a cheap Raw life

[GreenJB5]

Can we get a new forum started on how to stay frugal on a raw lifestyle? Today i was watching a show about this lady who can buy a week worth of grocery for 10 dollars. But the food was all processed. I wish i could feed my family for that little on an organic raw lifestyle.


Most of us have been taught how to stay frugal on a SAD diet. With the rise of everything ( unemployment rate, gas, food, etc) and mess with the economy, families are cutting way back so its time to re-train ourselves on how to stay frugal on a raw lifestyle.


Since i started raw I moved from Safeway to Wholes Food, i mean Whole Check. In the past i have read posts were people think raw is cheaper. I have not experience that as my grocery bill tripled. So i think it will be great if the ideas can start pouring in to help others during these tough times. What do you think?

[srsarri]

There was a thread like this just 2 days ago! take a look around!! im sure a few will pop up! Check out "Frugal Raw"

[GreenJB5]

i am requesting a forum as there could many topics

[Zaphirah]

how long have you been raw? I found the transition to be very costly. I kinda think of it this way-you know when you move and you throw out all the mustard, ketchup, old flour, etc and you have to do those 1st couple of trips to stock up-that's what it's like when you switch to raw. Also-many of the things you buy may go to waste until you either develope a taste for them, or you really settle in to what you like. I bet when you were SAD you bought *pretty much* the same things every week, with a few exceptions. RAW becomes like that. You have your old fav stand-bys. Also-I had NO IDEA how much of something I was going to need when I first went raw, so I had a tendency to over shop to make sure I had more than enough to make recipes.

We went from Price Rite SAD to gf/cf (w/ some organic) over night. My food bill tripled-BUT my dc no longer needed to see the dr 10+ times a year, they no longer needed their inhalers, or 3 day hospital stays for uncontrollable RAD. The came off their behavioral meds for their autism too. I was SAVING over $300/month just by switching them to gf/cf.

Just Monday they went 100%-with the goal of once again getting them off their meds and healing them even more. I might not be able to afford a resort vacation, or even that second car we need-but MY CHILDREN ARE WELL-and what more could I want in life?

I'd rather sacrifice cable tv, vacations, a car, a cell phone, and line dry my clothes then have all that crap and go back to the way it was. It really sucked. For me I'd pay 10x what I pay now if it keeps them healthy and happy.

(see my post "The Cost of Raw Surprise" for more details)

[Rawkinlocs]

i am requesting a forum as there could many topics

Well, I doubt if that will happen, but what you could do is to go to your profile and create a social group. I did a video on that particular feature. Do a search in this forum (the Raw and Living Food Discussion forum) for the phrase "What's New on RFT".

[Raine]

Well, I doubt if that will happen, but what you could do is to go to your profile and create a social group. I did a video on that particular feature. Do a search in this forum (the Raw and Living Food Discussion forum) for the phrase "What's New on RFT".

That's too bad there can't be a forum just for that topic. It's so timely what with people under so much financial stress yet still wanting to do right.

[Rawkinlocs]

That's too bad there can't be a forum just for that topic. It's so timely what with people under so much financial stress yet still wanting to do right.

Well, the way I see it...we just got a really neat forum upgrade here where we can start little mini-groups for various mini-topics such as this. Why not take advantage of it? I don't see it as "too bad" or a loss of some sort. Create the social group, create a thread announcing it so people who want to can join and "BAM"..."problem" solved!

Here is the link to the video I'm referring to that kinda shows how to create the social groups (amongst other things): http://rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=44339

And I'm gonna make it a sticky-post so it's easier to find.

[Zaphirah]

duh. nevermind. I somehow missed your post above. sorry.

[RawHeaven]

If a forum were created it would probably morph into many directions anyway just like the others. We all have different financial aptitudes and emotions when it comes to money, food, living etc. For me personally, I don't focus my attention on the cost of raw I focus on the benefits and make smart choices. If I spend $75 one week and $20 the next it doesn't really impact me. I'm not being uncaring when I say this, it's just me and my circumstances and how I view myself as abundant always. This may not gel with someone who is in another space. The conversations would probably lead to hurt feelings and controversy down the line. I believe you create what you think. If you think you can eat raw food on a budget you can. If you think you're going to experience increased financial difficulties and it's going to be this great hardship, then conversely this will be your experience more than likely. Just my opinion.

And have we thought about who will monitor this new forum? Time is money and I'm sure it cost something to upgrade the existing system. Seems like an investment has already been made to enhance it. What's wrong with creating a social group? Seems like it may offer more support for those who are seeking it as it may be smaller than the larger forum and you guys will create lasting connections.

[petaltothemetal]

Ok, I'll create a social group next week after I get through a very busy weekend. It will be for very broke raw fooders but I will try to come up with a much better sounding name!!! :D I lost a lot of money on a house I couldn't sell and am in bad straights so this will motivate me to think about ways to tighten the reins and honor my body at the same time.

If someone wants to start another group that's great, too... or maybe we can split them up geographically since I find some of my foraging and gardening experiences are of no help to people other parts of the country. So I could take Washington state down to Humbolt County, California since there are many similarities throughout that area.

[Ilse W.]

I don't understand what "getting a new forum started" means? Are you talking about a specific space under the Raw Life heading called "Raw on a budget"? I don't know a thing about forums, but I can imagine that it wouldn't be much of a problem to add a sub-heading? Maybe even instead of one of the ones nobody seems to use much? Like the over 50 folks, who don't think we are such an oddity that we need to communicate with each other under our own heading? Let's face it, those of us who don't think we have to be careful when spending our money are most likely using plastic for everything and up to the earlobes in debt. We could all use pointers on how to avoid having to shop at Whole Foods and spend the whole paycheck in one place. My 3 cents worth (inflation, you know):D

[Raine]

I don't understand what "getting a new forum started" means? Are you talking about a specific space under the Raw Life heading called "Raw on a budget"? I don't know a thing about forums, but I can imagine that it wouldn't be much of a problem to add a sub-heading? Maybe even instead of one of the ones nobody seems to use much? Like the over 50 folks, who don't think we are such an oddity that we need to communicate with each other under our own heading? Let's face it, those of us who don't think we have to be careful when spending our money are most likely using plastic for everything and up to the earlobes in debt. We could all use pointers on how to avoid having to shop at Whole Foods and spend the whole paycheck in one place. My 3 cents worth (inflation, you know):D

VBulletin.com is the base application here and for a lot of discussion groups on many sites. It's easy to add a forum.

I totally agree with the positive visualization concept and am a big proponent of it. However, I also know sometimes life throws you curve balls like a job layoff, death in the family, etc. Heck, some of us even are contributing to the financial upkeep of our parents. It's not unusual for me to get a request to pay my mother's $500 electric bill in Florida -- I don't even spend $500 on electric, cell phone and groceries myself in a month! So yes, I'm all for finding out ways to maintain my diet without going into debt.

For those of us that have gone through financial hardships in the past, maybe we are just a bit more cautious. Like others on this board, I don't use plastic to pay for life. I'm in a major city and would LOVE to find some resources for organic produce from the farm or a co-op so I have more options than Albertson's or Whole Foods.

Like others, this was just my $0.03 rant.

[Eva]

I created a group and invited you all into it. It's called "Frugal Foodies" (I invited Mattye Lee! I have her Frugal Raw book, with some great pointers. :)). Anyone can join. Just click on the User CP button at the upper left, right above where you click "post reply" to a message.

Then, look at the clickable menu on your left. There is something that says "social groups." Here you'll see a list of the available social groups. To join one of them, click on the name of the group. Then you'll see the members and messages. Below that, you will be able to click "join group" to join. It's not moderated, so it'll be just like posting here. I won't "check" that what you write is OK before you can post it.

:)

[petaltothemetal]

Thanks, Eva! That was soooo easy! I joined yours and also started one specifically for northwest non-store bought foods.

[Rawkinlocs]

I created a group and invited you all into it. It's called "Frugal Foodies" (I invited Mattye Lee! I have her Frugal Raw book, with some great pointers. :)). Anyone can join. Just click on the User CP button at the upper left, right above where you click "post reply" to a message.

Then, look at the clickable menu on your left. There is something that says "social groups." Here you'll see a list of the available social groups. To join one of them, click on the name of the group. Then you'll see the members and messages. Below that, you will be able to click "join group" to join. It's not moderated, so it'll be just like posting here. I won't "check" that what you write is OK before you can post it.

:)

Thank you for doing that Eva...you too Petaltothemetal...simple enough and now people have a specific group where they can go and get advice for eating raw frugally! You ladies are gems! It's up to you, but you may wish to place a link to your group in your siggy (??)

[Eva]

Thank you for doing that Eva...you too Petaltothemetal...simple enough and now people have a specific group where they can go and get advice for eating raw frugally! You ladies are gems! It's up to you, but you may wish to place a link to your group in your siggy (??)

Oh my gosh, thank YOU! I watched your video, super helpful. :)
Unfortunately I'm at exactly my signature's limit. LOL. I'd have to figure out what goes. Soon, soon!

[RawHeaven]

VBulletin.com is the base application here and for a lot of discussion groups on many sites. It's easy to add a forum.

I totally agree with the positive visualization concept and am a big proponent of it. However, I also know sometimes life throws you curve balls like a job layoff, death in the family, etc. Heck, some of us even are contributing to the financial upkeep of our parents. It's not unusual for me to get a request to pay my mother's $500 electric bill in Florida -- I don't even spend $500 on electric, cell phone and groceries myself in a month! So yes, I'm all for finding out ways to maintain my diet without going into debt.

For those of us that have gone through financial hardships in the past, maybe we are just a bit more cautious. Like others on this board, I don't use plastic to pay for life. I'm in a major city and would LOVE to find some resources for organic produce from the farm or a co-op so I have more options than Albertson's or Whole Foods.

Like others, this was just my $0.03 rant.


I understand and empathize. But it was sort of my point that you have to go beyond positive visualization and breathe the belief that you're always abundant absorbed into your very being. I wouldn't do this justice to try to explain it in a paragraph. Just wanted to respond to say I do understand we are all in different places and I appreciate that it is rough out there for a lot of people. I'm not rolling in large amounts of cash right now, but somehow, someway things seem to work out and I receive what I need. This is my point of what I was talking about above. You have to keep your faith and stay positive. Sometimes you can't always be positive - life sucks sometimes - but when you shift your thoughts everything really does change.

[petaltothemetal]

Testing the signature line

[petaltothemetal]

That was so easy! You are such a great help, Rawkinlocs! No wonder you're keeper of the forest! :)

[Eva]

I understand and empathize. But it was sort of my point that you have to go beyond positive visualization and breathe the belief that you're always abundant absorbed into your very being. I wouldn't do this justice to try to explain it in a paragraph. Just wanted to respond to say I do understand we are all in different places and I appreciate that it is rough out there for a lot of people. I'm not rolling in large amounts of cash right now, but somehow, someway things seem to work out and I receive what I need. This is my point of what I was talking about above. You have to keep your faith and stay positive. Sometimes you can't always be positive - life sucks sometimes - but when you shift your thoughts everything really does change.

I am right where you are right now. I am making good enough money at the moment, and I do feel lucky for that... but I really don't need a lot of money!

I am SO happy and joyous to just have fresh, raw food. I would like enough to keep me healthy, but I don't need fancy or expensive "super"foods. Heck, I think I could water fast for a few days if in a bind. There's no harm in living simply, walking or taking the bus, bicycling as often as possible, having roommates, etc. Joy and prosperity exist because we see what we have as abundant.

And, yeah, a lot of my money goes to help my mom for this and that too. I don't have to do that, but I feel so OVERabundant with my income these days, that I am always offering this or that. Why not? She was such a sweet person to me raising me as a single mom after my father passed on. She gave me everything she could as a kid. And if we were both strapped for money at the moment, I hope we would continue to see that as long as our basic needs are met... we make life as abundant as we create it in our minds!

[RawHeaven]

Eva you expressed this so much more eloquently than me. "Joy and prosperity exist because we see what we have as abundant". This was what I was trying to get across. I have been (monitarily) wealthy and not appreciative of what I've had or could purchase and now I really appreciate everything that comes into my life with great joy. Especially with food! When I find fresh raw food in abundance it makes me very happy. I usually receive everything I ask for. It's not about the money. It helps, but it doesn't make me happy. I'm thankful for everything I have and to me this is the epitome of abundance. I have shelter, I have my family, I have my health, I have loving friends in my life and so on and so forth. It's about seeing and feeling with joy what you want to receive. Right now it's all about good health, having fun creating art, sharing in the community I live in...among other things for me.

[GreenJB5]

Hi Eva,

Thanks for create the group. How can i get a copy of the frugal book?

Hi Raine,

Thanks for your support

Rawheaven,
please understand everyone has different background. I have a great salary but i think my grocery bill is ridiculous. To help cut the cost, i am going to two produce stores, the local farm and Wholes Food. These times are not greatest so some of us would like to watch our spending. Its great you dont pay attention to your bill, but I am a mother who also lives in the SF Bay Area. So I have to look at every detail. So my top priority is taking care of my family without going broke. In addition, i know so many who gave up because eating organic raw food was breaking them. And reading posts on this site, there is a need for this topic.

[Eva]

I think Mattye Lee has it on her blog at frugalraw.blogspot.com, and it's on Amazon now too (but I don't know all the details on that one. I would guess you could just search "frugal raw" and come up with it.)