Save $750/yr on a plant-based diet

Originally posted March 20/17

​Pondering my monthly budget, I realized that I had never researched how much money could be saved, eating less meat.

I think everyone generally believes eating healthy is expensive (organic foods included). A recent study actually shows otherwise.

If you look at total grocery costs, animal products are the most expensive items, costing more than double the cost of a serving of vegetables or legumes and 60% more than the cost of a serving of fruit. Ref. Drewnowski A. The cost of U.S. foods as related to their nutritive value. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;92:1181–1188. [CrossRef], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®], [Google Scholar]  illustrates that, when compared, a plant-based diet saves you approx. $750 a year.

As per Dietitians of Canada, Vegetarian diets usually exclude meat, chicken and fish. Some vegetarians choose to eat eggs and dairy products, while some exclude  these foods too.

Like any other style of eating, the nutrients you take in depend upon the food choices you make. It is important to know how to replace meat with nutritious alternatives like legumes, nuts and seeds and soy.  Not to worry, the recipes I feature on our site, will always try to incorporate these items.

​For example, I am currently working on a recipe where (ground sunflower seeds) will take the place of panko, for coating/breading zucchini sticks. Another idea might be replacing ground beef with lentils, in a lasagna dish etc...    have fun with it, be creative!