So…I know I have a few weeks before I start my Whole 30. BUT. That doesn’t mean I’m not planning like crazy to make sure that this experience is a good one. So I’m working through the ways that we can make it a positive, money-saving, time-saving experience.

After all, if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. And it’s worth taking the time to some research. If you are considering taking on the Whole 30, do yourself a favor and read It Starts With Food.

Okay. So. Back to saving. I love finding ways to save!

And I figured that you might like to save some money (and time!), too! (Aren’t I such a nice person?)

Good Food FIRST

My very first thought is to prepare Whole 30-compliant freezer meals. Because I have little kids who run rails over me at dinner time.

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I think that this is actually a fairly solid plan-especially since I’m a sucker for a good crockpot, freezer meal, or just about anything that doesn’t require a lot of prep around dinner time. Let’s face it: trying to feed all 4 of us is a challenge, and I love to make that time of day easier.

While I love freezer meals, I’m sure that I’m going to need to (or want to) cook at least once in awhile. Like on weekends, or if we manage to find a weekend when it’s not triple-digits to go camping. Which means I need to learn how to meal plan…for a Paleo diet.

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Of course, I’m a planner junkie. And meal planning is a part of that-but my previous staples just aren’t going to work. So I’m going to trust in someone who’s been there, done that for awhile until I’m in a groove. At least I feel like that is a pretty great plan.

I was feeling pretty good about my plan…when Ish asked what he could take for lunch. And I had a moment (kind of like the “moment” depicted in Mom’s Night Out-Google it.).

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I’m a huge fan of the NomNom Paleo Cookbook, and I don’t know why the though of Paleo lunches sent me over the edge, because I should have intuitively known that she’d have the answer (hint: she has ALL.THE.ANSWERS.).

Save Money And Thrive

As a busy momprenuer (I like fancy-shmancy titles.), it’s important that I have snacks ready to go since we are always on the go. It’s either time at the park, a business meeting, or conference call.

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We are always on the go. I was super excited to find Thrive Market, and even more excited to do a quick price comparison-did you know that they are actually cheaper than Costco or Whole Foods when you compare product to product? AND they deliver certified organic and natural products to your doorstep. Oh! And they are super, super affordable.

The Thrive Market’s business model lets them pass savings straight to their members (like me!).

Y’all. This is a seriously awesome find. It’s fast, easy, and really affordable.

AND, I got 15% off + a free 30 days of membership just for signing up (Their membership fee is averages out to about $5 a month, and I think, totally worth it.). Want to get on the bandwagon? Get your discount code!

And let’s face it, it’s hard to manage everything when you’re a wife, mom, blogger, and you work from home. But that does not mean it’s impossible! All it takes is some really, really good planning. I’ve got the meals covered…but what about groceries?

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I was OVER.THE.MOON. to find an amazing printable grocery list! I can literally go through and check off what I need! It’s really, really simple. I like simple.

I also like to keep lists of helpful tips. Did you know that the average family of 4 spends over $500 a month on groceries if they’re being “thrifty”? Obviously, to save money is a wonderful thing.

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I was super excited to find some awesome money-saving tips that I should (and will!) apply all the time now. And that’s not the half of it! I found tons of great tips and tricks to help make this experience as pain-free as possible!

Tips & Tricks

I had a near panic attack yesterday when I realized that in order to do Whole 30, I had to do a LOT of prep work. Now, the last time I did this, I didn’t have two little kids, and I was in a very, very different place in my life. It was 5 years ago! And I am pretty sure I didn’t call it “Whole 30″…at least, I don’t think I did.

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I’m not just talking about prepping for one person, or even two. We’re talking about 4 people. And I am sure that the majority of the prep will fall on my shoulders. So. I’m on a mission to find ways to help save time and prep for the days/weeks ahead.

And last but not least, I wanted to see if there was anything special I should be doing because of my thyroid.