You might already be familiar with the concept of mono-mealing. While it may sound like a trend, this simple approach can help simplify your meals, improve your health, and most importantly, save you money. Here’s how mono-mealing works and how it can become a savvy money-saving strategy for your plant-based lifestyle.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
What is Mono-Mealing?
Mono-mealing is the practice of eating a single food at a time for a meal. Instead of combining multiple ingredients into complex dishes, you focus on one food in its simplest form. For example, a mono-meal might consist of just a bowl of fruit, a plate of rice, or a large serving of roasted sweet potatoes. This approach is naturally aligned with many plant-based diets, as it emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods.
How Mono-Mealing Saves You Money
1. Simplified Grocery List
When you’re mono-mealing, the need for a long, elaborate shopping list is drastically reduced. Instead of buying a variety of ingredients to create complex meals, you can focus on just one or two ingredients per meal. For instance, buying a large amount of rice or potatoes will last for several meals, cutting down on the frequency of shopping trips and the amount of food you need to buy.
2. Buying in Bulk is More Cost-Effective
Mono-mealing lends itself perfectly to bulk buying, which is often cheaper. Grains, beans, potatoes, and other staple foods are often much less expensive when purchased in bulk. You can buy larger quantities, store them for long periods, and use them as the base of your meals for the week. This reduces the cost per meal, making your plant-based diet even more affordable.
3. Less Food Waste
By eating one food at a time, you’re more likely to finish everything you’ve purchased before it goes bad. Having a variety of fresh ingredients can sometimes result in food waste, especially if you don’t get around to using them before they spoil. Mono-mealing can help you be more intentional with your food consumption and reduce the amount of produce that gets tossed out.
4. Minimized Ingredient Variety
When you stick to simple meals, there’s less temptation to purchase a wide array of specialty items that often come with a high price tag. Fancy vegan cheeses, plant-based meats, and other processed foods can add up quickly. By focusing on basic, whole foods like beans, grains, and vegetables, you can enjoy nutrient-dense meals without the extra cost of specialty products.
5. Less Time Spent Cooking
Mono-meals require less preparation, meaning you can spend less time cooking and more time doing other things. By skipping complicated recipes and simply preparing one ingredient at a time, you’ll save on utilities (like gas or electricity) and reduce the need for fancy kitchen gadgets. This simple style of cooking allows you to keep things efficient and cost-effective.
A Little Personal Story: The Potato Diet
Now, I have to be honest with you—when I first started eating plant-based, I went a little overboard with the idea of simplicity. I once ate nothing but potatoes for 30 days. Yes, you read that right—the potato diet. And while I don’t recommend this as a sustainable lifestyle choice, I’ll tell you this: I didn’t die, and I ended up with a whole new appreciation for variety! The point is, mono-mealing can be as simple or as creative as you want. Just don’t take it to the extreme like I did—I learned my lesson!
Tips for Getting Started with Mono-Mealing
1. Choose Seasonal and Local Produce
When mono-mealing, it’s a good idea to choose what’s in season. Local, seasonal produce tends to be cheaper and fresher, making it an even better choice for your wallet. Consider building your meals around what’s available in your area to get the best deals.
2. Plan Ahead
While mono-mealing simplifies your meal options, it’s still helpful to plan ahead. Think about what single ingredients you can use for the week, and make sure they can be used in various ways. For example, you could have a week where you focus on quinoa, enjoying it in different forms, like salads or bowls with different toppings.
3. Stock Up on Staples
Grains, beans, lentils, oats, and root vegetables like sweet potatoes are excellent staples for mono-mealing. They’re affordable, versatile, and can be the base for many meals. Stocking up on these foods ensures you’ll always have something to fall back on when it’s time for a simple, budget-friendly meal.
Conclusion
Mono-mealing is more than just a dietary trend. It’s a practical, budget-friendly approach to eating that aligns perfectly with a plant-based lifestyle. By simplifying your meals, buying in bulk, reducing food waste, and focusing on whole foods, you’ll find that you can save money while still nourishing your body with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. Give it a try and watch your grocery bills shrink while your meals remain delicious and nutritious.
Looking for simple, budget-friendly meal ideas? Be sure to check out my Mono Meal Recipes post, where I share delicious and easy plant-based meals to help you save money and eat well without the stress of complicated recipes!
Are you ready to try mono-mealing? Share your thoughts and tips with me on my YouTube channel or Instagram!
