Unfortunately eating healthier can be a bit more expensive than eating cheap crap. However, I always look at it this way: Eating healthy, whole foods is one of the best preventative healthcare measures I can take for my family and I. Coming from the England, where healthcare is free, it is still an absolute shocker to me when, even after paying insanely expensive monthly health insurance premiums, the medical bills start pouring in if and when anyone in my family needs any kind of procedure beyond a simple doctor’s visit. So, it’s become even more important for me to invest in the healthiest possible way of living – and this begins with food. However, it doesn’t have to be crazy expensive if we’re smart about it.
Wholefoods is the biggest health food chain in the U.S. and coined the name “Whole Paycheck” because you’d reach the cashier with 5 items in your basket, and it cost as much as an entire weekly shop from a cheaper big box store. But, here’s the thing that I’ve discovered about Wholefoods: If I give into temptation and buy expensive Superfood energy bars, gourmet gluten-free cookies, bottled teas, and deli counter dinners, the price is absolutely going to sky-rocket. Organic meats also push the bill through the roof – so it’s all about shopping smartly. Admittedly, this isn’t easy because Wholefoods and other health food stores are treasure troves of ridiculously yummy goodies that I don’t need…but WANT!
Here are some tips that help me to keep my weekly bills down:
1. Farmers market: Most of us have a weekly farmers market that we can get to. Although not inexpensive, I can usually find some good seasonal bargains. I always do a big weekly shop at my farmers market for basic season fruits/veggies and fish. I also buy gluten-free bread and pastas from a wonderful local seller.
2. Cooking from scratch: If I cook from scratch almost every night, it cuts my bills in half. Cooking from scratch demands that I use mostly “whole” foods, as opposed to more expensive packaged foods. My slow-cooker is my BFF because I work full time, and love that I can sling in a few veggies, some broth (maybe some organic chicken or fish), and come back to an inviting, bubbling feast.
3. I look for coupons: Wholefoods have loads of coupons- so listen out for their in-store announcements, and grab their little magazine on your 
way in. You can also google “organic food coupons” and a ton of leads will come up for you. Many of the major organic food companies offer all kinds of different coupons.
4. Store Brands: Always look for store brands because almost all supermarket chains carry their own organic brand now. When purchasing things like nut milks and canned organic tomatoes – even coconut milk, I always go for the store brand.
5. Be Frugal: This is the most important point. When I say “frugal,” I mean to be very cautious about what you actually need. We waste soooooo much food in this country that we don’t need to waste. If I plan ahead for the week by making a shopping list, it really helps me not to go off topic and grab for “just in case” items.
Biggest money savers for me:
1. Make my own dips such as hummus and guac!
2. Include loads of soaked beans in meals – they are a great source of protein and help bulk out any dish.
3. Prepare loads of hearty soups and stews.
4.Make my own cleaning supplies (another tip to bring grocery store bill down).
5. Encourage my family to drink filtered water instead of bottles juices/teas or any other fancy kinds of beverages – they WILL live!!!
