With the cost of food skyrocketing, pulling off the GAPS diet may feel impossible or too expensive. I’m going to share some of my “hacks” for making GAPS work when money is tight. Obviously, a real-food diet of any kind is going to stretch the pocketbook. Sadly, that is reality. I also don’t think there is any way to make the GAPS diet “cheap” but there are some tricks and ways to make GAPS work if that is your goal.
Shop Local
If you have any ability to shop with local farmers or ranchers I would highly encourage this. Reaching out and asking questions can often work in your favor. I have heard of people being able to purchase meaty bones for meat stock for dirt cheap straight from the ranchers. You can ask chicken and pig farmers for chicken feet and pig trotters – many might toss these in the processing phase of the animal and sell them for very cheap in bulk. These make great meat stock.
Finding local eggs in bulk, raw milk (if available in your area/state), and other ferments can help stretch a dollar.
Checking out your local Weston A Price chapter leader is a great start in finding local people near you.
Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are great options for those who have them nearby and as an option. The produce is fresher and can be cheaper.
Dumpster Dive the Freezer Bins
This was one of my favorite pastimes. Whole foods typically has small deep freezer bins you can dig through. I found bone marrow, chicken feet and all kinds of less-favorable cuts of meat that were great for making stock.
Other grocery stores will also pack away less favorable cuts (these are the best ones for meat stock) at the bottom of freezers. Be sure to go and look.
My Natural Grocers always has a discounted freezer section that I check for the really discounted meats. Sometimes you can find great deals to help lower the cost of meat.
Be sure to check any stores you frequent for these things. I would also ask if you can’t find anything on your own.
Ask the Butcher Questions
If I didn’t see what I wanted in the freezer bins I would always ask if they had chicken feet, necks, backs, or whatever I needed in the back. Often they would save them for me in larger amounts and tell me when to come back for them.
Purchase a Half or Whole Cow or Pig
Obviously this is a big expense but one that really can stretch a dollar if it is a possibility. When you purchase the whole or half many ranchers will give you the option for organ meats, extra meaty bones and maybe even pig trotters. I’ve known families who go into it and split the cost.
Buy Conventional Meat
Animals have a built in detox system. Their bodies are constantly working to get toxins out while they are alive. If the budget does not allow for organic produce and organic/grassfed/pastured animal products, Dr. Natasha recommends purchasing organic produce and conventional animal products. Because produce is heavily sprayed with pesticides that do not come off from washing, it is more important to purchase them organically if possible. It is far better to consume a meat stock from conventionally raised animals than to not consume meat stock.
Skim The Fat
Saturated animal fats can also be very expensive. Whenever you make a batch of meat stock, once it cools, be sure and skim the fat off the top to use for other purposes. I would save it for sauteing veggies or drizzling over steamed veggies.
Also check the freezer bins for lard or beef fat. I have found packages of beef fat and lard that I can take home and render in my own oven. This is often a much cheaper option than purchasing a jar off the shelf.
When we first began the GAPS diet back in 2017 Raleigh was four years old. Money was really tight for us at that time and to make GAPS work for Raleigh the rest of us ate 2 meatless meals a week. We did this for a while so that we could afford the coaching, meat and supplements he needed at the beginning. Obviously, that path is maybe not ideal or even possible for everyone but it is what we did to make it work. I share that to hopefully help someone who is trying to figure out how to make GAPS work.
Thankfully, at that age, Raleigh didn’t really realize we were eating different meals. As he grew, and our budget increased, I made sure every dinner was a GAPS dinner so we were eating the same things at dinner together.
Hopefully some of this helps. If you have any great suggestions for things that have helped you make GAPS more affordable please share below in the comments.
