Eating a healthy, unprocessed diet doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, you might even save money by ditching processed foods altogether. Here are eight tips for enjoying affordable, unprocessed meals that are full of flavor and health benefits.
Tip 1: Constantly read food labels
Make it a habit to read food labels thoroughly. If the ingredient list contains unfamiliar words, it’s a good sign that the food doesn’t belong in an unprocessed or paleo diet. Avoid foods with added gums, sugars, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, and soy lecithin.
Tip 2: Buy foods with no additives
Opt for fruits, vegetables, honey, and oats that are free of additives. Just keep in mind that if you’re following a strict paleo diet, grains like oats are off-limits.
Tip 3: Stick with reliable brands
Find brands that consistently produce gluten-free or unprocessed foods. For example, Lara bars consist of dried fruits and nuts, while the Ozuke brand of kimchi (spicy fermented vegetables) helps digestion and is paleo-friendly.
Tip 4: Cook additive-free treats
Instead of buying yogurt with added sugar and flavorings, buy plain yogurt and add your own honey and fruit. For dessert, make your own almond butter with chocolate chips. Swap store-bought French fries for home-cooked oven-baked potatoes or sweet potatoes with coconut oil.
Tip 5: Prepare vegetables in advance
Cook large batches of veggies on the weekend and store them in the fridge or freezer for easy meals throughout the week.
Tip 6: Join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program
CSAs help you connect with local farmers to buy fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables at an affordable price, fostering healthy eating habits.
Tip 7: Pack unprocessed foods for trips
Bring your own unprocessed foods for snacks and research sources of paleo-friendly food options at your destination.
Tip 8: Don’t be overly strict
It’s often unnecessary to follow a diet perfectly, so don’t fret if you indulge in the occasional non-paleo treat. However, if you have food allergies, sensitivities, or autoimmune problems, it’s essential to stick to your diet to avoid health complications.
After a while, adapting to a healthy, unprocessed diet becomes much easier as you develop new habits and discover yummy recipes. Not only will you save money by cutting out processed foods, but you’ll also experience a noticeable improvement in your overall well-being.
