Two ideas that hold no place in fact, is 1) You can't get shredded or body-builder fit eating plants (vegan) 2) It costs more to live a vegan lifestyle. Not only are both of these points untrue, you're also missing out on a potential savings of up to $7,000 a year!
According to Plant-Based Professional Vegan Body Builder, Derek Tresize, his family of four save as much as $7,000 a year on groceries/food since going plant-based and he says you can too!
Derek, whose average consumption is about 4,000 calories a day also has a wife who eats about 1,800 a days and two kids to boot.
With over two years of research and shopping data that includes not only grocery shopping, but eating out, the Tresize's have managed to develop a well-balanced, whole-food, plant-based lifestyle while also leaving thousands in savings in the bank!
The Proof is in the Bank and in the Studies!
Having come across a great many of these stories, I thought it important to share published studies that further corroborate these personal findings.
According to the Journal for Hunger & Environmental Nutrition and another study by the National Academy of Sciences, not only will you save thousands at the grocery store a year, you'll contribute to the reduction of your risk factors for chronic disease by up to 90%! An article in Beet Magazine (highlighted below), also highlighted a study that concluded that you can save $23/pp per week $1196/pp-just by going meat-less; imagine how much more you'll save cutting the dairy, eggs and fish! ( https://thebeet.com/study-shows-going-meatless-saves-an-average-of-23-per-week-on-groceries/ )!
ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
By adopting a healthy, whole-food, plant-based lifestyle, you are literally changing the world! This comprehensive University of Oxford study published in the scientific journal, Science in July 2019. The study, that considered, the impact on greenhouse gas emissions, freshwater use, water and air pollution and land use. included findings from 119 countries, 40,000 farms and 40 agricultural products, concluded that not eating meat and dairy (going vegan) can reduce your individual carbon footprint by up to 73%.
From significantly reducing your carbon footprint and significantly reducing risk factors our top chronic diseases to bringing no harm to animals, one person can truly make a difference.
QUICK TIPS TO SHOP AND SAVE!
1. SHOP THE PERIMETER OF THE STORE & SAVE!
In most stores, the perimeter is where you'll find your produce, bulk grains, legumes & beans.
2. FOCUS AWAY FROM MOCK-MEATS & HIGHLY PROCESSED VEGAN FOODS
Mock Meats and highly processed foods are both expensive and far less nutrient-dense than minimally processed plant-based foods. So, if the goal is to save money, steer clear of these products as an everyday staple on the plate.
3. PREP-AHEAD & SAVE
While it may seem tedious and time consuming, preparing your meals ahead and shopping in a way that stretches your food across various plant-based recipes can save you time and money. If you don't know how, check out our Vegan Cook-A-Longs and/or find a Vegan Cooking classes online or in your local area!
4. SHOP & SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS
Whether you live in an urban center or a small town, there are lots of local farmers who don't produce enough yield to service a big box retail grocer, but have more than enough to provide healthy garden to table goodness to you and your family! In my local area I shop as much as possible with my friends at "Maranatha Farm and Wellness," a black-owned, organic CSA, as well as Mauldin Open Air Market.
Check around on social media platforms for local farms that would love to support your health-wealth journey while also saving lots of money!
