There’s no question that the food you eat makes a huge difference in your long term health and well-being. Whether you think GMOs and pesticides are a severe detriment to farmers and our environment or not, it’s pretty much a no-brainer to declare that fresh, natural food untreated by chemicals and unaltered by man is always going to be better for you. But it’s also more expensive. People who only eat organic foods know they are making an investment in their future, and hopefully cutting down on potential medical expenses by giving their body the healthiest fuel possible. But that doesn’t make it any easier to afford that quality product. Here are a couple ideas to help you save money on healthy organic food.
First of all, always look for coupons. Most supermarkets have taken the hint and now provide organic choices for their customers. Even the national chains are getting in on the act. And to promote these brands the markets often include coupons in their weekly circulars. Read those mailers cover to cover to look out for organic options. And don’t forget to check their websites as well. You’ll often find additional coupons here that aren’t offered anywhere else.
If you do shop at one of those regional or national supermarkets, make sure you register for their customer appreciation or rewards programs. Most chain stores have their version, and offer discounts throughout the store for those shoppers who take advantage. Keep in mind that the products sold for a discount will change from week to week, and you’ll have to be there to take advantage. Just look out for organic options for your most common purchases, and hopefully you’ll luck out more often than not.
Don’t forget to look for locally-sourced options as well. While the supermarket could well have limited choices, the farmer’s market will be your best friend. Most towns have a weekly farmer’s market these days, at least during the nicer months. The fruits and vegetables sold at these markets almost always come from local farms, within an hour or two from the market at most. Since these items don’t have to be transported across the country or from an international location they will always be less expensive. And you get to take advantage.
If you have a membership with a bulk supermarket, check their shelves for additional organic options. This is a fairly new occurrence, but stores like Sam’s Club and Costco now carry some organic choices amongst their standard fare. Buying in bulk will always offer a savings off of the standard supermarket prices. Just make sure that you can use up what you buy before it spoils. Wasting food may well end up costing you more than if you had just bought less to begin with.
Finally, shop based on the seasons. Americans have become used to getting what they want, when they want. It’s a blessing and a curse, the huge amount of variety we enjoy at the supermarket. But it will always be cheaper, and usually healthier as well, to shop based on what is in season. There’s always that special occasion when you break down and buy something luxurious. Perhaps you have a friend who just successfully completed a program at an addiction treatment facility, and you want to surprise him with his favorite exotic fruit. That’s totally fine, but in your everyday life keep your organic purchasing to what is in season. It will be cheaper, fresher and better for the environment as well.