[Klara]

I ditto the above thinking but want to add more. When I first started mb I was totally overwhelmed - there was so much that was new and yes everything did seem expensive.

My advice is to take it slowly. You do NOT need to have everything all at once. If you can find a good teacher - or if what you are reading can explain what are the basic mb products that you need, then buy them slowly and just once every couple weeks add another item as you are comfortable.

The basic principle as stated with the other two posts, the more natural products you eat the better and probably less expensive. When you get into products that are made by companies, you go more into money. You don't need that now - later when you're more familiar with what you need, you can add on splurges as they suit you.

Even in the short list of neon's, there are things there that you don't have to get immediately - you don't need lots of seaweeds, wakame and kombu are enough for starters, I hardly use oils anymore (I do alot of water sauteeing) and I certainly wouldn't buy lots of different kinds, one small bottle of sesame oil can last quite a while. When I first started I used apple juice concentrate as a sweetener - and I still use it - and cooked fruit - granted rice and barley malts are on a higher level, but again, it can wait a few months (or weeks if you find you can afford it) til you try them.

Beans are an important protein but you need very little compared to the rest of the plate - and for the beginning I would put off tofu and tempeh - again tempeh is a wonderful food - and again, if you're ready, go for it - but if it's all too much at the beginning, just cook 1/2 cup of dry beans and that should last you a couple days.

Also look for farmer's market near you, or a coop, or compare the prices here on this site - there are options also for buying where you can look for good deals. Is there a Chinese, Asian market around you (tho there be careful of quality!!!!) - they may not have organic, but they have wonderful selections of greens and other vegetables and it's good to have variety in your vegetables.

and of course, see what sales your local health food store might be promoting - especially in the vegetable section - don't buy just because on sale, only if it's something you can use.

and finally, any chance you can grow a couple things - that's a delight and could also save a little - and much much fresher than anything you can buy!!

Klara