Here’s The Easiest (And Healthiest) Way To Eat Organic On A Budget

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Ready to take the leap and go organic with your diet? Your body and the planet will love you for it, but your wallet might be a little temperamental about the sudden shift. And if you just set out looking for every organic label in sight, your grocery bills are bound to skyrocket. So instead of constantly hunting around for whatever is on sale and making do with those limited options, consider the following five tips in going organic while on a budget.

Stick to seasonal produce.

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The benefits of enjoying nature’s bounty are three-fold: you get to enjoy the best-tasting fruits and vegetables, you help reduce the amount of fresh food that ultimately goes to waste and you save a few bucks each time you shop. So lean into what the earth can give us each season. Dig into your gourds and root vegetables in the winter and indulge in all of the berries and melon in the spring.

Know the “clean fifteen” by heart.

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Even if you’re hell-bent on going 100 percent organic, it’s important to at least know that there are 15 types of produce that are perfectly safe to eat even if they aren’t organic. They all have tough, external skins that prevent the edible component from absorbing any harmful chemicals or pesticides, and they can save you a pretty penny when you compare them to their organic counterparts. Spoiler alert: avocados, pineapples and kiwi all make the list. Score.

Don’t stray from store brands.

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Many of us have this psychological distrust of store-brand products, but generic organic produce can be incredibly reasonable in price and just as high-quality when it comes to freshness and taste. So the next time you think you absolutely have to have Green Giant brand organic carrots, think again. The fresh-out-of-the-ground veggies on the adjacent shelf will treat your body just as well and your wallet even better.

Reduce your reliance on meat.

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It probably comes as no surprise that organic meat can be a lot more expensive than non-organic options, but that’s for good reasons. It costs a lot more money to raise and feed animals in an organic, sustainable fashion. However, the price being justified doesn’t mean you can always afford it. So consider cutting back a little on the animal components in your diet and experiment with some new vegetarian options a couple of times each week. You might be surprised how much you don’t miss having meat on the table at every meal.

Work on your home garden.

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The “teach a man to fish” saying doesn’t just apply to catching animals. If you become your own farmer, you could end up with fresh, organic produce in your own backyard (or on your rooftop) season after season. The upfront costs of seeds, soil and potting containers will be a safe investment considering how long they could end up putting food on your table. So pick up a gardening book, learn a few tips and get a little dirty.