can make that same drink at home for a fraction of the cost. Lastly, don’t waste your coin on the pre-cut, prepackaged fruit and veg that you see in grocery store quick-grab fridges. It may seem convenient but it is just their way of squeezing your dollars and making use of their moldy fruit. No one is getting a deal walking out of Whole Foods with a $12 cup of melon.
On that note, it can pay to be prepared for outings if you know you’re likely to get peckish. Bring food with or simply know where you can find cheap food while out.
Shop Around. If you’re asking, how do I know what a good deal is? The answer is, this may take a little time to figure out if you’re new to shopping for fresh produce. My advice is to get a digital note started on your phone with a list of your staple foods. As you shop around your area make a note of how much each store is charging for those items. This will of course vary subtly but you'll get an idea of costs trends for each fruit or veg, trends throughout the year and trends as to which stores are charing the most/least overall. I also recommend exploring Asian markets if you are able. My experience is that they often have good prices and exotic produce that is hard to find elsewhere.
Ask other raw vegans/vegans in your area, in person or online (like 30BaD.com or Instagram) where they get their best/cheapest stuff. Pick their brain!
Gatherings. The raw vegan community is amazing and I’ve had such a great time at all the gatherings I’ve been to. Don’t think that you HAVE to blow the bank and go on an expensive retreat to maintain this lifestyle. Budget friendly options include free potlucks and local gatherings. Also, look into your volunteer options. Retreats and festivals need staff. I’ve been to maybe four festivals and I’ve volunteered at every one of them. It’s a different experience because you’re working of course, but I was able to attend without chipping into my savings.
Travel. Think about factor your diet into your travel plans. It’s going to be significantly cheaper to be a fruitarian in Thailand than it would be in Japan. It’s likely going to be cheaper in to be a fruitarian in the tropics than it would be in Alaska in wintertime. Of course your diet is not here to rule your life, but something worth considering if it’s important to you and you’re on a tight budget. As another option, maybe combining WWOOFing into your travel experience makes sense. Find a farm to stay on, work on and eat from ;)
Forage - fruit maps, craigslist etc.
Consider working or volunteering, even a couple times a month at your local farm, farmers market, grocery store or co-op. Employees will often reap the benefits of partial discounts or extra free food. Plus the networking opportunities are countless.
Selective Purchasing. Maybe you can’t buy 100% organic right now, that’s okay. If you’re sensitive, get educated on what produce is the most susceptible to chemicals.
Consider your secondary options - They may be slightly less than an ideal of FRESH fruits and veggies, but they’ll still be really healthy and can be more affordable. This may include dried fruit, frozen fruit/veg, pure fruit juice (and maybe you're okay with it being pasteurized).
Minimize eating out. Restaurant meals will likely not fill up the stomach of a raw vegan. There may be raw gourmet food on offer, but I find that I end up eating at the cost of my gut - too many refined or heavy ingredients leave me feeling ill.
Grow your own. Simple things like herbs or scallions are expensive in store and practically effortless to grow at home.
Shop online to find the best deals for particular items like your favorite superfoods, flavorings, supplements, powders, or even kitchen equipment.
Supplement. Use supplements or powders. From one person to the next we may have different deficiencies or lifestyle-based needs. If you are lacking in particular minerals for example, it might require eating a daily box of mixed greens to get your dosage (boxes that can cost $6-9!) As an alternative, consider scooping a spoon of raw green powder in your smoothie. You’ll hit your nutrient needs without breaking the bank.
Education - Learn how to prepare enjoyable, healthy raw vegan meals at home. Not only will this help with saving restaurant money but will help you develop your relationship with your body and food. You’ll find personal ways to become more efficient and cost effective with your meal prep. The four recipe books I’ve put together are a great resource if you want to learn how to transform simple produce into super satisfying meals.
Grocery Shopping
1. Get your discounts by buying a whole box or by shopping the ugly fruit.
2. Remember, you’re allowed to return produce!
3. Sale dates are printed on the store signs so keep your eye out. Inquire with the staff about upcoming sales.
4. Often you don’t have to buy the 2,3,4 items to get the sale the store is promoting. The price will still apply if you’re punching just one. It’s all marketing!
5. Free samples are so helpful. No one likes spending $20 on grapes, getting them home and tasting how sour they are! If they don’t have samples out, just ask. I’ve found that produce staff will cut something open if I ask about it.
Getting Personal
Some seem to have the impression that a vegan diet, raw food, plant-based meals, or simply eating healthy requires having a large bank account. Here I talk about some of the reasons we have come to think this way - an irony considering that the original peasant diet is a meat-free one. Back in the day, meat was meant for the rich, it was the poor who were left to dine on grains and vegetables. Today we are seeing veganism grow in popularity. With the rise of social media there has been more coverage of this diet, but it’s a curated coverage. The images that seem to generate the most likes are those that have been well manicured - an abundance of perfect food, in an exotic setting, and taken with a professional camera. No wonder why people start to think of veganism as only being afforded by the wealthy.