Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

[Papa Deuce]

At least in the way I think about it. I figure that I an spending more on meat and fish and cheese, and maybe even vegetables... but I am SAVING the $20 - $30 a week I was spending on fast food.

The reason I made this topic was that I was at Costco today, and someone saw what was in my cart.... LOTS of chicken and fish, some cheese, and lots of veggies ( I know the woman )... and she said "I couldn't afford to do Atkins; it is SO EXPENSIVE".

What I wanted to say, but didn't was "It's a whole lot less expensive than my diabetes and heart medications". ( which, I hope to be off some of them in a few months, if my body reacts to Atkins like so many others ).

[cocobelle]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

I agree, I think it is less expensive (or as expensive, maybe) as before. I cook for nine people (youngest is 15), so portion sizes tend to be substantial. (Did I mention that 7 of the nine are teenaged/young adult males??? lol) I have to be more disciplined in my cooking - can't wait until the last minute to plan meals. I actually plan for the month, writing down my dinners on the calendar. I can shop for the meats at the beginning of the month, and then fill out the dinners with vegetable and salad.

Five of the nine are following Atkins. I have one that is really underweight. I make a starch for those that are not following Atkins. Because I cook 'real' food, even the starches are better for them, IMO. It's also cheaper. I can get four dinners of mashed potatoes for the guys from a ten lb bag at $1.50-$2/bag.

Dinner for the Atkin-ites is a meat, vegetable and a salad. Yum!

[carbless_in_seattle]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

it's way way less expensive!!

When you're not on atkins, preparing all of your own food, you're likely to buy prepared food all of the time. I was talking about this with my boyfriend the other day. Prepared food is so expensive!! I bought a sandwich at the deli a couple of weeks ago-- Just turkey, lettuce and cheese on wheat bread-- it was 5.99. Then I thought about how I could buy a pack of turkey, a loaf of bread, a pack of cheese, and a head of lettuce for nearly the same price and make a dozen sandwiches!

Being on Atkins makes us go out and get groceries, which is 100 times cheaper than eating out. Also, we get hungry less, because we're not filling up on empty carbs, which makes us consume less.

Also, a lot of the stuff (chicken/steak/turkey/seafood) is able to be frozen, so less food goes bad, which means less waste.

Veggies are cheap! Just buy what is on sale. For instance, I strayed from the bell peppers this week because they are $2.50 each, I will get them next time they are 10 for $10.00.

I bought 2-3 weeks worth of Atkins groceries last wednesday, all for $96.98. Although I shop what's on sale, because before I entered my safeway club card it was $131.00. AND, this included 2 packs of atkins shakes (which are apparently as valuable and expensive as gold)

[dewdropinn]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

I agree. I do not hit up vending machines, drive throughs, movie theater treats and other places of the sort.

[BamaKelly]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

I want to agree but right now I am having a hard time. I understand all the other things that I used to have that I am not buying (both my boyfriend and I are on the diet together). BUT our usual grocery budget is $170.00 every two weeks. I have been on Atkins Induction now for 8 days and have gone grocery shopping twice, the first time we spent $202.88 and then this past weekend was another $160.00 and I am already wondering if it is enough food. I am hoping that as I learn how to eat this way I will also learn how to shop this way. I have no children and so that is what is spent on 2 people and I am only taking in 1500 calories a day.


Carbless_In_Seattle:

I sure would like to get ahold of that grocery list that will take you threw two weeks and only costs $130.00!!!!

[carbless_in_seattle]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

I want to agree but right now I am having a hard time. I understand all the other things that I used to have that I am not buying (both my boyfriend and I are on the diet together). BUT our usual grocery budget is $170.00 every two weeks. I have been on Atkins Induction now for 8 days and have gone grocery shopping twice, the first time we spent $202.88 and then this past weekend was another $160.00 and I am already wondering if it is enough food. I am hoping that as I learn how to eat this way I will also learn how to shop this way. I have no children and so that is what is spent on 2 people and I am only taking in 1500 calories a day.


Carbless_In_Seattle:

I sure would like to get ahold of that grocery list that will take you threw two weeks and only costs $130.00!!!!

well-- i must say, it is for myself for the most part, my boyfriend buys seperate groceries mostly (we share some things thought) because he is a high-carb eater. My list is as follows:

Spinach: $1.79
Green lettuce: $1.79
Romaine Lettuce: $1.79
Tomatoes (4 on the vine): $3.00
cucumbers (3): $1.29 each x3= 3.87
Broccoli (1.5 pounds): $2.25
celery (packaged hearts): $2.99
party platter of 5 cheeses: $5.00
1.5lb frozen chicken breasts: $3.72
1.5 lbs frozen burger patties: $6.99
mayo: $2.00
EVOO 17oz: $4.99
peanut butter: $2.00
atkins shakes (2): on sale for 4.99/4 pack
eggs: $2.49
heaving whipping cream: $2.79
turkey dogs: $1.69
beef dogs: $3.11
shredded cheddar 8oz : $2.50
5 2 liter bottles of diet pepsi buy 2, get 3 free at $1.89)
cottage cheese 4% fat 16oz: 1.99
6 pack of water bottles with squirt tops: $3.79
16oz bacon thick sliced: 2.99

all of that totals: 77.29

On top of that i got: laundry detergent, carpet cleaner spray, bleach, borax, tin foil, wine, dishwasher detergent, and paper towels

I go online to safeway.com and find what is the cheapest, I then make a list by placing things in my shopping cart online, rather than checking out and having the stuff delivered, I print the list out and take it to the store. That way, I know exactly what my total will be, i know exactly what I'm there for. I buy what is on sale. This week it was burger patties and chicken. Next week it might be steaks and frozen shrimp.

[OzLover]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

I agree that it is a cheaper WOE. It is also about being a smart consumer~~buying what is on sale. Also being creative & trying new recipes. My thin DH eats what I eat in addition to the potato/rice/couscous that I make fix for him. One of his favorite dishes is from Linda's site~~

Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes

[Papa Deuce]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

I agree that it is a cheaper WOE. It is also about being a smart consumer~~buying what is on sale. Also being creative & trying new recipes. My thin DH eats what I eat in addition to the potato/rice/couscous that I make fix for him. One of his favorite dishes is from Linda's site~~

Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes

That looks AWESOME and induction friendly! Though I only have 2 more days on induction.... I may stay on induction for another wekk or two, just to make sure my head is in the right place...

[SugarFreeSheila]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

I think the only way Atkins could be more expensive is if one continues buying up all of the sugary, starchy, salty processed food as well. Higher-quality fresh food is priced higher than gas station fare, sure - but if you shop smart (think Costco & Sam's), low-carb eating can be very affordable. The ladies who shop at designer outlets will know what I'm talking about here.

[BamaKelly]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

I think the key here is "Shop Smart"! I dont have a SafeWay here but I wish I did, that is definatly the way to go.

I will work harder next time to be aware of sales etc......

Thanks for the tips and advice!!!

Carblesss_In_Seattle:

Thaks for the list, it will be of some help to me!

[DieBlaueReiterin]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

thank you guys for putting things into perspective for me!!! it seemed to me like i was spending so much more money on food, BUT i was not counting all the money i spent on fast/convenience food. i would go to wendy's/subway/mc'd's/taco smell/etc constantly bc it was quick and easy. i bet i am saving a ton of money cooking my own food!

now the time spent cooking...UGH that is a whole other story!

[JasmineFlower]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

i think it's actually cheaper so far because i am not going eating excessively like i was before.

[SunnySmile501]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

Stocking the pantry at the beginning might be expensive, but after that I think it's cheaper. I buy in bulk and freeze in individual portions. It lasts a long time that way. Sirloin steak (black Angus) is on sale this week for $2.99 a pound. I will buy at least 10 pounds, cut it up in single servings and flash freeze it and it will be a long time before I need to buy again.

People that say they can't afford Atkins will pay $3 to $4 for a bag of chips or Doritos and sodas by the case. Then they sit in front of the TV and eat it all at once. Candy is not cheap, nor is processed pre-prepared convenience foods. That's what their cart is full of; all of it unhealthy.

[SunnySmile501]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

I agree that it is a cheaper WOE. It is also about being a smart consumer~~buying what is on sale. Also being creative & trying new recipes. My thin DH eats what I eat in addition to the potato/rice/couscous that I make fix for him. One of his favorite dishes is from Linda's site~~

Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes

You got me hooked on that stuff months ago. I was looking at the recipe tonight and wishing I hadn't used all my sour cream over the weekend!

[Papa Deuce]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

You got me hooked on that stuff months ago. I was looking at the recipe tonight and wishing I hadn't used all my sour cream over the weekend!

I don't know if I know who Linda is, but after looking at her recipes, someone deserves a BIG HUG!