Comments on: 5 ways to shop for clean, real food on a budget

By: Elizabeth Lindemann

Elizabeth Lindemann — Sat, 03 Oct 2020 15:40:59 +0000

Hi sort-of neighbor! :-) We did end up buying in Driftwood, just outside of Austin, so we are all set, but thanks for the offer! Hope you find some good recipes on Bowl of Delicious :-)

By: Melissa Bryan

Melissa Bryan — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 01:33:21 +0000

Hey Elizabeth! I happened across your site while looking for recipes for my new Dutch Oven. Turns out – we are sort of neighbors. I am in Houston! I really like Tip 1 – I will be using that one for sure. Did you ever buy your home? I love Austin. I am also a mortgage lender :). I can help you buy or refinance and would be honored to do so. I am bookmarking your site because you have so many great recipes that are perfect for busy people like me who still want to eat mostly whole, clean foods. Thank you for this!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 13:08:15 +0000

In reply to Ana.

I’m so glad this was helpful for you! Since this post was written, we’ve bought our house and are happy as can be :-) Totally worth the sacrificing and budgeting. Good luck!

By: Ana

Ana — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 14:59:03 +0000

Love this. Thanks! Everytime I try to encourage my husband to eat clean with me…. to “start” with me. He always says it’s too expensive. With these tips, I know I can and should just ease into it without him realizing that our food selections are cleaner and we didn’t break the bank. We too are saving to buy a house. Looking to cut cut cut expenses all around!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 13:54:32 +0000

In reply to Brittany.

Thanks so much Brittany for this awesome information! It’s actually on my to-do list to revamp this post with tips like these, so this is SUPER helpful.

By: Brittany

Brittany — Sat, 11 Mar 2017 02:58:21 +0000

Hi Elizabeth,
I know it’s tempting to say to avoid Whole Foods entirely, but I have to respectfully disagree. I always encourage people to compare prices everywhere, including Whole Foods. While, yes, I agree that many items there are pretty inflated price-wise, some items are quite literally the best price around. I buy all my organic frozen produce there. For example: The price on the 2 lb bag of strawberries and 2 lb blueberries (the 365 brand) is the cheapest per ounce (for frozen organic) that I can find anywhere. That includes Target, Walmart, Earthfare, Publix, Winn Dixie, and our local organic grocer. It is, however, a tie with the price at Aldi. (Yay Aldi!! So many great organic items for fab prices!) So, don’t automatically disregard Whole Foods – some things can be worth it! We don’t shop there weekly, but we go about once a month for those specific items and stock up. :)

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 23:15:00 +0000

In reply to Rachel.

Thanks, Rachel! The not eating meat one is HUGE (not to mention awesome for the environment as well). Hopefully see y’all soon! :-)

By: Rachel

Rachel — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 23:04:12 +0000

Thanks for the post :) We have been doing a lot of these same things! The biggest difference for us is eating less meat (usually 1-2 times a week). We’ve learned to get protein in other ways, and spend the extra money on good produce/ other things we need. Keep up the good work- budgeting is hard! The house will be SO worth it :)

By: Patch the Giraffe

Patch the Giraffe — Thu, 29 May 2014 00:36:29 +0000

Great info, I have recently went to an all clean diet! It can be both overwhelming and expensive. I need a dirty dozen picture for my phone I always forget when shopping. Good luck on the house savings :)

By: Caroline @ Shrinking Single

Caroline @ Shrinking Single — Mon, 26 May 2014 23:04:50 +0000

In reply to Elizabeth.

No trader joe’s in Australia but the supermarkets here are just as bad. I do like that they are now offering checkouts with no tempting items for children (and me!). I saw a great show the other day about the cost of ready cooked foods like the pre cooked rice you can get here now. The difference in price between that and just ordinary rice per kilogram was phenomenal. And just to save 10 or so minutes cooking time.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Mon, 26 May 2014 22:30:31 +0000

In reply to Caroline @ shrinkingsingle.

Thank you, Caroline! And yes… vegetarian is SO much cheaper than eating meat. And, way better for you! Impulse chocolate buys are difficult to avoid… I don’t know if you’ve ever been to Trader Joe’s around the holidays but Zach and I usually come back with at least 5 different kinds of chocolate and/or cookies. This is why sticking to a strict list is helpful… it helps at least a teeny bit in avoiding the temptation :-)

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Mon, 26 May 2014 22:28:17 +0000

In reply to Lisa Lindemann.

Thanks so much, Lisa!! And thank you for the additional suggestions! I may have to do a “part two” of this post at some point and add these things in. Also, did you know that already grated cheese also has an extra ingredient in it to prevent caking? Glad you liked the post :-)

By: Caroline @ shrinkingsingle

Caroline @ shrinkingsingle — Mon, 26 May 2014 21:16:59 +0000

Great post. I always find my grocery bill is so much lower when I plan to eat vegetarian meals and shop at our local fruit and vegetable markets. Not only are the prices lower but the vegetables are fresher and last longer. As they last longer I need to go to the shops less reducing impulse chocolate buys…

By: Lisa Lindemann

Lisa Lindemann — Mon, 26 May 2014 17:12:21 +0000

Excellent post! You did a great job explaining how to eat healthy on a budget. I would also suggest buying produce in season, and locally grown. Both cheaper, and healthier. And avoid purchasing “ready-to-go” items, such as already grated cheese, salads in a bag, etc. You pay for the “convenience.” You have inspired me to do better, both at the grocery store, and in my kitchen. Thanks! Mom L.