From a farmer’s field to a farmer’s market, freshly-grown organic food is better for you, your family and our environment. The reason for this is simple – limited pesticides and/or preservatives are used in the growth and shipment of these products. Good health and good will aside, many consumers may shy away from the organic aisle in their neighbourhood grocery store as stocked organic produce can, typically, cost an inflated amount.
Typically, the organic food takes a bad wrap as it is offered at inflated prices. Can you eat better on a tighter budget? Absolutely. Here are just a few ideas to shop organic “on the cheap”.
Shop the farmer’s markets: By browsing the sales tables just a few times, you may be hooked! It can be well worth your while to arrive early as you’ll have a far better selection.
Buy bulk. Anything you can buy in large quantities without fear of spoilage, can be worth it. This can be canned items, paper goods and shampoo.
Discuss your menu desires with your grocer. If you don’t find what you like on your next shopping trip, mention it to the grocery store management. Smart retailers will listen to their customers and you may be pleasantly surprised to find your recommendation carried on a grocer’s shelf next time.
Use a grocery list. This may seem self-evident, but listed items serve as reminders of what to buy and what not to buy. Once you have everything you need in your cart, you’ll be finished shopping and won’t ever-extend yourself financially. Buying excess food is both expensive and wasteful, should you not eat it all.
Grow your own. Even if you don’t have anything resembling a green thumb, it’s not difficult to plant a few seeds or plants and water them on a regular basis. There’s little better than having plenty of delicious fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, except for knowing first-hand where that produce came from … it would be hand-picked by you.
Buy in season. Foods that are in season are typically plentyful. This means the price is probably lower, too.
If you are concerned that shopping organic costs more, think about this - if you are making the switch from a regular diet which includes plenty of snacks and sugar treats, you will probably stop buying those 'bad for you' foods. The money you save on those non-organic and unhealthy foods will be spent on the organic foods. It really does add up to a better lifestyle.
