Yeah Marc!
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So this post is WAY overdue….I know! But it was time to put an end to all this “But paleo is expensive talk” and what a better time than NOW! Before we start, I must mention that this post was inspired by Jenna Shannon’s blog LeanMachineNYC. There is some great info there and I highly recommend you check it out.
Now let’s get down to business!
Buy on sale. Now this sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how much people forget to stock up! Plan out some of your meals before you hit the store and then stock up on the rest for later day. Your freezer was made for more than just Cafe Patron!
Buy in bulk. If you don’t have a Costco or Sam’s Club membership, find a friend or family member that does. It’s a great place to get pounds of bell peppers, mushrooms, brussell sprouts, squash, frozen veggies and fruit. Also, you can get proteins (although not grass-fed) for great prices. Think USDA prime beef, organic chicken breasts, shrimp, ground buffalo, gluten free turkey breast, etc.
Get creative with spices. Spices seem expensive at first because you get so little for the cost, but they’ll go a long way and make your dishes unique and flavorful. If you have old spices sitting around, toss them and start fresh.
Use onions, shallots and garlic. Onions, garlic and shallots are a good bang for your buck because they’re inexpensive and add tons of flavor. Keep them around at all times AND some extra mouthwash.
Minimize waste. Be smarter about cooking and learn to embrace leftovers. Eating Paleo does require a decent amount of planning and prepping. Having food ready and waiting will make life a lot easier. Cook extra to have on hand and every few days clear it out. Use leftover vegetables in omelets and soups, use leftover chicken in a stir fry, or better yet leftover sweet potatoes for a post-workout meal!
Balance the cheap stuff with the expensive stuff. Go ahead grab that wild caught salmon, but balance it out with some frozen veggies. Make your receipt a blend of what you love and what you can compromise on.
Shop at farmers’ markets or join a CSA. Shopping at farmers’ markets is good for us AND the farmers, who need our support to continue supplying high-quality goods at affordable prices. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the people who grow your food. You can ask them how your food was grown, even how it’s best prepared. Check out Localharvest.org and Eatwild.com.
Buy the whole bird. Anytime you buy poultry that has been cut up and skinned, you’re going to pay for the folks cutting it. Roasting a chicken is pretty simple and makes a great dinner. You can also make chicken broth when you’re done. When was the last time you popped a turkey in the oven? Thanksgiving? A turkey costs less than a dollar a pound (the price goes up during the holiday season) and makes a great dinner, lunch and snacks too. Turkey breast is one of the best lean proteins out there, so eat it regularly…..Gobble, Gobble!
Buy in season. If you don’t know what the seasonal fruits and veggies are, either goggle it or ask one of us.
Waste not, want not. Eating Paleo means eating great meals, and there are many ingredients to choose from, but stick with foods you are familiar with and slowly begin to experiment from there. There is nothing worse than throwing good food away…..especially MEAT!
Stick together. Eating great food that is affordable and ethical is a priority for a lot of people. There are lots of like-minded people to hook up with. If you find something worthwhile, share the news. If you’re feeling ambitious, organize a potluck dinner, share recipes and eat well together. If you haven’t guessed this already CrossFit Rockland is one of those places filled with like-minded people, so get your a** in here regularly and find some support.
Good Luck!!!
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WOD – 2/2/12
21-15-9 reps for time of:
Thruster (115#/80#)
Power clean (115#/80#)
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