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Thread: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

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    Default Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    So I'm a stripper, and I make very good money. But I'm saving all of my money (with the exception of occasional food/camera supply splurges), so I'm currently living on the "college budget."

    I live with my older sister, and she and I share groceries and both dip into our college funds equally to support the collective's grocery money supply.

    Right now, when we get groceries, we get really basic things like bread, milk, cottage cheese, etc.

    So for all of you who eat super healthy--like Vegan, Vegetarian, no wheat/dairy/etc, Raw--how do you afford this? They all sound like really expensive diets. (If I'm naive thinking this, then educate me!)

    Is it possible to eat on these kinds of diets while spending a "normal" amount of money when grocery shopping? What does your typical grocery list look like?

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    MsQwerty
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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Eating raw is cheap, fruit, nuts, veggies... You can grow sprouts. I eat a lot of brown rice too but that doesnt really break the bank :-)

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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Great post. I too, struggled with being veg on a budget. I mean..... how can I justify purchasing a salad for $6.95 when a double cheeseburger from the dollar menu is so much more filling????

    The best advice I can give you is to get friendly with local fruit and veggie-stand people. You can't really haggle in a supermarket, but the local fruit stand, farmer's market, and small mom & pop vegetable stores usually have MUCH better prices and are more willing to cut you a deal.

    Also, "ethnic" stores (indian, vietnamese, chinese, thai, etc.) have vegan foods on the CHEAP! Just read the label carefully and you'll be surprised how many frozen, packaged, and prepared vegan foods there are just waiting for you in your local Chinatown.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    I always thought it was cheaper to eat raw and vegan!

    Processed foods are so expensive. You go out and buy bananas, oranges, broccoli, lettuce, peas, mushrooms, two small melons, kiwi fruit, a bag of apples and some carrots and the total is like $15.

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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Quote Originally Posted by Lysondra View Post
    I always thought it was cheaper to eat raw and vegan!

    Processed foods are so expensive. You go out and buy bananas, oranges, broccoli, lettuce, peas, mushrooms, two small melons, kiwi fruit, a bag of apples and some carrots and the total is like $15.
    Yeah $15... but that's like 15 double cheeseburgers, or an infinite supply of Ramen.

    I found that I was hungrier more often and much more severely when I was Veg. And then, when I'm in the middle of friggin' Manhattan, feinding for something warm, salty & cheesey.... I wouldn't automatically think of a banana or a mushroom to satiate my craving. So yeah..... especially if we're talking "fast" food you could easily break the bank by buying healthier options (note my McDonald's burger vs. McDonald's salad comparison earlier in the thread).

    Also, any food that isn't cooked or prepared will automatically be cheaper. For the same $15 I can buy like a ton of hamburger meat...... so it's not just veggies that are cheap.

    You will save money if you purchase groceries and cook at home. That is the surefire way to save cash, regardless of if you're veg or not.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    You're obsessed with hamburgers for someone trying to give advice on eating vegan.

    Besides, the OP asked about groceries, not fast food.


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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Quote Originally Posted by Lysondra View Post
    You're obsessed with hamburgers for someone trying to give advice on eating vegan.
    Besides, the OP asked about groceries, not fast food.
    LOL. Yes.... I'm obsessed with hamburgers.

    The reason I use the McDonalds example is because it is universally understandable. Couple that with the Whole Foods phenomenon sweeping the nation... eating raw, vegan, or "healthy" however you define it, can be a VERY costly endeavor. I mean, FUCK, the store will charge you $2.89 for an apple and then make you PAY for a plastic bag to put it in???? Reminds me of Communist Russia. Except it's stylish.

    Also, you'll note that I answered her question pretty awesome-like. So as far as "trying" to give advice... I think I can reasonably declare a mission accomplished on my part.


    Now, go eat some meat. You're getting a little cranky.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Buy everything on sale. If a certain fruit or veggie isn't on sale then I don't buy it that week and stock up when it is on sale. Sure I might be stuck eating nectarines as a snack for a week but at .47/lb I'm still winning being healthy.

    I'm trying to adopt a raw diet. Not full just more raw items. More fruits and uncooked veggies (not canned).

    Here are some vegan and raw grocery lists for you. Some from forums some are websites.
    http://www.vegfamily.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2995
    http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthrea...t=33516&page=3
    http://www.veganforum.com/forums/sho...d.php?p=491575
    http://fromsadtoraw.com/TheRawKitchen.htm
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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Sweet Links! Thanks TM!!!!

    Edit: I also wanna add my favorite Vegan snack thingy. Primal Strips Hot & Spicy Shiitake jerky. Nom Nom Nom.

    http://www.veganessentials.com/catal...1-oz-strip.htm

    Not the cheapest site in the world but pretty awesome, nonetheless.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Where the hell are you getting a three dollar apple??!

    Oh, and I was MAKING A JOKE, not being crank, but okay.


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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Everyone chill and eat these fresh monkey brains I made. jk hehehehe I never sleep right after work.

    I'm addicted to raw snow peas. Stratifies that crunch craving. No dipping sauce or anything just them.

    Oh yes lentils and beans. You can make some very easy and healthy super low sodium soups with a base of lentils n such for cheap.

    Add more: Oh yea fucking Naan is delicious! Garlic Naan. You can make your own Naan for cheap.
    http://www.recipezaar.com/203261
    http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Naan/Detail.aspx
    http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Indian-Naan-II/Detail.aspx
    garlic Naan
    http://www.recipezaar.com/140376
    Last edited by TigersMilk; 08-12-2008 at 02:44 AM.
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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    ^I love lentils. And my local Indian store has some awesome lentils and red beans for like a dollar a kilo. Mix it with some instant $2.00 bhindi masala and a frozen flatbread and you're GOOD and happy!


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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Quote Originally Posted by Lysondra View Post
    Where the hell are you getting a three dollar apple??!
    Oh, and I was MAKING A JOKE, not being crank, but okay.
    Yeah, and I realized I mentioned hamburgers a lot. LOL. Must be subconscious.

    The apple, I bought at Whole Foods.... pricey bastards.

    I'll give you my 'spensive apple.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Quote Originally Posted by Lysondra View Post
    ^I love lentils. And my local Indian store has some awesome lentils and red beans for like a dollar a kilo. Mix it with some instant $2.00 bhindi masala and a frozen flatbread and you're GOOD and happy!
    Speaking of Indian stores... they have RAW NUTS for half the price (sometimes even 1/3 the price) of Health food stores.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Oh yes more your local farmers market. The one near my house has big fruits and veggies for cheap.
    you live like an ivy vine
    you can only survive by clinging onto trees
    that's your flaw
    put down some roots so you can stand on your own
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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Oh man, I just remembered... when my family was on Welfare, mom would always raid the "as is" or "slightly damaged" shelf at the supermarket. They usually had fruit that was a little over-ripe or cans of beans that were dented for ridiculously cheap. Some supermarkets have this section... if yours does check it everytime you shop. For realz!!!
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Awww fankoo Miss Sophia. You can nibble my expensive cheese and we can split the apple and have cheese 'n' apples.

    ---

    Yes Indian stores have SUPER cheap nuts and SPICES! OMG. I found BAGS UPON BAGS of chili, cardamon, peppercorns, curry... like MASSIVE bags.. for $3. No joke! They even had a bag of saffron for like $30. The bag was bigger than this thread.


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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    I'm inspired now! Thanks girls! I plan on honestly giving this plan a go. Thanks TM for those links...now I can see what I'm working with.

    I'll be honest, when TM mentioned eating raw snow peas...I thought. "ewww" lol. I guess I can learn to love raw veggies.

    Lysondra, you'd be surprised how expensive fruit can be at the supermarket. I was at the grocery store the other day and they were selling 1 apple for like $1.79!!!! It's crazy!

    Curious, do you ladies ever buy your veggies frozen? It would last longer that way right? And it still retains all the vitamins because it's frozen as soon as it's picked right?







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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    I never buy frozen veggies. I just don't like how it tastes burnt.


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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    ^ Woah CK I can't believe how expensive that apple was!!

    I'm not sure how expensive fruits and veggies are other places, but buying lots of fresh produce once a week can usually be cheap. Always buy what's seasonal so it's cheaper and fresher too, or even frozen veggies are ok for stirfries or even steamed if you can't get any cheap, fresh veggies.

    Just be smart about your cooking. Always take a travel apple with you so you're not tempted to buy fast food

    Then cook with staples such as brown rice & pasta, couscous, oats (for breakfast), chickpeas, salmon, tuna & kidney beans. Quite often these things are cheap in bulk or come on special at the supermarket at different times, so watch out and stock up. Also buy chicken breasts and meats like that from the deli and not pre-wrapped as it's a lot cheaper.

    Eating like this will take extra preparation and being organised though.
    Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Quote Originally Posted by cinammonkisses View Post
    And it still retains all the vitamins because it's frozen as soon as it's picked right?
    Yes. Quite often frozen veggies are even more nutritious than fresh because they are frozen when they are at their optimal nutritious time, so have the best nutritional value.
    Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Quote Originally Posted by Sophia_Starina View Post
    LOL. Yes.... I'm obsessed with hamburgers.

    The reason I use the McDonalds example is because it is universally understandable. Couple that with the Whole Foods phenomenon sweeping the nation... eating raw, vegan, or "healthy" however you define it, can be a VERY costly endeavor. I mean, FUCK, the store will charge you $2.89 for an apple and then make you PAY for a plastic bag to put it in???? Reminds me of Communist Russia. Except it's stylish.

    Also, you'll note that I answered her question pretty awesome-like. So as far as "trying" to give advice... I think I can reasonably declare a mission accomplished on my part.


    Now, go eat some meat. You're getting a little cranky.
    Whole Foods is a bit fucked with the prices. Trader Joe's is so much cheaper, or better yet, a farmer's market.

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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Quote Originally Posted by cinammonkisses View Post
    I'll be honest, when TM mentioned eating raw snow peas...I thought. "ewww" lol. I guess I can learn to love raw veggies.
    They taste sweet and crunchy. I peel the string off of them first and snap the ends off before I eat them. Such a yummy finger snack food.
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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    But the problem with the Raw food diet is that you have to eat an assload of raw foods, right? I was reading a blog about someone's adventure into Raw land, and he was eating pounds and pounds of fruit/veggies per day....which seemed expensive. And to stay committed to it, he was eating some relatively expensive stuff (which made it more interesting) like berries... Which tend to be a rare treat in my land of college food.

    And isn't it hard to fit all of your nutrients into your diet? For vegans--what about proteins? For Raw--what about...everything? I'm so naive about all of this shiz...

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    Default Re: Eating Raw/Vegan/Etc on a Budget??

    Quote Originally Posted by Lysondra View Post
    I always thought it was cheaper to eat raw and vegan!

    Processed foods are so expensive. You go out and buy bananas, oranges, broccoli, lettuce, peas, mushrooms, two small melons, kiwi fruit, a bag of apples and some carrots and the total is like $15.
    color me stupid, but how do you get full on that? even if i ate some of all of that i dont think i could get full, not to mention my body is so accustomed to microwavable food that anythime i eat healthy i get massive digestive issues.

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