Saving $ and Staying Healthy

[Veg4Life]

With the economy the way it is, I'm wondering what everyone is doing to save money and keep eating raw? My family tends to spend a lot of money on our diet. We like to make a lot of the "fancy" raw dishes, we buy a lot of nuts, and buy organic, so it is costly with a large family.

However, we have recently begun sprouting, which is very inexpensive. I'm thinking about replacing some of the greens we use in our smoothies with sprouts. That would save us a bunch right there. Does anyone put their sprouts in their smoothies? What else do you do with your sprouts (besides salads and "sandwiches")??

We have also started our own garden, which I know everyone can't do, but you can do a lot even in pots on a small patio.

Anything else you do to save a bit here and there?

[T-Bird]

I put some sprouts in a smoothie once - terrible! I made it - took to work, when I opened it it had that "rotten sprout" smell in just that short peroid of time.


I've joined a CSA this summer, although based on the boxes so far - I don't think it will save money - quite the contrary, although the freshness is nice.

I have a 10x5 plot out back with peppers, cukes, cilantro, parsley, beets carrots, watermelon, pumpkin, zuchini - none of this is even close to producing, lol.

Also there is basic, oregano, which I've had a few little snips of for pasta sauce, and some arugula that I should be able to start harvesting in the next week.

I plant to try to do more indoor growing come fall/winter, as well as maximize harvests with a cold weather planting in late summer.

I've likely invested 300 or more in all this planting stuff - it's going to take quite a bit of harvesting to even break even.

Next year - I might get ahead on this!

I'm composting so I don't have to buy soil next year. I've got seeds enough for 3 years - unless I want to add in other types. I bought loads that it is too late to try for, I got a late start which is why I'm not even near to harvesting....

[T-Bird]

oh - meant to mention greens are easy to grow in pots, beets too. Just based on reading, not personal experience, but I plan too this winter.

[spicyfull]

Sprouts are one of the Cheapest ways to remain RAW on a Budget. Different Sprouts taste different in certainFoods I like to make Sprout Salads or add to regular Salads.

[Veronica01]

You could try buying in bulk flats of fruit or greens from farmers markets or your local grocer. You just have to ask, and maybe you'll get a good deal if every week you buy a huge flat of say bananas or apples or oranges. Living off of fancy nut dishes is way to expensive for me as a single person, i can't imagine affording it for a whole family. Using them occaissionally and not in every meal will save you money.

PS. I only like a few sprouts in lettuce wraps or on salad, they really smell funky in the smoothies.

[Veganforlife]

check this out:

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?p=504018&highlight=frugal#post504018

[RaeVynn]

More greens - less nuts.

We grow greens in our little garden. I can't quite keep up with them!

Using sunflower seeds instead of more expensive nuts in some recipes helps, too. Like 'cheeze' recipes, for instance. Some recipes really NEED the nuts, but buying 'pieces' instead of whole/halves helps, too, like with cashews and walnuts.

[Veg4Life]

Thanks everyone. Great post, VFL!