Isn't Healthy Eating More Expensive?

I hear this all time when I explain to people how we eat..."I wish I could feed my family that way, but it's sooooooo expensive!"  The idea that eating healthy is more expensive than eating junk is a myth.
First, if you think about the most expensive items you buy at the grocery store they would be milk and dairy products, meat and junk food items (ie pretty much any packaged chips, cookies, crackers, candy).  If you cut out those items or dramatically reduce your intake of those foods, your grocery bill will be much less. Next, if you are eating a plant based, whole foods diet, you will be spending more of your time in the bulk section and the produce area of the grocery store (and we all know buying bulk is MUCH less expensive).  Also, buying some of your staples online will save you much more money than buying them in the health section of your grocery store. Amazon has a program, called Subscribe and Save. It allows you to buy items at a 15% discount with FREE shipping!  You have the choice of having your items delivered automatically every 1, 2, 3 or 6 months or after your first delivery you can cancel.  The 15% discount is on top of the already low Amazon price, you will be amazed at the deals you can get!
Some packaged health foods are expensive and organic produce can be spendy. However, if you learn to make your own healthy snacks, breads, treats and even cereals, you will save a lot of cash (check out my blogroll, you will find amazing blogs that have many easy and money saving healthy recipes).
Yes, organic produce is often more expensive. But, if you shop sales and learn which produce is best bought organic and which produce you can buy conventionally, your produce bill will balance out and will be limiting your family's exposure to toxins.  Planting your own garden or purchasing produce at your local Farmer's Market is also a great way to save money and enjoy amazing produce! I like to think of it this way...pay at the grocery store or pay at the doctor's office. Here's a list of foods that you don't have to buy organic (known as the "clean 15").  Look here to see a list of foods that you should always buy organic as they are highly sprayed or absorb pesticides more readily (these are called the "dirty dozen").
Hint, more and more healthy foods companies are offering coupons which will go a long way to saving you money.  Many stores like Costco and Trader Joes and Amazon, offer healthy foods at low prices. As you learn to navigate the grocery store with a view to eating healthy and saving money, you will see how nourishing your family with whole foods is NOT more expensive.  Yes, it takes some planning, but just like anything, once you get the hang of it you will see that eating healthy is very do-able on a budget!  Here are some good sites that I use to find great coupons for healthy foods: Saving Naturally and Healthy Life Deals.  Stayed tuned for more money saving tips and recipes! Thanks for reading! :-)