Discovering cost-effective sources of food is essential for saving money while following the No Plant GAPS diet.

Implementing the No Plant GAPS diet is relatively straightforward, as it primarily emphasizes animal-based foods. Therefore, your focus narrows down to sourcing meat, raw dairy, eggs, and fish. The good news is that this dietary approach doesn’t have to break the bank.

In my personal and clinical experience, many individuals find that they end up saving money on food expenses when transitioning to the No Plant GAPS diet. This saving stems from no longer purchasing items like snacks, processed foods, ready meals, sugary beverages, cakes, candies, biscuits, coffee, or even vegetables and fruits. Additionally, as the diet corrects nutritional deficiencies, there’s often a reduction in the need for expensive supplements.

No Plant GAPS doesn’t require exclusively opting for pricey cuts of meat such as steaks. Instead, it encourages utilizing parts that butchers or farmers typically discard or sell at lower prices, such as carcasses, legs, meat close to the bone, necks, offal, and organ meats. Moreover, as your body’s nutritional needs stabilize and blood sugar levels normalize, you may find yourself consuming less food overall, further contributing to cost savings.

To effectively source food while adhering to the No Plant GAPS diet, consider the following tips:

1. Avoid Supermarkets: I advise against purchasing food from supermarkets, even if labeled organic, as it may lack therapeutic benefits. Individuals with severely compromised gut health often struggle to tolerate animal-based foods from supermarkets. However, for those on tight budgets, blessing each food before cooking and consuming it can help restore some healing energy.
2. Local Butcher: Build a rapport with your local butcher, who often discards or sells less popular cuts at discounted rates. Items like chicken feet or fatty cuts may be available at a lower cost.
3. Local Farmers: Opt for regenerative or organic farmers who prioritize sustainable and ethical practices. While organic certification can be costly, many farmers refrain from using GMO feed, hormones, or antibiotics without official certification. Visiting farms allows you to verify the quality of the products.
4. Buy in Bulk: Investing in a chest freezer enables bulk purchases, reducing costs per unit. Items like chicken carcasses, pig trotters, and ox tails can be bought in large quantities, lasting for months. Similarly, raw milk can be frozen for prolonged use.

Finding local sources for high-quality food:

• Utilize online resources like Google to search for organic or regenerative farms in your vicinity. Contact them to inquire about visiting their farms.
• Google farms that can deliver to your postcode, even if they’re not geographically close to you.
• Attend local farmers’ markets where you can interact directly with farmers and purchase fresh produce.
• Seek recommendations from neighbors, friends, or community members regarding reputable butchers and farmers.
• Check with Weston A. Price Foundation chapters for additional recommendations and resources.
• Explore websites like Real Milk (for the USA) or Raw Milk (for the UK) to find raw milk farmers.
• Engage with relevant Facebook groups to seek advice and recommendations from fellow No Plant GAPS followers.

By following these strategies and continuously exploring new avenues for sourcing food, you can effectively adhere to the No Plant GAPS diet without overspending. Additionally, sharing your positive experiences and recommendations within the community fosters mutual support and helps local farmers and butchers thrive.

The protocol for the No Plant GAPS diet is outlined comprehensively in the book “Gut and Physiology Syndrome” by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, the creator of this approach. Further information on the protocol can also be found here.