I don't know why, but healthy food seems to cost more. Especially if you're buying organic, free range, grass fed, etc. So for those that are thinking of starting a month of Whole30 but are worried about finances, here is what I spent this week and a shopping list of what I got for the Week 3's meal plan. Also some pantry staples and splurges and how long they last for us. You DON'T have to shop where we do, you can shop anywhere. You DON'T have to eat organic, free range, blah blah blah, the point is to eat REAL, unprocessed food that have the fewest ingredients as possible.
Meat is where we splurge, trying to buy free range and grass fed, or at least organic. Except for eggs because organic ones cost over twice as much and I can't handle that for something we buy so much of because we eat it every morning. We bought ground turkey and organic ground hamburger at Costco, store it in the freezer. All others we've been buying from New Seasons fresh from the butcher. Feel free to buy all your meat at Costco in bulk to save on cost. Eat more ground hamburger or chicken, it's cheaper. It's your budget and your Whole30. Just remember to check labels for EVERYTHING.
Produce we try to do organic and non-GMO, but don't stress too much about it. We've been buying our produce from Costco, Trader Joes, and New Seasons, but buying from Winco would be cheaper if you're on a tight budget. And when we have to pick up mid-week produce if we run out, then we make a stop at Winco.
I am in no ways a Whole30 expert, just trying to do my best at this. I've never budgeted this much for food before, but I'm sure we were spending at least this much when we were eating out multiple times a week. (Isn't it easy to drop $30+ a meal eating out plus tip??) It ain't cheap. But it's so delicious.
Also, please keep in mind that these are prices in PORTLAND, OREGON where the cost of living is higher than say, Spanish Fork Utah (go Dons!).
Total Meat and Produce for the week is $105.86.
Meat: $56.38 **Most of this meat will be used for multiple meals- at least one lunch and one dinner.
2 dozen eggs $3.49 (Costco)
Chuck Roast $9.37 (New Seasons)
Chicken Thighs $7.70 (New Seasons)
Pork Shoulder Roast $14.77 (New Seasons)
Chicken Breasts $7.90 (New Seasons)
Sliced Beef for fajitas $13.16 (Costco)
Produce: $49.48 ** to be used throughout the week to accompany meals or snack on.
Raspberries $4.99 (Costco- going to freeze half)
Bananas $1.39 (Costco)
Sweet Potatoes $7.49 (Costco)
Baby Carrots $4.99 (Costco)
Lemons $7.29 (Costco)
Blood Oranges $2.18 (New Seasons)
Garlic $1.02 (New Seasons)
Romaine Lettuce $2.99 (New Seasons)
Mushrooms $1.69 (TJ's)
Strawberries $4.99 (TJ's)
Cucumbers $1.99 (TJ's)
Blueberries $2.99 (TJ's)
Green Beans $2.49 (TJ's)
Yellow Onions $2.99 (TJ's)
Pantry Staples: $28.54. ** Most might last you almost the entire 30 days, depending on how often you use them. These are not all the pantry staples I have (EVOO, almond butter, etc), just the ones I stocked up on this week to be ready for when they run out.
Almonds $5.99 (TJ's) lasts 3+ weeks
Cashews $7.99 (TJ's) lasts 3+ weeks
Marinara Sauce $1.99 (TJ's) lasts 2+ meals
Virgin Coconut Oil $5.99 (TJ's) lasts 3+ weeks
Ghee $3.29 (TJ's- which is an EXCELLENT price!) lasts 3+ weeks
Canned Chicken Chunks $3.29 (TJ's) I WISH Costco's was compliant but it's not. 1 can of chicken would be one meal. Save yourself money and make your own. I bought this as a backup in case I'm not feeling well, need a quick lunch, etc.
Splurges: **Things that are REALLY not necessary, but make life a little easier. They are pricy but will last you the whole month.
Larabars (Costco) This is a combo pack and the peanut ones are NOT Whole30 (or Paleo) because peanuts are legumes which is offlimits for Whole30. We will eat those ones on our time off, but not this month. If you want a quick easy snack/treat for just Whole30, you can find Larabar individual boxes at Target in the Health section with protein bars.
IZZE drinks (Costco)
Coconut Manna/Butter (New Seasons) supposed to taste great plain or used as a spread... or made into paleo truffles....
I hope this is helpful for you! Let me know if you have any questions or if this post is something you'd like to see again.
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