I was a vegetarian from the age of 14, till I was in my mid-thirties. I was having grand mal seizure activity due to a head injury involving a car accident. My neurologist finally put me on a high fat diet, with lots of meat/fish/poultry used with success in children. After years of meds and no improvements, it worked. I discovered that my body needs the complex amino acids found in such foods. Today I am on an anti-inflammatory diet due to other health issues, so I do limit my intake.
However, I find that my diet can save money on a frugal income. I consume a brown rice, and dried bean variety daily. I only buy fresh veggies I cant buy frozen, as they last longer for me. I limit my fruit intake to apple and orange varieties because they are at lower prices. Chicken leg quarters in a 10 pound bag here costs about $7 USD. Sometimes, I can find whole turkeys on sale for about 80 cents a pound. I buy as many as I can afford. Store brands of whole wheat pasta, long cook oatmeal, whole grain bread loaves, and non-dairy milk round out my groceries. I do buy canned sardines, salmon, herring, tuna, and tomatoes but not much else because of the sodium. I do eat a lot of sweet potatoes made into wedges in the oven, almonds, peanuts, and home popped popcorn as snacks. I mainly drink green and other teas, mixed with stevia or filtered water. The only jarred foods I use are honey, and nut butters. Sometimes a scrambled egg will reach my plate. I also cook with olive oil on a lower heat.
Not to say I dont spurge on a good roast, bar of chocolate, or a meal out. I do not eat any processed foods, ready to eat items, or salty snack foods. Before an anti-inflammatory diet I spent one third more on groceries. I think Im more mindful, and less wasteful eating heathy.
Maybe thats the key to saving money
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