Some people choose to be vegan because they want to live healthier lives while reducing their impact on the environment; others are drawn in by the ethical considerations of not consuming animals and their by-products. However, some prefer a more natural approach to eating without chemicals found in most store-bought food items. Whatever your reason for choosing this way of life, one thing is certain: it’s not easy living on a tight budget. To help with that, this article will look at some great foods for those wanting to be vegan but still stick to their budget!
Rice And Beans
Rice and beans are a staple in many countries, and for a good reason: they go together like peanut butter and jelly! These two simple foods, which you probably already have stocked in your kitchen cabinet, can create healthy meals that will keep you satisfied. With these two, the possibilities are endless! From salads to burritos, rice and beans work together to create a meal that keeps you full all day long.
Lentils
Lentils are part of the legume family, and, like beans and peanuts, they provide a ton of protein. They’re plentiful and cheap; you can find large bags of them in most grocery stores. These green guys taste pretty good too! There are tons of recipes online that utilize lentils as their main ingredients, such as soups, vegan burgers, or salads. A bag of lentils will last a long time and is an excellent thing to have stocked in your pantry.
Tofu
After water, soybeans are the most plentiful product in the world. Since they are so abundant, there is no reason why we shouldn’t take advantage of them. Tofu comes from soybeans (surprise!), and it has a high protein content. It’s an easy ingredient to work with since it takes on the flavor of whatever you cook it with! Whether you want to use tofu as a meat replacement or throw it in some stir fry, it’s a versatile food item that will fit in nicely on your vegan diet.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas contain tons of vitamins and minerals, so there is no reason why they shouldn’t be a part of your diet! They’ve got folate, manganese, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and fiber. They’re also high in protein which is great if you are watching your calorie intake. You can find these babies in many ethnic dishes; hummus is probably the most well-known. Throw it on a salad, make some hummus, or buy the canned version that’s already cooked for you! The best part is that they’re cheap, especially if you buy them in the canned form.
Seasonal Fruit
Around this time of year, apples are relatively cheap. They’re also versatile and very tasty! You can eat them raw or cook with them; either way, they’ll help keep you full. If you’re looking for something a little sweeter, try grapes during the summertime. Strawberries are great in the spring! These are all examples of fruit in season, so keep your eyes peeled for all the other different kinds of fruit you can pick up throughout the year! Fruits are full of vitamins and minerals. So eat them whenever you can because they’re great for you!
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber, iron, and protein! It’s also vegan, so there is no need to worry about breaking any dietary restrictions. Oatmeal can be sweet or savory depending on what toppings you use. There are tons of recipes online that utilize oatmeal as the main ingredient, such as cookies, muffins, or waffles. You can also buy prepackaged instant oatmeal packets that are very cheap and quick to make!
Avocado
Conclusion
These are just a few foods you can eat on a tight budget. There are tons of other vegan foods, but these happen to be some of the most well-known and versatile ones. If you use these foods as your base for most meals, you will be sure to save money and still feel good about eating vegan!
