How to source affordable organic food with rising food bills? Our family switched to organic foods just over a year ago and we can feel, see and taste the difference. We have also seen a significant increase in our grocery budget. But with that improved health and fewer medical expenses.
So with that, I believe the cost is relevant, however with today’s financial climate, it has become more difficult to afford to purchase organic foods. So with that in mind let me share with you how to source affordable organic food and save you some money.
What Is Organic?
When you enter into the world of healthy food there will be a lot of terms thrown at you and it can get confusing. Start eating organic by familiarising yourself with the terminology around what you are buying.
When it comes to produce, it’s either organic or it’s not. Organic produce means it was grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers and organic products are non-GMO. (source)
However, you don’t need to buy all your produce organic. Which will save you money. Thanks to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). This group puts out a new list each year of the cleanest and dirtiest produce based on the latest testing and research. You may hear this list referred to as The Dirty Dozen or The Clean 15.
The Dirty Dozen
This is a list of produce that is likely to have a high level of chemicals used on them if purchased conventionally at a retailer.
Produce items like berries, apples, and leafy greens like kale and spinach. These are just a few of the items I always buy organic.
The Clean 15
This is a list of the cleanest conventionally grown produce with little known chemical residue on the part we consume. Think of produce that may have a hard or thick skin that is usually removed like bananas, pineapple, melons, and avocados.
TIP: Keep a list of The Clean 15 and The Dirty Dozen in your cell phone so you don’t have to remember which is what when shopping.
Buy Local Produce
Buying from a local farmer or farmers’ market is a great way to source affordable organic food and save money. You may be thinking, “how so?”. It is always so expensive when I go to the farmer’s market.
Look for a deal and talk with the farmers. The relationship is key here and a farmer wants to sell their produce as much as you want to buy it, so make a deal.
Make sure to ask these farmers about their growing practices and visit their farms. Many farmers can’t afford the pricy organic certification but already follow the same growing practices.
You will see them come alive when they get to talk about their love for growing organic produce. You will gain a valuable resource in them and be blessed with a friend for life.
TIP: Ask your farmer about the ugly produce or seconds that can’t be sold to market just because they are not pretty. I guarantee you will see the value in this cost savings tip.
Save even more money when you buy in bulk from these farmers.
Buy Seasonal Produce
Eating seasonally may require some adjustments but it will most definitely save you money.
By shopping local from your farmers you will always eat seasonally. However by going to the grocery store you will be able to buy whatever your hearts desire and you will begin to see why Organic is so expensive in the store.
Strawberries and blueberries are just an example of seasonal produce. When it is in season you can find it in abundance for a really great price but try and buy it out of season you will pay a much higher price.
Eating organic food when it is in season is a simple way to save money and make eating organically affordable. There will be some adjustments for your family. Being able to get whatever you want from a grocery store at any time of the year is very convenient and this will no longer be the case. But you will find savings in the season by buying in bulk and preserving the summer foods you love for the winter.
Buy Frozen
If you are on a tight budget and think organic is out of your price range think again. Frozen organic produce is not only cheap but easier to source when out of season.
Frozen produce is often fresher when frozen because it is picked at its peak of ripeness and quickly flash-frozen to lock in all its goodness. Your frozen produce still packs all the nutrients found in your fresh produce.
So wipe out your blender and get ready for some great smoothie-making adventures.
Grow An Organic Garden
There is nothing more enjoyable than picking food you have grown in your own backyard. The accomplishment alone is an award but you also get to taste the fruits of your hard work as well.
Starting your own garden may show to be challenging but with these great tips I share in my How to Garden for Beginners you will be well on your way to a green thumb.
Limit Convenience and Processed Foods
Many run to quick convenience and processed foods for most of their daily meals. However, when you make the switch to organic I strongly suggest you avoid making these purchases.
Before purchasing any convenience foods labeled organic pay close attention to labels and ingredients.
In order for packaged food to be labeled organic, it must have at least 95% organic ingredients. Leaving room for non-organic ingredients and additives to be added. Remember there is nothing natural about “natural ingredients”. If it doesn’t specifically say what it is and it is organic then it’s a NO. Don’t let the suggestive marketers fool you into making a quick purchase because you didn’t do your due diligence and READ the ingredients.
In addition, organic packaged foods are often much higher in price than their conventional counterparts.
Organic whole food will almost always be cheaper than organic processed food.
TIP: Replace your convience food and processed food with homemade ones. Start small and try making your own avacado mayonasse.
We made this transition slowly and found that by not buying convenience boxed and processed food we were able to afford to buy fresh organic food and make our own items from scratch.
Cook From Scratch
Cooking from scratch not only gives you an appreciation for the delicious food you are creating but will save you money big time.
When I am able to purchase a large number of tomatoes and onions I can preserve over twenty-quart jars of sauce and diced tomatoes by canning them. This enables me to buy organic tomatoes at a cheaper price and put real organic tomatoes on my shelf for many months. You can do this with several if not all your produce and meats. Saving you time and money by creating your own healthy convenient meals in a jar for quick dinners.
Organic Is Affordable
Don’t just jump in and buy everything organic you will go broke quickly and it will not be possible to maintain the change. Making the change to organic should be a slow process. Gradually work your way through the process of understanding the terminology, “organic “, “USDA”, and so many others like “GMO”. Talk with your local farmers and connect with the community. Ask questions and don’t ever feel like your questions are stupid. Many of these farmers want to educate others about food and the growing processes. I dare say they will even show you and give you tips on how to start growing your own food.
Start slow and find your favorite foods you love to cook. Explore new foods and be adventurous in eating seasonal foods. What you can do with squash, zucchini, and sweet potatoes when used as a start substitute in meals will amaze you. Who knows, your new love of seasonal foods may inspire you to grow your own and develop that green thumb.
Once you start to see the improvement in your health and the health of your family you will know the hard work is worth all the effort.
Once I switched to organic and moved away from processed foods everything changed. My skin, hair, blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight all improved. I lost 75 lbs in 5 months and have kept the weight off for two years now. I have no more headaches, brain fog, or fatigue. My body no longer hurts and I take only two medications now from the six I was on. Food has changed my life and I hope you will take a chance to change yours.
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