Why is Clean Eating so Expensive?

Its Not.  

I feel that this is a misconception for many.  I find that there are several reasons why some are spending way too much and making it too complicated.  The good news?  There are ways to make this a simple and painless journey.  Its going to take a learning curve but once you get into your groove, you're going to find its not as expensive as you thought.  I hope these tips inspire you to change your mindset.  To think positively about the process.  Its a journey of progress and not perfection so do allow yourself grace.  This ride you're about to get on is probably one of the most important ones of your life.  You're stepping up for you and your family and making your health a priority.  Be Faithful with the little things and you will be trusted with more! A lesson I learned at Dani Johnson and it couldn't be more true!  So as you go through these tips go ahead and write down the ones you can take action on now.  Be open minded and stay positive!

Tips for Clean Eating on a Budget.  

• Budget.  Let's look at your budget.  I highly suggest you print off your bank statements and take a personal audit.  Where is your food budget going to now?  Coffee Shops?  Eating out?  Grocery Store?  Highlight the different categories with different highlighters and see where you're money is going.  This weekend a friend and I went to a Dani Johnson seminar.  This was one of the topics she covered and for my friend it was truly eye opening.  During this talk she realized she was spending $5 on a latte 6 days a week.  She was spending $120 a month on coffee.  You will be surprised at how the little things add up quickly.  Now that you have an average of how much you want to spend in groceries.  I would say its easily doable with $100 - $150 a week on groceries.  The average family already spends $150 - $248 on groceries right now.  I personally spend around $125- $150 (and that includes some non food items in there).  Make Goals!

• As I talked in my first blog of this series of clean eating posts - its all about the mindset.  Know that this is a great thing you're doing.  Health should be one of your top priorities.  Knowing that your setting your family up for success.  You're taking control of the habits and creating new ones that will last a lifetime.  Its amazing to me to watch my 5 year old and see how much she already knows about food and her body because I have gave her the knowledge.  We are the role models and set the tone for our children's diet.  We alone have such a great power in grooming the way they eat, respect food, and their bodies.  

• Buy in Season.  Produce is generally cheaper when its in season.  Before you go grocery shopping check out your local grocery stores flyer and see what is on sale in the produce then make your meal plan accordingly.  

• Farmer's Markets.  This is one of my favorite things.  Not only because I find produce cheaper there but its fun for the whole family.  My kids love going.  Generally this is music playing and fun activities for the kids.  It's a great way to educate kids on different foods and to show support to local farmers.  A fun idea is to give your child a reusable shopping bag and some money.  Let them pick out some things they would like to try and pay for them.  Teaches them to step out of their comfort zone and how to budget.  Encourage them to try new things!  It makes for a fun experience as you transition over to clean eating and creates memories! 

• Should I buy all Organic?  I do believe that buying all organic is a luxury and is something you should do as you are able to do.  A great list that helps is called the "Dirty Dozen".  These are the foods that can contain the most pesticides and should be bought organic is you're able too.  The biggest thing is for you to get produce in you - organic or not snacking on non organic carrots is better than a bag of potato chips.  

• Coupons.  I love coupons!  I really do.  I once got a little too into it and man can your time be consumed!  I still use them but in a different way so that Im using my time wisely.  I first make my meal plan and grocery list before I grocery shop.  I find when I do this I'm not printing off coupons for things I don't really need and is a waste of my money.  I only print off the coupons that go with something on my list.  You will find that you don't buy a-lot of package products with clean eating so there are not many coupons - but there still great to save a couple bucks on your grocery trip.  I like to use Coupons.com and MamboSprouts.com.  With Mambo Sprouts its coupons all geared toward organic and natural products.  

• Meal Plan and Prep.  Absolutely important!  Not having a plan will lead to disaster.  Knowing what you're going to make for the week gives you a grocery list with exactly what you need.  Sticking to this, is sticking to your budget!  No meal plan = extra expenses on things you really don't need... its just things you want.  Prepping is right up there with planning.  As soon as you get home start prepping those veggies, fruits, and meat.  Get them ready for the week.  Not only will it save you time but it will also save you from getting fast food or making bad choices.  If you have good food ready for you in the fridge you're more apt to grab that then something to so good for you.  (Make sure you like A Clean Appetite to hear about my next Meal Planning and Prep Workshop!)

• Shop Perimeter and Stick to the List.  What does "perimeter" mean?  Stick to the outside of the grocery store.  This is where all the produce, meat and dairy is.  This is where the most nutritional items are!  What do you find in the center?  All the prepackaged products that are mostly processed.  Don't get me wrong, there are some things you will need to get on the inside aisles like canned tomatoes, beans, rice, oatmeal.. ect.  But STICK TO YOUR LIST!  Where you get in trouble is when you veer off the list and pick something that "looks good" or is "on sale".   Sticking to your list is a must if you want to save money and stick to a budget.  

• Portion Sizes.   This has a huge effect on your food expenses.  I have found during my 2 years of coaching that we all eat more than we should in portion size.  The fast food industry has our minds warped as to what a portion size should look like.   Ive seen countless times with my challengers that are using 21 day fix (teaches portion control and balanced plates), that the portion sizes they were eating were too much.  Just getting their diets balanced with the right portions saved them hundreds on their grocery bills.  Check out this picture below to see what portions should be looking like.  

• Progress not Perfection.  Please don't think you have to be perfect.  I'm not perfect and Im learning as Im going.  Im just happy to share tips I have learned on my journey.  If this seems too overwhelming for you, do this.  Try changing just 1 thing a week.  What in your diet can you change today that will make a difference in your health,  your family's health.  Maybe its the amount of fast food you eat?  The fancy coffee drinks?  Packing a lunch instead of eating out?  Carrots and hummus instead of chips?  Try 1 thing this week to get you back on track.  Changing just that 1 thing each will will have a compounding effect.  Before you know it, you won't even recognize yourself.  :)  

What are you going to implement in your life? 

I hope this has inspired you and that there is something in this blog post to help you on your journey to a healthy lifestyle.  I get so sad when I see people give up before they even try.  Anything new is going to be scary and maybe even a little overwhelming but as I see it, if its outside your comfort zone its where you want to be.  This journey will transform you and is totally worth it.  When you're healthy you're happy and more confident.  You deserve that and so does your family! :)  

If you need help don't hesitate to contact me at A Clean Appetite  My heart is to help! 

Thanks so much for reading and hope it inspires you! 

Amanda Cheasty