Eating Clean on a Budget?
After a long hard look at our massive amounts of debt, the man and I decided to overhaul our finances and start Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover. Everything has been going great, except when it comes to our monthly grocery budget. We’re trying to be as frugal (read: cheap) as possible, which unfortunately doesn’t bode well for our healthy lifestyles. It feels as though we have to choose between getting out of debt or eating clean because let’s face it: fresh veggies, chicken breasts, ground sirloin, and supplements really add up. Pasta, potatoes, peanut butter, and basically any other quick carbs are cheap and filling - especially when my man eats like a freakin’ horse!
I keep telling myself that the harder we work and the more sacrifices we make now, the faster we’ll get out of debt and I can go back to eating my spinach and fresh chicken breasts. I have bumped up my cardio to try and make up for my few non-clean meals, but I’m still very discouraged. If any of you have some cheap clean recipes or hints, I would greatly appreciate your help. Until then, it’s back to the treadmill.
July 15, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Try growing your own vegtables. I live in a rural part of Washington and we have access to cattle, egg, and chicken farms. Sometime you maybe able to buy straight from them as opposed to the grocery store at a reduced cost. Our farmers market is also excellent. Besides alot of the grade A produce and meat are sold overseas and the stuff in the stores aren’t that great.
July 15, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I hear you. I’m trying to figure out how people can live off $500/mth in groceries for 4 people! Its at least double that for 2 adults and one toddler in my house. i don’t want to eat mac and chees every meal and not have fresh fruits, veggies, and protein. Only thing I can think of is if you buy roasts. Like roast beef–we do a roast beef dinner cooked with roasted onions on the base (we use beef consume for gravy), the next day we have philly sandwiches, the next beef stirfry, the next I chop up with a ton of veggies and put in the slow cooker. Hope this ehlps!
July 15, 2009 at 3:35 pm
First, let me say that doing Dave Ramsey is well worth it! My wife and I are currently doing this program. This time next year we expect to be out of debt, and that includes the 40,000 from finishing my MBA in 2007. We have a tough road even after that as we had issues which caused us to do this, but the peace that has come from it…WOW!
Second, I think one of the keys to eating cheap….is a deep freezer. Buy food in bulk. Buy fresh produce and freeze it, it isn’t as great after frozen, but better than eating french fries. My wife and I are currently looking into "buying" a cow or at least splitting one with someone. We have someone in the area who will prep every possible section of meat for you, so you end up with meat in bulk.
July 15, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Great article and I can understand your pain! IMHO eating healthy is darn near priceless. If not for your health than what do you have? If you don’t feel good about yourself and feel bad about your diet etc. then what is the point of saving that money. I don’t know your situation so I don’t want to advise on your money matters, but, health is just so important.
My main point would be to take a close look at your supplement use. Those darn things can cost so much money each month! Remember - they are SUPPLEMENTS! Meant to supplement the food you are eating, not replace it. By eating the right diet supplements can be greatly reduced and some would say eliminated. I would highly recommend the website/forums at www.eatcleanlifthard.com.
The folks at that site can offer so many ideas related to cheap, healthy, perfectly balanced meals, and also how to reduce supplement use in the process. Take a look at their results and they are astounding! The owner is http://www.eatcleanlifthard.com/forum/member.php?s=2cf12f5a13f73303999d75682d01ef4a&u=2
His nickname is Heyzeus909
Good luck!!!
July 15, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Hmm, your health is the most valuable thing you have really. Think, without it, you can’t work or really enjoy life
. PLUS, you would more than likely not have medical bills. Some stuff is really hard to save on, but I always try to buy fruits that are in season(oranges, apples, peaches etc), buying nonparishables in bulk is great, and canned veggies w/ low sodium or frozen is usually cheaper than fresh and last alot longer. For meats its kinda hard, but I’m pretty sure butcher shops are alot cheaper than the regular grocery price. Hope this helps and happy eating!
July 16, 2009 at 9:42 am
Thanks everyone for the input! We’re trying to strike a balance between eating right and being sensible.
Vaflyer - My husband started listening to Dave Ramsey on the radio before we were married, and we decided to start the program a few months ago. It’s working great so far, but we have a LONG way to go since we both have college loans. Keep up the hard work — you’re not alone!
July 16, 2009 at 9:48 am
frozen veggies and buy in bulk! I actually find that to be cheaper than eating unhealthy in the lond run. Use left overs and cook for the week? Hope it helps!
July 16, 2009 at 9:52 am
I like dave ramsey but i’m not limiting myself to beans and rice LOL