Easy 10 tips on how to eat plant-based on a budget (free printables!)

Plant-based on a budget – these easy tips will help you figure out how to eat within your budget and you can print your templates for a meal plan, shopping list, and cheat sheet!

Maybe with the New Year, you are planning to transition to a plant-based diet or you just simply trying to add more plants but thinking it’s too expensive. Believe me, eating a plant-based diet doesn’t have to be expensive!

The truth is that a plant-based diet can be very affordable, and with the proper planning, can be cheaper than any diet that includes animal products.

Now don’t get me wrong, if you buy lots of mock meats, ready-made products, and vegan cheeses, it certainly can add up! But, eating plant-based based on whole foods can be amazingly affordable. I promise you can put together simple meals, that are still full of flavor and color, that your budget will thank you for – it’s what my Instagram feed is all about- check it out for inspiration!

Plant-based on budget tips:

1. Prepare your own meals – don‘t eat out!

Preparing your own meals is the cheapest and gives you full control over all ingredients. A group of basic ingredients often comes in at a lower price tag than a single restaurant dish. You can also end up getting more meals out of a recipe you make at home than if you order takeout, or have leftovers to take to work the next day.

2. Focus on whole foods

Whole foods are as nature-made them, they are without added fat, sugar, or sodium. Make them your staples.

Whole grains, like brown rice and oats, are also cheaper per serving than most processed cereals. Less processed foods are also often sold in larger quantities and yield more servings per package, saving you money overall

3. Buy in bulk

To create a diet that is plant-based on a budget try to use the bulk bins to try new-to-you grains, beans, and nuts. Quite often it seems like it costs you more because you are paying for bulk but in the long run, you are saving money as you won’t be buying those products as often.

4. Prepare simple recipes

Simple recipes don‘t mean you have to miss out on flavor. You can create an easy meal with basic ingredients! Check out the recipe below that uses a handful of ingredients but don’t miss on the flavour guaranteed!

• easy and delicious breakfast – buckwheat porridge

• delicious and easy one-pot vegetable goulash that you will make over and over on those busy weekdays!

• Stewed cabbage made with kraut. An easy and delicious recipe that is loaded with flavor!

5. Freeze leftovers

I have always said it: Freezer is probably the most under-estimated, under-appreciated, and overlooked appliance in your kitchen. Learn what foods freeze well, I quite often freeze produce before it goes bad, label them so you know you need to use them first. In my local store, I often buy products that are discounted because their best before the diet is over that day. These products are still perfect to eat! – I freeze those 😊.

6. Do it yourself

There is no surprise that buying ready-made hummus, apple sauce, salad dressings, guacamole or nut butter is very expensive. Make your own. Not only will cost far less but believe me it will cost so much cheaper too! Check the recipes below :

• delicious homemade apple sauce.

• easy and flavourful guacamole.

• the best homemade pumpkin hummus recipe you will ever need.

• my top 5 salad dressings I always keep in the fridge.

• easy and delicious guide to nut butter.

7. Buy in season

Eat fruits and vegetables that are in season. You’ll get top nutrition and pay less for pears and sweet potatoes in the fall and berries in the summer, for example. Food that‘s in season tastes better and is cheaper. Check the seasonal calendar in the area you are living.

8. Do your research

When doing plant-based on a budget find out about current promotions & discounts of nearby supermarkets in newspapers or online. I signed up to a few of the shops I use weekly so every time I purchase goods my Clubcard get scanned and I am collecting point for future discounts.

I also downloaded apps from those shops so I am always keeping an eye on promotions. When I make my weekly meal planning and shopping list I simply include those discounted products in my meals and I put the first letter of the name of the shop next to the discounted product.

9. Buy smart

• Try to opt for store brands as they are quite often way cheaper but not worse in quality.

• Sign up for your favorite store‘s loyalty program as quite often you will get vouchers and discounts.

• Buy the quantities you need, especially the fresh produce, so your food doesn‘t spoil.

• Buy ugly produce marked down at the supermarket

Another post that would be beneficial for you to read is the guide to wasting less food!

10. Used canned goods

Canned goods, such as beans, vegetables, and fruits, are a cost-effective and convenient addition to a plant-based diet. They offer affordability, a long shelf life, and time-saving benefits as they come pre-cooked and ready to use. Canned ingredients are versatile, allowing you to create a variety of plant-based recipes from soups and stews to salads and casseroles. While they reduce food waste by having a longer shelf life, it’s crucial to be aware of sodium levels and choose options with reduced sodium or rinse them before use. Overall, canned goods are a practical solution for those looking to eat plant-based on a budget without sacrificing flavor or nutrition

SUMMARY

Take it one day at a time, and transition into a plant-based diet on a budget at a pace that feels good to YOU and is affordable to YOU. Focus on adding to your diet, rather than eliminating, to make the switch easier.

I am happy with every change. Every step towards a plant-based diet, when animal products slowly disappear from our shopping list, from our refrigerators, tables, and plates.

I hope that those simple tips will help you on your way to a plant-based diet without the fear that it will cost you a fortune!

Let me know in the comments if this post was helpful to you and if you are going to implement any of those tips into your life.

DON’T FORGET YOUR FREEBIES BELOW 😊😁💗