I feel kinda lost

**Bugaboo** · October 14, 2005, 07:45 PM

Re: I feel kinda lost

Could it be just the stress from making a big transistion? You're not whining at all, you've gone through a big move and are making some big adjustments and your guard is a bit down. Vent all you need to! We're here for you. As for grocery stores here shopping the perimeter of the store might work best for you right now. Spend some time in the produce section and see if there aren't any new veggies you'd like to try. I hope you feel better soon!

**2big4mysize** · October 14, 2005, 07:46 PM

Re: I feel kinda lost

Welcome to the US

well it used to be you could just shop the perimeter of the store but stores got wise to us and moved the stuf but just go to the produce the meat and dairy sections and you should be fine.

**iwillbethin** · October 14, 2005, 07:59 PM

Re: I feel kinda lost

Stay away from the middle section of the grocery store. You will notice that most of the foods you can eat are all along the outer part of the store. Produce, dairy, meat which are located around the carb laden foods that hang out in the middle of american stores. Where did you move to? Welcome to the US!!

**Moochiecat** · October 14, 2005, 09:24 PM

Re: I feel kinda lost

What was a typical menu like for you in the Netherlands?

**soliwit** · October 14, 2005, 10:19 PM

Re: I feel kinda lost

Aww thanks for the heads up, heh.
It is indeed probably like you said, it is quite a change and I have been like a stretched out rubber band since some months even, getting everything right and since my husband lives here I had to do all the packing and fixing my appartment on my own.
I have been thinking about the whole situation since I posted the first message; indeed all of a sudden a big stress fell away and now all seems so open and new and well, with less stress LOL
Heh, I can't expect to 'know' my way around all in one week.

I was used to eat certain sausages, that didn't have any sugars or dextrose, just for in between snack, here all of them seem to hold some kind of sugar, all the brands are unknown to me.
Then, and this might sound weird to you, but all the cuts of meat are different as well and all amounts are enormous, I guess in the Netherlands they are used to small families, or maybe I have to get used to buying bulk and freezing stuff.
Also I used to eat a lot of shrimp, fresh, a certain kind I haven't seen around here, they are called dutch shrimp, they are small and greyish (even when done, so not pink as the more common shrimp)
Then there is raw herring, heh, ok I can understand you peeps will probably think we dutch are crazy for eating that, heheh.
And smoked chicken, cause it was so easy to make a salad with, just cut up and it has a load of taste and not too much work for preparing a very tasty salad.
Indeed, I don't have real problems with the vegetables, only mixed salads are REALLY expensive here, but it is my proteins I am worried about I guess.

Thanks you all for letting me vent here, it does help to know I am not alone.

Oh and I moved to New Braunfels, Tx

**Momtofour** · October 15, 2005, 06:43 AM

Re: I feel kinda lost

I feel for you. You have made a major life change. Just spend a day going to the stores and reading labels. It all comes down to reading the ingredients. Maybe take a list of acceptable foods with you. I hope things get easier for you soon.

**dreamof145** · October 15, 2005, 07:52 AM

Re: I feel kinda lost

FIRST OF ALL, Welcome to the USA. I read your post and could totally relate. My husband was military and I can't count how many times I've been in your shoes!! My first trip to W.Germany was a nightmare. I got stuck in the airport for 2 days, threatened to be sent back to the USA and then when he finally did pick me up (nobody told him I was in-country)...he had to drop me off and go back to business for the next two weeks. I was all alone and feeling like the only person in the world without a friend or foe. It is very stressful.

What I suggest is to make written plans, so you don't lose focus. The supermarkets are very scary when they are foreign. Luckily, Atkins acceptable foods are not anything so absurb that your family can't eat it with you. They can add potatoes and bread to their meal, while you can still enjoy the meat and veggies portion of it. Thats what makes ADBB so wonderful, we can all go with you no matter where you go in the world to support you in. I sure could have used ADBB 25 years ago when I ate for comfort.

Best wishes, I hope your move here turns into a very positive adventure!!

**cleochatra** · October 15, 2005, 08:02 AM

Re: I feel kinda lost

Here is a google map of all your known grocery stores and butcher shops for the area.

If you CAN, shop the "Butcher Boy Meat Market" on page 2. It is a little more spendy, but you will find some quality food there.

Also, Albertson's sells "Laura's Lean Ground Beef" which is grass-fed, no-hormone beef... if you have a Super Target nearby, however, you can buy it cheaper at Super Target.

Here is the link for your local farmer's market for cheap and VERY quality produce.

Here is a link to place to google the address. This is the BEST map system I've EVER used. Type in the address and it'll even map to where you'll live!

Welcome to the US, babydoll!!!

**iyamamaschke** · October 15, 2005, 10:59 AM

Re: I feel kinda lost

HEy WOOHOO on the MOve and CHEAT free there are a lot of people who couldn't do what you ahve done staying away from the carbs while moving you should be sooo increadible you have a lot to be proud of.

Now I know you said you don't have a lot of Money and that's ok, I myself don't either and sometimes it's hard to find things on a tight budget. Wht types of foods do you like. Do you enjoy tuna, or salmon, the grocery stores can be sooo confusing the best way to get over that fear is to go inside when you ahve a fair bit of time and just become used to your surroundings. Look around see where everything is and the next time you go it will be a lot less intimidating. I am from Canada buyt, I am sure the stores are set up a lot the same there is always a meat secion which I fancy, and the frozen veggies. Sometimes if you buy in bulk it's cheeper they call them wharehouse packs or family packs get more bang for your buck. WHat I ahve also been known to do is to find a place where they sell large roasts I don't know if you have Safeways or Superstore in the US but you can get meat fairly cheap there well you can here any how. If you cut it up yourself you can get a roast for probably 20 dollars and cut about 7 steaks or more out of it depending on thickness. That would do you for a few days I am sure. I do a lot of mayo and Salmon cause I love it I mix veggies in it and mayo make like a saladout of it. I can buy 6 cans of salmon here in bulk for 6 dollars which is all right and is 6 dasy worth of lunches. The all I need is my fresh veggies and I'm sure you have no problem with that.

Well I sure hope that helps you. You are doing sooo excellent. STAYING ON WHILE MOVING WOW you are Aweomse.

Sarah

**slimndown** · October 15, 2005, 11:39 AM

Re: I feel kinda lost

I hear you! I'm not from out of the country but I'm used to eating on a budget and love the raw fish thing and totally hear you about the sausage. First of all, I find it cheaper to get heads of romaine lettuce and make my own simple mixed green salad. Heads keep well, as I only shop once a week. As for the raw fish and for any meats, try shopping at your "local" club store like Costco or Sam's Club. I usually get the frozen salmon and frozen tuna there and make sure it is pre-packaged. They might have pre-packaged frozen herring too. What's nice about those is that they freeze the fish as soon as it is caught and cleaned so that you don't really have to worry about any diseases or mishaps. Also, regarding the sausage, one of the chepest meats is ground pork and it is easy to make your own. I find that Jimmy Dean is the best brand sausage out there (both the Original blend and HOT are spicy and good) and find that it is easy to make it stretch by mixing it with the same amount of ground pork (while both are raw) and letting it sit for a while to make sure the flavor stretches too. Unfortunately, you'll have to get used to freezing your meat. I don't have alot of space to keep frozen foods but I buy my meat in bulk about once or twice a month, prepare it up to the point of cooking (mixing meat & spices or marinating) then I freeze half of it and pull it out as I need it. Oh, another really good cheap meat is Pork Loin. You can get it for around $2/lb and it lasts a while. Best marinated then barbequed or slow roasted in a smoker but you can roast in the oven if you wish. Hope this helps! Welcome to the US!

**soliwit** · October 15, 2005, 03:16 PM

Re: I feel kinda lost

Thank you all for being so very helpfull !!!!!!!

I know one thing and that is that without this board I would never survive !It's so very nice to know that I am in a situation that people have gone through as well, it is weird how you know that is so, but only aknowledge such things when people actually tell you their story (hehe, in that way I was lucky, I was only stuck at the airport for 3 hours......)

Monday when my husband is off to work I will have my Big Day Out in the supermarket, like go to the ones that are nearest, with a blocnote and write down all different things I see and can use, with their prizes, a very good idea thanks for that tip.
So perimeters it is and I never thought about looking for frozen vegetables and fish and meat.

There is an Albertsons next door (but I think they are really expensive) then a bit further away a HEB and then the superwalmart.

Ok, that is one decision made.

Then thanks for those wonderfull links, that is deffinately gonna help.

And thank you for making me realise I am doing actually pretty well, I am now remembering how many posts I read before about people moving and falling off the waggon, heh, I even actually can feel proud, it is just a small corner, since the feeling lost is still kinda overwhelming me, but it is there and so I can cherish that, thanks for telling me !

So here a big huge hug for all of you !!!!
((((((((((((((((Bugaboo,2big4mysize,iwillbethin,Mo ochiecat,Momtofour,dreamof145,cleochatra,iyamamasc hke,slimndown))))))))))))))))

**ladyinred** · October 17, 2005, 05:52 AM

Re: I feel kinda lost

Hi Soliwit! I've missed your posts. Welcome to North America. lol (I'm from Canada but I'm still happy you are over here). Canned fish and flax meal are usually in the centre aisles of the store, but once you figure out where, then you don't need to accidentally walk down the cookie aisle. And don't forget about spaghetti squash!! I know you were wanting to try it. Now that you're here you can have it. Good luck with your new adventures. You're a smart woman, I know you'll figure it all out.

**Peytonn** · October 17, 2005, 06:01 AM

Re: I feel kinda lost

awwww... I can't really say I've been there and done that because I've never been ANYWHERE outside my immediate area.. (just the surrounding states here in Georgia)

BUT.... I'm hoping that soon you'll learn your way around the supermarkets... and while I doubt you'll have a ready supply of dutch shrimp and raw herring.. MAYBE you'll find things you love just as much... (like Texas BEEF!)

welcome to the US... and take care!!

**iyamamaschke** · October 17, 2005, 06:44 AM

Re: I feel kinda lost

SUPERWALMART is usually good for Prices so I have heard. I hope you ahve a good time at the store it's a new adventure I'm sure you'll do great and you'll be soo proud of yourself when you're done.

Sarah

Announcement

I feel kinda lost

I feel kinda lost

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment