EATING ORGANIC ON A TIGHT BUDGET
Going organic and all-natural on a limited budget is very difficult but the fact is that nobody wants to eat pesticides. Its not only good for an individual but for environment too. Eating organic become more popular among health conscious people.
Increasing demand is only one reason for the higher price of organic products so people started to plant their own no matters how much area they have. Following are the tips to overcome the problem of eating non organic food or dearer organic food.
Plant your own
If one can try to grow your own produce. One can save money on vegetables if you invest some time into their small kitchen garden. You can purchase garden seeds or seedlings from local businesses. Few of us are in the city with little to no garden space but one can try to their bell peppers and tomatoes in small pots. One can take help from websites also.
Choose healthy version
buying only organic foods may not be possible financially as well for most households. Choose which foods one can buy organic then opt for a healthy version of the rest of your kitchen grocery items.
Replace store bought
make your own organic kale chips, smoothies to replace store-bought ones. you can even make your own coconut, almond and cashew milk which would cost you way less.it make your food scrumptious.
Use your freezer for things out of season
Buy local produce when in season and freeze to save for out of season. All know that fruits and vegetables are very much expensive when there is no season. It can also freeze which gives them a longer life span.
Read labels on products carefully
Manufacturers use a variety of marketing terms which encourage sales, but words like “natural” are no guarantee that something is free of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, look for the organic label to make smart spending decisions. the chain uses several wellness icons on its shelf tags to indicate which products are usda organic, made with at least 70% organic ingredients, have natural ingredients or may be a more suitable choice for those seeking less fat or more nutrients.
List priority foods
Buying all organic food may not be financially possible for some households. In this case, families should give priority purchases to minimize pesticide exposure like mushrooms and asparagus, may be conventionally grown with methods resulting in little to no pesticide residue.
Purchase seasonal produce
Budget can be controlled by buying organic produce when it is in season. it wouldn’t be as environmentally friendly and cheaper to produce that is out of season
Visit at budget-friendly stores
Shopping at the right store is other way to save money to buy organics. The budget grocery chains become a favorite for those who are frequent buyers of organic products. They buy at a discount or offers also some stores also known for its affordable prices.
Stop wasting food, store properly to enhance life span Raw nuts should be kept in the refrigerator to last longer. Buy and keep bananas separated from one another. Turn yogurt, and chutney containers upside down when stored in the fridge – this creates a vacuum seal, keeping them fresh for time. Do not throw away nut meal from homemade nut milk – use it for smoothies, baked goods repurpose vegetable pulp from juicing to add fiber to soups, smoothies or make crackers or bread. Placed celery and baby carrots in water with a slice of potato to make them crunchy again. Keep all organic citrus fruits in the fridge – they will last up to 2 weeks longer. No need to wash organic dark leafy greens until they are ready to consume.
BTTM DEPARTMENT
Asst Prof. NEELAM