464: How to Save Time and Money in the Kitchen and Go Vegan Effortlessly: Meal Planning, Batch Cooking, Budgeting, Recipes, Resources & Healthy Food Swaps

If you're surprised and frustrated by high prices at the grocery store, you are not alone. National data shows that grocery shopping and dining out are more expensive than ever. The latest data from the Agriculture Department shows consumers spent 11.3% of their disposable income on food in 2022. This means that Americans are currently spending more on food than they have in over 30 years.

I'm certainly seeing this in my own life. I've just returned from a trip to Tulum, and don't worry, I'll be sharing more about that journey on my podcast soon. Tacos that used to be $5 are now $15; a veggie burger that used to be $8 is now $18.

But what can we do about this? Well, personally, I feel it's my mission to make sure that no matter the cost of food, we all still feel empowered and inspired to make healthy choices and to not let this inflation deter us from our health goals.

So today, I have rounded up the best experts on saving money while eating well. First up is Kathy Davis, the CEO of VegInspired. She'll be discussing how to eat healthy on a budget, her personal experience losing 30 pounds when she went plant-based, tips on food prep, and advice on when to buy in bulk. 

Then we've got Food Heals regular and Vegan Chef to the stars, Leslie Durso, here to talk about how to cook plant-based on a budget for yourself, eat seasonally to save money, and the secret ingredient that saves you money and enhances the flavors of your food.

Next up is Founder of Vegan Dinner Club, formerly known as Batch Cooking Club, Stephanie Dreyer, who helps busy parents bring more ease to their meal prep and meal times. She's here to discuss Meal Planning, family recipes, batch cooking, plus her favorite healthy swaps.

Next, we'll be speaking with Toni Okamoto, author of Plant-Based on a Budget: Delicious Vegan Recipes for Under $30 a Week. She'll be sharing insights on saving time and money in the kitchen, meal planning, buying in bulk, growing your own food, and more.

And finally, we've got Whitney Lauritsen sharing the best apps, websites, and resources to thrive on a vegan diet.