# Ancestral Eating on a Budget

Source: https://ancestralorganswomen.com/blog/ancestral-eating-on-a-budget/

Ancestral eating has a thrifty side that gets little attention. The parts at the center of it, organs, bones and tougher slow cuts, are often the lowest cost parts of the animal at the counter, because demand for them is low.

## Organs cost less per nutrient

Liver and heart usually cost far less per pound than steak cuts, while carrying concentrated nutrients. A small weekly amount keeps the cost low as well as the portion sensible. The nutrient case is laid out in [organ meat benefits](/blog/organ-meat-benefits/).

## Bones are nearly free food

Bones for broth are cheap, sometimes handed over for very little, and they turn water, scraps and time into stock for soups and grains all week. Our [bone broth and organ meats](/blog/bone-broth-and-organ-meats/) page covers that routine in detail.

## Slow cuts beat premium cuts on price

Tougher cuts cost less and suit long, gentle cooking. A slow cooker turns them into several meals at once, which is where the real saving sits: one cooking session, multiple dinners. That pattern sits at the heart of [ancestral nutrition for women](/blog/ancestral-nutrition-for-women/).

## A modest weekly pattern

One organ dish, one batch of broth and one slow cut a week is a complete ancestral pattern, and at typical counter prices it costs less than a single premium steak dinner. Modest and regular is both the traditional shape and the affordable one.

## FAQ

### Is ancestral eating expensive?

The core foods are often cheap. Organs, bones and tougher slow cuts usually cost less per pound than premium muscle cuts.

### What is the cheapest place to start?

Broth from bones and one small organ dish a week. Both cost little and cover the main habits of the pattern.

### How much organ meat does a budget pattern need?

Small amounts. Organ meats are concentrated, so a modest weekly portion is the long-standing pattern and keeps cost low.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Nothing on this site is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a qualified professional before changing your diet or starting a supplement.