You might think juicing is expensive, especially for a large family.
I did too – And, it can be!
But, do you remember the saying, “Where there is a will, there is a way”?
There are ways to make juicing fit into the family budget!
One of the benefits of juicing is your body’s ability to absorb all the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, chlorophyll, etc. – they are delivered much faster to your body in liquid form since the body doesn’t spend time breaking down the bulkier items like fiber. So, for the family’s health, I think it is worth making juicing budget friendly!
Since purchasing my Breville Juice Fountain Duo (available from my affiliate partner), we have been enjoying more fruits and vegetables in our diet! You can find out why I love my new Breville juicer here and also find a delicious carrot juice recipe! Now, we as a family are including way more fruits and vegetables in our diet than we were eating.
A huge turning point for me was watching Joe Cross’s documentary film, Fat Sick and Nearly Dead (affiliate link). At 41 yrs of age, Joe was overweight and on medications for various problems including an autoimmune disease. Taking control of his health, he reasoned that given the right nutrients, the body should heal itself – but, it must be given the proper tools – nutrient dense foods! He documents his 60 day juice fast (under the supervision of a doctor) which enabled him not only to lose weight but to also regain his health and get off his medications.
After watching Fat Sick and Nearly Dead, I was convinced that what was missing in our diet was more raw fruits and vegetables. And, the way to greatly increase our intake of these important nutrients was through juicing.
But, we are a large family and we have a budget. So, here are 10 ways to save money juicing that I have found!
Save Money Juicing Tip #1 – Buy Fruits and Vegetables on Sale
Many stores now have their weekly ads available online. We live 40 minutes from where I shop so this saves me time and gas because I plan my shopping trip and stops ahead of time.
Save Money Juicing Tip #2 – Select Fruits and Vegetables with High Water Content
Certain fruits and vegetable have higher water content – be sure to include these: cucumbers, melons (watermelon, cantaloupes, honeydew) apples, oranges, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, celery…
Save Money Juicing Tip #3 – Buy Wholesale
That’s right – check for local produce wholesalers in your area. Most wholesalers will set up an account even for private individuals willing to buy by the case. I bought from one in Mobile, AL and now in Lubbock, TX.
Worried that the produce won’t last? I buy 50 lbs of carrots that will last for a month if we haven’t used them up! They are also available in 25 lbs bags. Other greens, like kale, should be covered either in the case or with a towel to prevent them from drying out.
I actually talked with the wholesalers and found that they keep produce in coolers between 38 F – 42 F.
Save Money Juicing Tip #4 – Comparison Shop
Know your prices and shop around! Above I said, “buy wholesale.” Now, it is time to back track a bit – don’t think that just because they are wholesale they are necessarily cheaper – know your prices! For example, I know that a local store carries cucumbers 2 for a dollar. Last week, the wholesaler was higher so, I opted for other items!
Save Money Juicing Tip #5 – Purchase a Spare Refrigerator
My motto: You have to spend money to save money! ;)
Buying a used refrigerator is often very economical and allows you to take advantage of the wholesale option above, as well as sales. If space is limited, even a dorm size fridge offers more space for produce. Yard sales, classified ads and craigslist are great sources of used refrigerators.
We have a spare refrigerator that we keep in the shed and I use if for cases of produce purchased from the wholesale produce supplier. It really comes in handy!
Save Money Juicing Tip #6 – Don’t Sweat over Buying Organic
I like to keep in mind the dirty dozen list and the clean fifteen, but, let’s face it, we are on a budget and if I can’t get organic on sale, I am probably not going to buy it!
Especially after our lifestyle change and becoming grape farmers, I have become a bit skeptical of “organic” labeled produce. Farming like all big business and government are determined to make money and that means loop holes exist and will be taken. I am not so sure that our organic standards are all the appear to be!
This is a great time to put a plug in for small local farms that you can visit personally – not only are they likely to be truly organic and use self sustaining practices, you are also supporting the local economy, a neighbor!
Save Money Juicing Tip #7 – Use Leftovers and Have Variety
What do you do with those fruit and veggie ends that you didn’t use – root veggie greens, carrot peels, pineapple cores, parsley stems…? Keep them in a bag in the refrigerator and the next time you juice, throw them in – they give an amazing amount of juice! This also gets back to my first point – shopping sales. Be creative and adventurous – juice those turnips and parsnips! After all, variety is the spice of life!
Caution: If you have never juiced stronger tasting vegetables (like parsnips) before, try them in small amounts to begin with. I juiced a large chunk of parsnip the first time I tried it and boy, did that glass of juice have a bite! It is not saving money if you have to throw the juice out so, to be safe, start with smaller pieces and add more as you become accustomed to the taste!
Save Money Juicing Tip #8 – Have Your Own Garden
Having your own garden is a great way to supplement you produce. Even if you are limited by space, you can grow greens like lettuces, spinach, kale, parsley, chard… Picking the leaves throughout the season stimulates the plants to grow more!
Save Money Juicing Tip #9 – Be Flexible
Menus are good and a great way to save money, especially when they are flexible and take into account the seasons and sales. Create your juicing shopping list by what is in season and what is on sale. If greens like kale are on sale, have more green juice drinks that week.
Save Money Juicing Tip #10 – Recycle the Pulp
One of the benefits of juicing is the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients without the fiber. But, you are left with pulp – what do you do with it? There are several options – compost it, use it in recipes or feed it to other animals. While our chickens really enjoy the pulp, we normally feed it to our family milk cow, Hildy, and boy, does she love it!
These are 10 ways to save money juicing that I practice because to me, the nutritional powerhouse that fresh raw juice provide, is worth the effort.
What are ways you fit juicing into your budget?
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