How to Eat Organic on a Budget

Once I decided to improve my health and fitness, I knew I needed to improve my diet. One of the avenues I explored was adding organically grown foods to my diet. What I initially discovered was as I am sure many of you know, that this decision was cost prohibitive. Most items in my local big box grocery store were at least two to two and a half times more expensive than their non-organic counterpart. Because of this I was unable to include organic foods in my diet.

It should be noted that "eating clean", exercise and use of supplements allowed me to experience great success with improved health and fitness, but I wanted to see if I could aid my transformation with the inclusion of affordable organic foods. Last week I found a way to make it happen.

Every Thursday night one of the local cities hosts a farmers market. It is located in a recently revitalized area of downtown. During the summer one of the local auto dealers even sponsors concerts featuring local artists. The merchants located along The Blvd. as it is known are open and it is a great place to develop a real sense of community.

Found among the vendors are the usual suspects: food stands, local radio, goat cheese and a stand with a plethora of nuts including some exotic combinations (you haven't lived until you have tried wasabi peanuts!). But the real gems of the bunch were the local certified organic farmers. Not only does buying from them support the local economy, but most of their prices were comparable to the non-organic fruits and vegetables in the grocery store. For less than $15 I was able to purchase close to a two week supply of fruits and vegetables, all organic.

I don't know exactly what to expect from adding organic foods to my diet but I do know that I am excited to be able to go through the experience without putting myself in the poor house.