Tips on how to be an economical Paleo eater

When it comes to paleo eating, there are a few reactions I hear often. The most common, though, regards cost.  ”Isn’t it expensive?” “Paleo sounds awesome but I think it just might be too pricey.”

Indeed, buying meat, albeit quality meat can add a little bit of heft to your grocery bill.  Fact: Organic chicken and grass-fed beef cost more than pasta and white bread.  Fact: Organically grown fruit and vegetables cost more than non-organic and canned vegetables.  Don’t worry, my Caveman/woman friends, for there are ways to eat well without shelling out the big bucks.

Here are a few tips on how to tackle the cost:

1) Be on the lookout for sales.  Even places like Whole Foods have sales on various cuts of meat as well as their fruits and vegetables.  A few weeks ago, I saw a sale on pork chops.  Another time there was a sale on grass-fed ground beef.  It’s possible, if you’re vigilant enough, to spot these price cuts.  Sure, you might not necessarily be able to be as picky about which meats you get from week to week but your bank account will thank you.

2) Farmer’s Market.  The farmer’s market is a great way to buy fresh produce at a price that is lower than most supermarkets.  Going to the farmer’s market is something I look forward to each week. In Monterey, the farmer’s market is held every Tuesday from around 4-7 pm.  Other than lower prices, it’s nice to have that interpersonal communication with the people who grew the food you are about to eat.

3)Grow your own. A little vegetable patch in your backyard might not necessarily save you tons, but by growing some things that tend to be marked up in stores, you can save a little bit. Maybe grow your own herbs like rosemary, basil and cilantro or your own organic strawberries (more on why you should eat organic strawberries another time) and blueberries.  I’m currently working on a “how to grow your own garden” instructional pamphlet and will post it on the site when it is finished.

4) Look for cheaper cuts of meat.  This kind of goes with #1 but I thought I should make it separate.  When you’re at the butcher or the grocery store, look for cuts of meat that tend to be the cheapest.  Chicken, for example, is a good source of animal protein and is not as pricey as some beef cuts.  Trader Joe’s has some good chicken at some good prices.  Beef chuck roast and pork shoulder are also cuts of meat that tend to be cheaper.  Not every meal has to be a nicely grilled New York steak (although it sure would be nice!).  Also, eggs are a great source of protein.

5) Join a CSA.  CSA stands for “Community supported agriculture”.  Basically, with a CSA, you pay a certain amount of money either per week or for a season/subscription and each week you receive a box or bag of fresh produce from that farm.  Not all CSAs will save you cash but definitely check out the ones close to you to see if there might be some price differential.

I hope this is helpful and leaves you a little relieved of the “how can I afford the meat” panic.  I’ve been there. I know that “eating paleo makes me feel healthy and I want to continue but my bank account says otherwise” feeling.  It’s totally do-able! Check out my next post. I will share a recipe for a beef pot roast with you! A chuck roast, as mentioned earlier, is one the cheaper cuts of beef and I will show you that you can get tasty dishes out of cheap cuts of meat.