Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

[bnorris10]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

and the truth is if you take the amount that you spent on groceries before
Plus include all the fast food - average family at least 2-3 times per week not to mention all the junk people eat while at work or on the go - candy and chip machines , soda machines , stop at the store for soda or other what ever item
You add all that up and garuntee its less then what your spending now - unless of course your one of the few rare people who went strictly by a set shopping list ALLL the time and SET meals ALLL the time and if thats the case chances are you arent here looking to diet as you have more control then the rest of us had at one point in our lives

dont forget to look up your coupons
check online ads - get the sunday paper save coupons for anything you might possibly buy - i like it when i can save coupons and match it up with sales - like when i get $1 off coupon for something then the item goes on sale for buy 1 get 1 free makes it super nice - i even at times have went back out and bought another sunday paper because the $$$ saved from coupons i clipped made it worth the extra

publix did buy 1 get 1 free on some canned good i bought a while back - i had 2 $1 off coupons for the product - they were $1.99 each but since it was bogo i was still able to use 2 coupons since technically i bought 2 cans - so it ended up being that i got them for free with an extra penny to spare

now they dont really have coupons for meat products but i get them all the time for frozen veggies and spices and splenda

[Jeremy]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

THIS DIET IS EXPENSIVE! Period.

I am glad you are saving money by not eating out, but my family did not eat out very much, and we shopped for at least half the price of what we do now. Shopping is also more of a pain as you have to go after veggies more often since they don't keep as well as a bad of tater tots. The other bad thing is I have to shop for my wife and I who are trying to loose weight, and buy "real" food for my brother who lives with us least his little hundred and thirty pound self get blown away by a mild breeze.

That said, I am trying to learn to shop sales more and we will be investing in a freezer soon so we can stock up on meat sales.

I think we are getting a little better at figuring out how to stretch our budget a little better, but our food cost is still double what it was.

[transypodge]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

I agree as well. I'm embarassed to admit how much I was eating out for a long time before starting Atkins. Although I wasn't at the 'breaking point' and ready to truly change my WOE, looking at my bank statements always gave me a guilty/nauseous feeling. On top of my drive-thru splurges, I was still shopping at Kroger, drinking pop, and eating candy. Granted, I am now spending a fair amount on fish, etc, but it's a net savings. I do agree that it can be cost prohibitive for some...I don't know that I could have afforded this food several years ago while in college. I suppose 'where there's a will, there's a way'.

[Amsexy]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

I cannot get this darn ticker thing down, what is this brain surgery???

[Jeremy]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

I think the more I learn to use the foods we can have to make a better variety of dishes, the cheaper it gets too. We had the fake fried rice tonight. 4 p. Bacon, some green onions, and a head of Cauliflower. That's not too bad!

[Amsexy]

Re: Atkins really is NOT expensive, IMO.

I agree Jeremy, Atkins is more economical when you get creative with the dishes you make. I am able to buy groceries for around 150.00 per month and eat lots of veggies and protein, lots of delicious recipes, and I mostly enjoy doing what I call 'eating outside of the box'.
I eat what I want when I want to in the regard that, I can have egg dishes anytime, sometimes it's like eating dinner for breakfast, mostly it's nourishing myself with food I need rather than the food I 'wanted' before. I don't want that food now, just good Atkins friendly foods that support me in reaching my goal.
my favorite thing is my version of
"Hot wings"
They are grilled or boiled chicken breast strips with a pinch of salt and pepper, & hot sauce, I spice em up and dip em in blue cheese. It's so naughty, but it's so yummy! It goes great with the veggie of your choice. I also love to put cooked veggies on/in my salad...mmmm. This is a great way for me to up my greenery and still stay on point. Keep it up! Youi can do it. DO NOT QUIT.
Things that make everythiong great in my opinion:
Marinara sauce
hot sauce
parmasean chs
swiss
onion
real butter
black pepper
ocassional tofu
This is living! What more could a girl ask for? (Clearly I am having my dinner.)
__________________
Suffering is necessary until you realize it is unnecessary. Eckhart Tolle

[LeanLioness]

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.

As always, you are right on target!!!

My DH and I have a monthly budget of $375.00 for groceries for just the 2 of us and our dog who eats raw. For the past 2 months, I have had about $30.00 left over which is rolling over until I want to splurge on something.................