There are so many heath benefits for going both vegan and vegetarian, but if you’re starting out, or just want to stay vegetarian, it can become overwhelming and pricey to try and keep a healthy vegetarian diet. Vegetarianism is better for your health, including lowering your risk of heart disease, and cancer, and if done safely, can help you lose weight. it helps conserve the sheer amount of animals bred and killed every year for human consumption. Studies have suggested that 90 billion marine animals are killed around the world every year, and not all of those creatures land up being consumed. Livestock production and farming also contributes more greenhouse gas emissions than transportation does. Livestock production is 18% while exhaust from transportation is 13%. Here are some easy tips about being vegetarian while struggling financially.
Start price matching. Lots of different grocery stores price match, including Wal-Mart, and No-Frills (make sure to check into other local grocery stores to see if they do), because price matching is a very easy way to save money off of all of your grocery needs. It involves showing the cashier a current flier from another store, that has a lower price on the same item. They then give it to you for the price of the other store. You can do with fliers if your stores only match with other local stores (some grocery stores have limits about how far away you can price match), but some stores don’t have any distance limits! This means that you can use “Flipp” a flyer and couponing app, to find the best prices on what you need, and show the cashier right off your phone. It’s also an easy way to stay organized in the store.
Buy discount produce. Most grocery stores have a discount produce rack where they set out produce that’s no longer in the best quality. Fruits that are on the rack can be used for smoothies, it doesn’t matter if they’re no long as crisp as you’d eat them normally, and veggies work wonders in soups and stir-fry, the texture blends in with the food you’re making. Ask people that work in the produce department when they set out their discount produce, and try and work your shopping trip around that time, if you’re able.
Try and buy in bulk. It’s hard if you don’t have transportation, but if you can it’s worth it. Buying fresh produce in bulk doesn’t work as it spoils, but pasta, beans, frozen fruit and veggies all last, and go on sale often.
Buy spices! You don’t have to do it all at once, and if you have a store that sells them in bulk, take advantage, it’s a lot cheaper then buying them in the little jars. They will make your food different, and help you eat the same base foods with different flavors for longer. Chili powder, curry powder, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, basil, cinnamon, black pepper, salt and cumin, are needed.
Clip and use coupons. The Flipp app also has couponing options to make sure you use it to help you save on your grocery bill. You can also physically clip coupons and use them. Sometimes grocery stores have coupon boards near one of the doors, make sure to take advantage of coupons that apply to you. Don’t over buy! Sometimes when couponing it’s easy to get carried away, and you land up with things you don’t need and won’t use. Be reasonable!
Buy food that is cheap but you can use multiple ways. Potatoes are handy because you can do so many different things with them, and it really helps if you need to change up what you’re eating. Oatmeal and rice are cheap and versatile. Rice and egg pasta are usually cheaper than wheat pasta, and they cook much faster, so if you need something cheap and filling, both are easy options.
Set a day for shopping! It’s hard to work around schedules, especially if you’re working and going to school, but it’s important to be prepared before you shop. Don’t run to the store multiple times a week if you can avoid it. Make a list, make sure you have your fliers, get your coupons together, and be prepared. If you’re not prepared you can get off topic, buy things you don’t need and forget important staples that will help you stretch your money.
Being vegetarian is so helpful for both you and the environment, and smart shopping helps make it a reality if you’re struggling financially.
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