Atkins on a budget

[quotidianlight]

My grocery budget has been blown by Atkins. Meat and eggs are way more expensive than pasta and crap so I thought a post on ways to save money while eating living this WOL would be a good idea.

Here's my tips:

Buy good cuts of meat in bulk from stores like Costco instead of the more expensive less quality cuts at the grocery store. Then use a vacuum sealer so you can freeze them in single servings without losing moisture. The bags are clear so you can tell what is what.

Starbucks still sells short cups even if they don't advertise them and they cost less than tall cups. If you still like your once a week starbucks get less carbs and pay less money with a breve short latte made with cream.

Butter freezes well, buy in bulk and save the rest for the upcoming months

Veggies out of season cost more, look for your farmers market and go!

Shop more often and get just the fresh veggies you need for the next couple days; you end up with less stuff less stuff in the trash before you can eat it.

Now I will grab my negene bottle and refill it at my filtered tap and look forward to any other tips I haven't thought of.

Please add any tips you can think of.

[susan423]

Re: Atkins on a budget

You mentioned a vacuum sealer. I also do that with fresh vegies. Foodsave in a container and lettuce with last 3 times longer. I also foodsave cheese. It'll last forever (or close to it )

Also if you have a crockpot you can get away with buying cheap cuts of meat and make them taste expensive.

I also buy a lot of frozen veggies. They are sometimes cheaper then fresh and you can take out just what you need. I'm sure I have more but it's getting late and I need to get to bed. I can't wait to hear what others have to say.
I also remember the times I use to come home with packages of cookies and ice cream. Now that I'm not doing that it seems to even out

[dreamof145]

Re: Atkins on a budget

I also buy a lot of bulk hamburger, turkey, tuna, fish, chicken and stew meat. I spend all day Sundays cooking for the week so I don't spend so much time in the kitchen on weekdays. I'll fix some Atkins' Pizzas, meatballs, meatloaf, and have them ready to pop into the oven for quick meals.

I fix a lot of salads (quick and inexpensive) and usually buy my veggies a couple times a week so they stay fresh. I always portion my veggies, fruits, and meals so that when it comes time to eat, I don't have to waste time doing it when I am hungry and in a hurry.

I actually save money on Atkins cause I used to buy a lot of cereal, chips, potatoes, flour, breads, pasta, sodas, and frozen foods that I no longer buy.

I also have a 3x5 card box in my kitchen with recipes, ideas for snacks, ideas for potlucks, ideas for camping, ideas for cook-outs, etc. That way no matter what comes up...I don't have to stress over it...I'm ready for just about anything.

[sadie147]

Re: Atkins on a budget

I think NOT eating healthy will cost you more in the long run, healthier foods are far cheaper than a lifetime of prescription drugs and medical appointments (especially if your not covered), for diabetes, high blood pressure etc.

One thing I always do is go through my weekly grocery store flyers, and i keep a notebook in my purse of who has what on sale.

Also I find that alot of frozen veggies can be just as good as fresh, like cauliflwer, squash, etc.

[Lamby-pie]

Re: Atkins on a budget

I found that the money balances out in the end.
My grocery bill dropped dramatically the more weight I lost, as I wasn't eating nearly as much food at 112 as I was at 140.

[quotidianlight]

Re: Atkins on a budget

I am sure it will balance over time but as a single mom, my budget right now is very important. Thank you all for the wonderfull ideas!

[hrgillespie]

Re: Atkins on a budget

I'm not a single mom but I am a mom of a big family and keeping the grocery budget down is a huge task for me and yes your right eating the Atkins way is more expensive then eating other foods ......... there are no coupons for veggies and meats and even when their is a coupon for dairly it's dang expensive to buy good cheese ......... but there are ways to save if you can find them. I live in a rural state so this may not work for you but buying things like eggs and hamburger and even pork from a farmer or butcher house is way less expensive then buying from a grocery store. If you must buy from a gro cery store find out there mark down days even meats will have a save if you buy now coupon when it's on it's last sell date on the package this does not mean it's bad it just means by law they have to move it. If you get right home and freeze it you can save up to 1.00 a pound or package. I also buy a ton of my food at Walmart they have frozen hamburger patties, chicken breast and chicken thighs that are prices you just can't beat ....... not to mention frozen veggies and lower cost cheese. I ahve never been upset byt the quality and always pleased with the amount of my bill when I leave the store. It can be done it just takes patience and determination to make what you have work for you.


Best of luck!

[VGrace]

Re: Atkins on a budget

It has been a little bit more expensive,ecspecially since I am the only one on this WOE and so I have to make my meal separate from theirs. Its not bad though cause my hubby will eat alot of what I eat,grilled chicken steak,etc..except he will just add bread and cake.haha. I eat as cheap as I can for myself. I don't mind it a bit,but most people would get very bored with my menu.
I only shop at Walmart and we save quite a bit. I mainly just do frozen veggies. Chicken legs are very cheap and you get a bunch in one package.I make a meal list weekly,I stick to whats on the list.

[CATBLUE]

Re: Atkins on a budget

It's just me and occasionally my husband.. ( we don't live together because of work... but that's about to change ) I've found that my grocery bill has dropped.. I spend more on meat now but removing all those other things like pasta and bread has really cut food costs. Not to mention the fast food that I NEVER buy anymore. Even without a bun most of that stuff makes me feel slightly sick.

[fatty mcfatison]

Re: Atkins on a budget

I have found not buying junk food and not eating out has decreased my food budget. I am a huge fan of Linda's site. The hubby and I go through and plan a week of meals that we can eat and the kids will enjoy. Example - Last night we had mexican casserole - we eat it plain and the kids put it in taco shells and claim its the best tacos ever. It helps alot to just make one dish. Now since there are 5 of us we double every meal so that we will have leftovers for lunch. Sounds like you are on the right track with your money saving ideas. I would just plan plan plan. Like I always keep my pantry with at least 2 of our most common items. That way if money is tighter one week, I have a bit of a supply and then when we have a bit more I restock. Thats really the biggest saver I know.