PLEASE NOTE: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
Let’s face it. Everything is expensive nowadays, and the grocery store is one of the main culprits.
Another harsh reality is that the healthiest foods are often the priciest options. So, an animal-based diet that consists of meat, fruit, dairy, and eggs must be crazy expensive, right? Think again.
Following an animal-based diet doesn’t have to break the bank, and it can also lead to savings in other areas, as we’ll see later.
11 Easy Ways to Save Money on An Animal-Based Diet
Looking for ways to save money on an animal-based diet? You’re in the right place.
The goal of this article is to help you find ways to improve your health on an animal-based diet without burning a hole in your wallet. Here are 11 strategies to keep in mind:
1. Shop local & buy straight from the source.
Most of us are accustomed to heading to the grocery store to stock our fridges and pantries. Unfortunately, this convenience can come at a premium.
To cut down on costs….
Buy maple syrup from the local Sugarbush
Buy honey from the local beekeeper
Buy meat and eggs from a nearby rancher
Cut out the middlemen and watch your food bill decrease. If you need help finding farms and ranches in your area, check out Eat Wild and Local Harvest.
Local farmers and ranchers may also be willing to give you a discount in exchange for cash payments.
2. Take part in a cowshare.
A cow share enables you to purchase an entire cow or a portion of the animal from a local rancher. Typical offerings are 1/4, 1/2, or the whole cow. A cow share can beat or match grocery store prices, but the meat is often of higher quality, and you support a local business. Plus, you can generally customize the specific cuts that you receive.
Be sure to request the organs and bones to use for bone broth. These are often discarded, but they’re incredibly nutrient-dense and can lead to massive savings when included.
A cow share is a great option if you want to stock your freezer for months or have friends who want to save money.
3. Buy in bulk.
Buying in bulk is an amazing way to save money on an animal-based diet. While your upfront cost is higher, you’ll save in the long run.
You can stock up on animal-based essentials such as meat, frozen fruit, tallow, honey, and so much more.
4. Eat nose to tail.
A key component of the animal-based diet is eating nose to tail. This means using as much of the animal as possible, including the meat, organs, bones, fat, and other often discarded components.
When you utilize these overlooked parts of the animal, you not only get valuable nutrients that are often lacking in other foods, but you also reduce waste and save money.
5. Cook your meals at home.
Dining out is costly for the average American. Food, drinks, and gratuity can rapidly add up to a pricey bill. Many on an animal-based diet choose to cook meals instead of constantly eating at restaurants.
Doing so allows you to select healthier options and gives you more bang for your buck.
6. Pay attention to proper food storage.
Another strategy for keeping costs down is to pay close attention to food storage in order to reduce waste.
Here are some simple tips to keep in mind:
7. Embrace budget protein sources.
It’s no secret that animal-based dieters eat a lot of meat. However, you don’t have to eat fancy steak cuts all the time. Instead, look to include a variety of protein sources.
Some of the most cost-effective options are:
- Ground Beef
- Wild-Caught Sardines
- Cheaper cuts of steak such as flanks, sirloins, denver, or chuck eye
- Chicken thighs
- Cheaper cuts of lamb, such as shoulder chops or leg
8. DIY.
A simple strategy to save money on an animal-based diet is to do it yourself.
For example, buy a whole watermelon instead of purchasing a costly pre-cut watermelon and cut it once you get home. You’ll receive more watermelon at a lower cost. The same strategy can be used for pineapples, mangoes, cantaloupe, and many other fruits.
High-quality ice cream brands like Ice Cream for Bears are amazing, but the cost can add up quickly. If you want to save money and satisfy your sweet tooth, you can make your own animal-based ice cream with only a few ingredients.
The same goes for beef jerky. This popular animal-based snack is awesome to bring with you on the go, but store-bought options can be expensive.
Taking it a step further, you can also save money by making your own tallow.
9. Look for bargains at your grocery store of choice.
Not everyone has easy access to farmers’ markets or local produce, and that’s okay. You can still find great deals at just about any grocery store.
Keep an eye out for animal-based items like meat, honey, dairy, or eggs that may be on sale.
10. Cut down on snacking.
When eating an animal-based diet, it’s also common for people to snack less.
A meat, eggs, dairy, and fruit diet can be incredibly satiating, leading to less snacking throughout the day. While they may be delicious, foods like protein bars, chips, or trail mix are often pricey and leave you wanting more.
The savings from fewer snack foods can add up quickly.
11. Adjust your mindset.
Viewing healthy foods as an investment can radically change your feelings toward the grocery bill. Dishing out more money today for higher-quality foods sets you up to thrive in the short term and the distant future.
Plus, it’s not uncommon for people to erase or dramatically improve their health issues once they eat whole foods and remove processed junk. Some people may be able to phase out their medications with the help of a medical professional and save hundreds of dollars per month.
A nutrient-dense diet may also enable you to stop spending thousands of dollars on supplements.
Cleaning up your diet certainly has challenges, but they pale in comparison to the struggles of being sick.
You Can Eat Healthy Without Breaking the Bank
Maintaining a healthy diet can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be this way. While the initial cost of the animal-based diet (or any other diet) may seem higher. There’s often a variety of savings that are easy to overlook. With a little bit of research and extra effort, you can fill your plate with healthy foods and cut down on excessive costs.
Shopping local, cutting out the middleman, eating nose to tail, and buying in bulk can all make a huge difference.
You shouldn’t have to settle for low-quality foods just because they’re cheap. Instead, indulge in nutritious (and delicious) whole foods without breaking the bank.
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