Inexpensive Raw Diet

One criticism of the raw food diet is that the food on the diet is too expensive. Individuals who follow a raw food diet consume primarily raw fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and sprouts. Their diets do not contain processed foods or foods cooked above 118 degrees Fahrenheit. In an ideal raw diet, foods are organic and free of preservatives, genetic modifications and pesticides. Although fresh, raw foods can be more expensive than some processed foods, but there are also ways you may make a raw food diet less expensive.

Definition of Raw Diet

People choose to adopt a raw food diet for a variety of reasons. Some people follow a raw diet to lose weight or to improve overall health. Others claim a raw diet clears up skin impurities, gives you more energy and increases mental awareness. Proponents of the diet state that cooking food destroys vital enzymes, vitamins and minerals in the food.

Homegrown Produce

Grow your own food at home in a garden, kitchen or balcony to save money on food. A variety of vegetables and some fruits can be grown in an outdoor garden or in pots on a balcony. Some foods, such as sprouts, can even be grown indoors. Sprouts are easy to grow in a kitchen and require few materials to grow. Raw sprouting seeds may be purchased from a natural health store or an online retailer. A variety of legumes, seeds and grains can be sprouted, including lentils, wheat berries, alfalfa, barley, chickpeas, peas, soybeans and kidney beans. Once you have the raw seeds, soak the seeds in fresh water. The soaking time will vary based on the seeds you choose to soak. After soaking, the seeds will have to be rinsed off periodically and allowed to sprout in a container. Keep a damp kitchen towel over the sprouts so they do not dry out. After a few days, the sprouts should have developed small tails. They may be eaten anytime.

Local Produce

Another way to save money on fresh fruits and vegetables is by purchasing local foods. Local farmers can often sell food for a cheaper price than grocery stores because they have a fraction of the shipping and container costs that foods shipped long distances have. Depending on your location, your city may have local farmers' markets year-round or during the growing season. Community Supported Agriculture, CSA, programs have also been gaining momentum in the United States. A CSA consists of individuals who pledge their support to a local farm operation. The community of supporters pays a fee to be in the CSA, and in return, they share in the farm's crops. Often this equates to receiving a basket of food from the farm on a weekly basis.

Bulk Foods

Making purchases in bulk may also save money on the grocery bill. Natural health co-ops or large discount chains provide these cost-saving options.

Considerations

Although organic food is ideal, it is more expensive than conventional produce. It is possible to be on a raw food diet without purchasing organic foods. If you want to try to avoid pesticides and fertilizer residue from non-organic produce, wash the fruits and vegetables well with a plant-based vegetable cleaner or remove the skin.