Eat well, spend less - Tips on more affordable plant-based diet

If you are trying to go vegan this January, you may wonder if it will cost you more than a regular diet. 

In times of the cost of living crisis, when everyone is worried about the prices and looking for savings, this could be something to think about. How to go vegan without breaking the bank? 

It is possible to fully enjoy the benefits of a plant-based diet and save some money. With some planning and guidance, going vegan doesn't have to be more expensive than other diets. Here are some tips on how to make a vegan lifestyle more affordable. 

Buy more whole foods

Whole foods are not only very healthy but also more affordable than processed and packaged foods. When you buy dry legumes such as lentils, beans, pulses and grains such as oats, rice, quinoa or couscous, you will be surprised that they are really cheaper they are than their pre-cooked canned version. They offer you incredible health benefits and are a great source of protein. Don't be scared to use them - start adding them to your soups, stews, pasta and salads to replace meat. They will help you save money for your family budget and keep the doctos at bay. 

Buy in bulk

Buying in bulk is a great way to save money when following a vegan diet. It is cheaper to buy bulk-buy whole foods such as beans, lentils and pulses, grains and seeds. These foods are even more affordable when you purchase large quantities. And as they are incredibly healthy, it is good to keep them always at hand. You don't have to worry about the expiry date as dry whole foods can be stored in your kitchen cupboard for months. 

Buy vegetables in season or frozen

Another way to save money is to buy seasonal produce. Visit your local vegetable market and look for good deals on winter vegetables. Look for carrots, beetroots, leeks, celeriac, squash, turnips and parsnips, kale, mushrooms, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. When you look for something out of season, choose frozen. Frozen vegetables and fruits are typically cheaper than their fresh equivalents. When you use frozen produce, you can use the exact amount you need meaning there is minimal wastage and more money saved. 

Prepare a shopping list 

Don't buy too much! Get all your shopping needs on the list before you go to the supermarkets. This way, you will focus on buying only the foods you need and avoid some shopping temptations and wasting money on discounted products that are unnecessary and you may not even enjoy.

Look for special offers and discounts

When shopping in supermarkets, look for special offers on vegan products. During January, you will find plenty of them. Many shops and brands want to encourage more customers to join the Veganuary campaign and offer their products at lower prices. Many restaurants and bars, including popular chains, have prepared unique Veganuary menu options and offers. 

Discover new vegan recipes and start cooking

Cooking at home can be much cheaper than eating out. Also, avoid expensive unhealthy takeaways! Instead, start cooking at home. You don't have to be a chef to make amazing vegan dishes. There are many vegan recipes for delicious and easy plant-based meals that you can prepare in less than 30 minutes. You can feed a family of four for the same price as buying meals for one person at a restaurant. When you cook at home you decide about the ingredients you use so you can pick the healthier affordable products. You can also cook large quantities and freeze the portions to use for other meals or in other recipes. Finally, when you have some leftovers so you freeze them and re-use so nothing goes to waste. 

Create a meal plan for a week

Planning your meals in advance will save you money and time. It will also help you manage your kitchen and resources and cut waste. Knowing what you will cook that week and the ingredients you need means you can be more focused when you go food shopping. It will also help you feel more relaxed and not stress about preparing food for your family. 

Take it slow

You don't have to change your diet drastically on day one. Take your time and do it slowly. Use all the products you have stored in your fridge, and don't throw anything away. You will buy vegan products next time you go shopping. Becoming vegan doesn't have to be all or nothing. Just take it easy. You can start with a flexitarian diet. Ditch meat from one meal a day and then start to replace it more often. The same goes for dairy; you can start with plant-based milk and only later ditch cheese.