Vegetarian eating - Expensive or cheap?

[Guest guest]

Just my two cents -

I constantly get comments from non-vegetarians asking me if it is

just sooo cheap to eat vegetarian. Well, actually, it's up to the

individual, I think. Yes, if I ate brown rice and lentils every day

from the bulk bins, plus only produce on sale that can be bought in

bulk (i.e. 5 pounds of carrots) then it would be very cheap. But, we

like variety in our diet, so I am willing to purchase whatever

veggies a dish calls for, and sometimes that means paying out of

season prices. It's also a matter of convenience, the same as it is

for meat eater's. If they buy the huge raw chicken and cook it

themselves, they will save money. If they buy the already cooked and

diced chunks of chicken, it is very expensive. If we (when I say we -

I mean vegetarian's) buy plain, unprocessed tofu, it is pretty

cheap. But, if we buy the pre-marinated, or " vegi deli slices " , or

veggie hot dogs, Boca burgers, etc, we pay more. My husband and I

work full-time and go to to school, so we buy these convenience items

(when available) and enjoy them thoroughly. Yes, it would be cheaper

to not buy pre-cut veggies, but sometimes I gotta do what I Gotta

do!

If you have a farmer's market available to you, I have found this is

the most economical way to get great fresh produce. Buying in season

produce is also cheaper. And since our foods are not getting their

flavor from the protein source (ie, " drippings " - um, Ewww!),

spending a little extra on great spices can add up in initial cost,

but will last quite awhile. Your freezer is also your friend. I used

to buy a hunk of ginger root for one recipe and then end up throwing

the rest away when I didn't use it in time. Now I grate the entire

thing and freeze in teaspoon portins in an ice cube tray. I always

have fresh grated ginger on hand, and don't have to buy another hunk!

Sorry for babbling, just felt like sharing this morning!

Amanda

[Guest guest]

Great advice, and so true.

i enjoy the challenge of serving delicious and

economical vegetarian meals, and it can be done,

but sometimes i have to shop in several different

stores to get everything i need for dishes on sale

or at the best price. i am getting better at it and

learning as i go, thanks to the great advice and

ideas i have gotten from you all.

 

i like the way you " babble " , Amanda. *lol*

 

~ pt ~

 

The Teacher will not be recognized by the diamonds on his

head or by the number of students he has.Ê Know the Teacher

to be the One whose presence give you Peace and removes all

the craving, attachment and desire.

~ Papaji

~~~*~~~*~~~>

, " Amanda Crawford Beckwith "

<

lovethecold@h...> wrote:

>

> Just my two cents -

> I constantly get comments from non-vegetarians asking me if it is

> just sooo cheap to eat vegetarian. Well, actually, it's up to the

> individual, I think. Yes, if I ate brown rice and lentils every day

> from the bulk bins, plus only produce on sale that can be bought in

> bulk (i.e. 5 pounds of carrots) then it would be very cheap. But,

we

> like variety in our diet, so I am willing to purchase whatever

> veggies a dish calls for, and sometimes that means paying out of

> season prices.