Is a plant-based diet expensive?

Have you ever thought about wanting to make a lifestyle change and become plant-based, but you think it's expensive? I created this guide with 5 steps specifically for those who want to go down this path. This guide contains some ideas and tips for an easy transition with satisfying and delicious meals.

Is a plant-based diet expensive?

I'm very happy to say NO! After making this change in my diet, the budget I usually allocated for groceries was cut in half. And yes, I continued to eat delicious meals as before, just much more nutritious. There are many expensive foods in stores, if we look for them, that's why I created this guide with 5 simple steps to make the transition to plant-based easier.

How to save your budget in 5 steps with a plant-based diet?

Eat exactly as you did before, just plant-based

Seems pretty simple? Well, it is. One of the most important tips for those who want to try this lifestyle is to continue eating as before.

What do I mean? We tend to put pressure on ourselves when we want to make a major change. We're excited about a new stage in our lives, and we want to do everything perfectly. The secret is actually just replacing animal protein with plant-based protein, that's it. For example, instead of chicken, use tofu or chickpeas, cow's milk with plant-based milk, etc. You can enjoy your favorite pasta, burgers, or even tacos, they're just plant-based. Baby steps!

Shop smart

After you've prepared your shopping list, see what you could buy per kilogram, it's always a cheap option. Especially when it comes to nuts, such as cashews, almonds or pistachios, you can save a lot of money if you buy them like that. There are many plant-based recipes that include nuts, cashew cheese sauces, plant-based milk or desserts, you can find them in many stores and even online, the best part is that they last a long time.

Less processed food

This is a pretty simple but important step. It's sometimes hard to resist the temptation to buy processed products. I'm not saying you shouldn't consume them, but if it has the label "vegan" on it, it doesn't necessarily mean it's nutritious, plus they're expensive. You can reduce these products like frozen pizza, cheesecake or lasagna to once a month.

Prepare in advance

I'm not saying you should eat the same thing every day, boring! Or ruin a peaceful Sunday to prepare more meals. You can cook a larger quantity of certain dishes each time. For example, you can cook soups, stews, curries, pancakes or chia pudding, and the list goes on. They're simple and delicious recipes that you can make for multiple servings, so you automatically prepare in advance.

Preparing in advance saves you money, because you use almost the same ingredients for a larger quantity of servings. Plus, you avoid ordering food because you don't have anything cooked at home. Whatever you choose to cook, remember that it tends to lose its flavor after 4 days in the fridge. For example, I only prepare in advance warm meals like those mentioned above, but I prefer to make a fresh salad or something on the spot, which is why I always have fresh vegetables and fruits in the fridge.

Stock up on beans and cereals

There are a multitude of beans and cereals to choose from. They are very versatile, you can use them to prepare quesadillas, stews, burgers, hummus, etc. They are rich in fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins, they are inexpensive and last a long time. The canned ones are very affordable and easy to introduce in cooking, but if you want to save more money, you can buy dried beans and cook them beforehand.

I also sometimes think, "Oh, I have nothing to eat!" but then I remember to take a look in my kitchen stock. Inevitably, I find a can of chickpeas or beans, or a bag of red lentils. It is exactly in those moments I created recipes like creamy red lentil soup or veggie fajitas.

In conclusion

Adopting a plant-based diet can be an effective way to save money on your food budget without sacrificing nutrition, taste, or variety. By focusing on whole foods, cooking at home, meal planning, and incorporating legumes and grains, you can create delicious meals that are both affordable and good for you. Making these simple changes can not only benefit your wallet but also your health and the environment. So why not give it a try and see the positive impact it can have on your budget and beyond!