The pandemic has changed everyone’s lives in so many ways. When shit first hit the fan the grocery stores were mobbed! People were buying up meat, milk, eggs, and pasta. While we don’t eat those things it was smart to buy food that stores well, you can freeze and make many meals from. We also realized that this pandemic has taken a toll on many people between downsizing homes, losing income, or complete loss of jobs. Since the pandemic has restored people’s creativity and folks are considering lifestyle changes, we frequently are asked, “Isn’t being vegan expensive?”
Followed by, “I can’t afford to be vegan” “It’s too much work being vegan”. Listen to me when I tell you, it’s not expensive, it’s less work, and you CAN afford it.
When people think of vegan, they probably think of specialty items like a 5 cheese gourmet mac and cheese or an Italian sausage ziti. While THOSE things may cost you a little more, they are not your everyday meals. It would be as if you bought a steak or salmon dinner. These are not things you eat on a regular basis. Stop trying to be “fancy” and be realistic. Let me put you on to some cheap, easy and quick meals we LOVE. Here’s our top 3 tips on how to eat vegan on the cheap:
#1 Think BASIC.
Grains, beans, vegetables, fruit, pasta, etc. ALL these foods can be found at your local market for little of nothing. You can make pasta probably 100+ different ways with all the numerous vegetables that are available. Beans! Oh, let me count the ways. You could do a classic mixed beans w/ rice, a savory curry chickpea stew, or really get creative by making a chickpea “tuna” sandwich.
#2 Buy in bulk.
Club stores like Sam’s Club, Costco, and BJs you can buy boxes of pasta, dry beans, and many other essentials. This way you’re not running back and forth to the store to buy simple items that should be staples in your pantry. The benefit of buying dry beans is that they last forever; well not forever, but a VERY long time. You also don’t have to worry about using the entire package in one sitting. You can cook what you need then store the rest.
#3 Shop at your local farmer’s market.
We cannot stress this enough! You should and can buy all your vegetables, fruits, and many other items at your local market. Not only are the market foods cheaper, they’re fresh! You will spend a fraction of the amount on veggies and fruits as you would at your neighborhood grocery store.
We’ve provided a simple list of foods you can use to supply your cabinets and cupboards for $25 or less!
Grains
Rice (all variations)
Quinoa
Oats
Protein
Tofu
Beans
Lentils
Chickpeas
Fats
Avocado
Grapeseed oil
Seeds/nuts
Veggies
Kale
Sweet Potato
Brussels sprouts
Fruits
Citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit, lemons, etc.)
Bananas
Berries
Now you may look at this list and think what can you make with these foods; where’s the “real” food at right? Here’s a simple recipe for a dish you can make in bulk and eat for a few days as a leftover or make it for the family!