Raw Foods on a Budget: It CAN be Done!
– by Brandi Rollins
This is the article you have been looking for! I give you real answers that will empower you to make confident and educated choices in how you spend money. But remember that this article is only a starting point. Living a budget-conscious raw food lifestyle involves enhancing how and where you shop for food, how you prepare, store, and eat your food, and how you think about your budget.
It’s Not About the Price of Food
You may be thinking, “How can she say this? Fruits and vegetables are so expensive!” Here’s the reality: our shopping habits are SO UNHEALTHY that even if we had good prices we would still buy more than we need. Most of us were never taught to be frugal and maintain budgets; plus, even when we have a budget, we tend to be more lax with our food expenses.
Envision the Life You Want
We have a choice when creating a budget: we can either view it as a tool that limits our lives or as one that enhances it. If you let it, a budget can bring tremendous freedom to your life. For me, it reassures me that I have enough to pay bills (no more stress!) and share with others — that’s true abundance. Especially, it gives me a strong sense of empowerment in my finances — and no more regrets!
Do this exercise: grab a pen and paper, sit in a quiet space, and envision the life you want.
What does your life look like?- What are you doing?
- How are you dressed?
- What does your kitchen look like?
Write down your vision and place the paper in a location where you will see it every day. This vision is the goal you are working for and it will inspire you to create and stick with your budget.
Buy What You Need. Eat All You Have.
This is an important strategy because we have the habit of WASTING SO MUCH FOOD! And when we waste food, we waste our money and the time it took to earn that money. To learn how much food you and your family actually needs, do this exercise:
Vow to NOT go grocery shopping until you eat ALL of the perishable food in your kitchen.
Soon you will see how long it takes for you to eat what you buy.
For many individuals and families, this exercise takes 2-3 weeks. (Yes, we have that much food sitting in our kitchens and it’s instant savings!) You too will find that on your next grocery shopping trip you will save A LOT of time and money!
If you enjoyed this article, then you may also enjoy Brandi’s books, Raw Foods on a Budget and Confessions of an East Coast Raw Vegan.