Before we changed our diet a few years ago, our food budget was about$600/month for our family of seven. Well, I say “about” but it was exactly $600 or less being that we use the envelope system, and when the money’s gone, it’s gone. Granted, one of the kids was just a baby at that time, and food prices were considerably less. Over the course of the ensuing year, our budget increased to $1,100/month. We’ve consistently been at that amount for over a year now. It sure seems like a lot. Actually, it is a lot. Superman’s (my freakin’ cool husband) pay didn’t increase much. We just had to cut other areas of our budget. But it’s not a viable option for us to go out and buy cheap crackers, cookies, chips and other carbohydrate-rich, nutrient-deficient foods. It’s just not. I can’t, in good conscience, feed our kids things that I know are harmful to them. Sure, they eat that stuff every once in awhile, but it’s not in our house, and I rarely choose to purchase those foods.
A lot of people are discouraged by the cost of “going Paleo.” At first glance, it seems that the price is just too high. But I would argue that the price is too high not to eat this way. Of course, this is just my opinion, and each family is entitled to their own choices. But for us, just the positive changes in one of our kids (which can be read about HERE) would be enough for me. But we’ve all noticed improvements. By “going Paleo,” it doesn’t mean you have to have grass-fed, organic everything. Just cutting out the grains, dairy and sugar and replacing them with meats, fish, veggies and fruits will put you WELL on your way to healthier living!
I came across THIS article on the costs of transitioning to a Paleo lifestyle and just how expensive it really is. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Sean Booth says
I think a lot of people get discouraged by the thought that they have to have everything perfect to see a benefit from going Paleo. You can get a huge benefit from even the smallest changes, you don’t have to go all out with grass fed meat and organic everything to see a change in how you feel.
http://oldfashionedupgrades.blogspot.com/2011/12/poor-and-paleo-is-possible.html
radlandon says
Agreed!
Rhonda C says
By NOT buying cereal, bread, pasta, flour, dry beans, baked goods…and all the “stuff” that has to go with them to make them palatable, I saved plenty! What I saved, I was able to put toward buying more veggies, coconut milk, coconut oil, almond flour, etc. I didn’t notice a huge change in our grocery spending, maybe $40 more a month if that, and I’m feeding 3 adults, 2 teen boys, and an 11 yr old girl on around $350 a month…sometimes less.
I am fortunate, however, to have inexpensive sources for grass-fed beef and pastured pork, and I’m able to raise 100+ chickens a year for our own freezer (those costs are figured into my grocery budget.) I also grow a large (40 x 40) garden full of veggies to eat fresh during the summer and preserve for the rest of the year.
I also agree with Sean Booth, that we don’t have to go all out to change the way we feel.
radlandon says
That’s great, Rhonda! A full garden is on our list for this coming year–I am so looking forward to growing our own fruits and veggies!
Rhonda C says
Oh, and don’t forget the cost of prescription meds that we no longer have to take, and the doctor visits we no longer have due to illness.