can you do raw on a low budget?

[erialicia]

Would eating apples, bananas, green smoothies and seasonal fruit be sufficient? I want/need to go raw but need to do this low budget. any suggestions/comments???

[hyde]

That's what I do! I am on a very tight budget as well. Of course, it's also important to have some nuts or something to get healthy fats from ...

[erialicia]

thanks, yes... I can do nuts and avocados and salad with oil!

[LilacLavender]

It's possible, but be sure to get enough greens...and a b12 supplement in there might not be a bad idea, either.

[RawTruth]

Of course you can. It's not hard at all.

Just buy what foods are in season and, hopefully, what foods are local. Buy these from your farmer's market or through a co-op for your best deals on organic (if possible). Use seeds -- sunflower and pumpkin/pepita seeds are very affordable -- rather than expensive nuts. Grow your own sprouts. Start growing your own veggies right now; there's still enough time (depending on where you live).

What drives up many people's food costs is purchasing "superfoods," supplements, and luxury items that aren't really necessary but which we're often brainwashed into thinking we need in order to be a raw vegan. Don't be duped into believing this.

Then make sure you become accomplished at making tasty raw dishes so you won't get bored. This is very do-able and just takes a good raw uncookbook or two (check out the library) and some practice. Master a basic pate, a basic salad dressing, and some simple desserts and you're set.

So, briefly, to be successfully raw on a low budget:

Buy/use/eat:

Fresh green leaves - go foraging for the most nutritious (& free) ones!
Fresh vegetables - in season locally
Fresh fruits - in season locally
Raw seeds - go for the ordinary & ignore the exotic
Raw nuts - same as above
Raw sprouts - grow them yourself for super cheap

Avoid/don't buy/unnecessary:

Packaged raw crackers, granola, cookies, candies
Cacao beans/powder/nibs
Maca
Hemp seeds/oil/powder
Goji berries
Chia seeds
Spirulina
Green powders
Protein powders
Etc.

But don't scrimp on these - they're necessary &/or will last a long time:

Celtic or Himalayan salt - healthwise it's worth the $
Raw olive oil - if you can't find it, get the highest-quality EVOO possible
Apple cider vinegar - it's low-cost anyway
Dates - or honey, depending on your definition of vegan
Seasonings - cumin, basil, cayenne, oregano, etc.
Avocadoes - you need fat in your diet and this is a versatile fruit
Young Thai coconuts - can be an occasional treat and source of good fat. If you're in an urban area, there's a way to get them for cheap, but if you're not, they're not necessary.

Good luck. You can do it.

[EZ rider]

I find that the simpler I do raw the better it works.
Being aware of the difference in price for the same item from store to store can save plenty $.
Also watch for sales and coupons.
And just waiting for a slight return of hunger (CR) is not only healthy but it saves $.

[DeborahB]

And just waiting for a slight return of hunger (CR) is not only healthy but it saves $.

I can't stress this enough.
We are very used to eating huge amounts throughout the day. When I wait until I'm hungry before I eat I feel as though I don't eat enough in the day. I do eat enough, it just feels like I don't due to a lifetime of eating much more.
I always feel great when I don't overeat and I save money!

[spicyfull]

Sprouts are one of the Cheapest ways to Go RAW. You can buy Seeds and make them yourself and each batch only takes a few days.

You also have to get your priorities Right. How dedicated are you to RAW? Sometimes we buy what we want and skimp on what we need.

[raw_danceruk]

I do things simply, no oils, no nuts, no fancy extras

in the summer I just buy two cases a week of produce, winter I get food delivery

at the moment, case of banana's..done!

can be as simple as you like :)