Atkins on a Budget -- What Do You Do?

[HappyDayHere]

Hello. I am single and on disability. I had gotten my diet down to amazing cheapness -- can of beans and some rice, etc. But was gaining weight.

So now I'm on Atkins and the cost of the food is destroying my budget. I literally tremble when I go through the grocery shop line and await the total.

I have only a refrigerator freezer and some shelf space. No fancy storage facilities.

What do you all do to save money on Atkins?

Here is one tip that I have discovered -- my Krogers puts meat on "Manager's Special" after 3pm every day. So I buy ahead then and freeze the meat.

[Earl Grey]

Re: Atkins on a Budget -- What Do You Do?

I can think of a few things that might help. Try using head lettuce instead of bagged lettuce, lots of chicken, make your own oil and vinegar salad dressing. I'm not sure what your disability is so this might be a no go but do you have room for growing a few of your own veggies?

If you don't mind me asking what part of WV are you in? I'm in Wetzel county, but I used to live in Hancock, we did our shopping in Ohio where their was no tax on food. That helped a little also. PA has the same deal if I remember right, no tax on food, just higher tax on everything else! Hope this helps.

[imagood1]

Re: Atkins on a Budget -- What Do You Do?

Hi Happy --

Buying meat on a Managers Special is a great way to save!! Is there is Aldi Grocery Store near you? I get quite a few of my fresh veggies there for so much less than the regular store. Also, butter is $1.39 a pound (this week it's .99 a pound because of Thanksgiving), celery is always under 1.00, cabbage, colored peppers, avocados (.89 each), eggs are .79 to 1.19 a dozen depending on your store, also cheese is cheaper, it makes it much easier for me to get more for my money.

I agree with the post above, chicken is almost always cheap, hamburger is good, buy a turkey - that goes a long way and is cheap now. Make meals ahead from the recipe sites and eat them - that's another way I make things stretch.

Hope you are able to find some tips here.

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Atkins on a Budget -- What Do You Do?

Budget Low-Carb Eating - How to Save Money While Eating Low-Carb

[stubbytails]

Re: Atkins on a Budget -- What Do You Do?

Sometime you need to make trade offs for the sake of your health. Basically beans and rice is what I also did to stretch the buget.
I try not to purchase deli meats or cheese. I do a crock pot with a pork roast and beef roast together (flavor is great). Then I do my own slicing. I always shop at discount food store and I look in the pull date bins (especially for cheese it is always good).
Both my husband and I have noticed we require less food to satisfy now, but we also seem to notice the flavor more...in the past quantity was our issue. I did invest in good spices with better cuts of meat. Quality over quantity.
I do walmart brand nutra-sweet and we get all of our water in that way, works out to about 44 cents per gallon.
DON'T forget to clip coupons, and watch for the double coupons. If you can't get to stores-most chains will honor coupons and discount disabled and senior on deliveries. Call your local meals on wheels, they can provide some help as can local churches and senior centers. My mother in law can't drive and requested service during the week while we are out of town. She told them she has wheat allergies and iron deficiency-They deliver veggies and (extra meat) to her.
Hope this helps.

[liv]

Re: Atkins on a Budget -- What Do You Do?

Those store specials are great. I do try to get a lot of those. You can buy lesser quality meat cuts and just change the cooking method. Make things a head and freeze down portions. Hamburger can be found cheap and you can get quite a few meat patties made up for easy suppers. Canned tuna or chicken can be good stretchers.

[Grant]

Re: Atkins on a Budget -- What Do You Do?

I just look for sales and stock up whenever I can. Canned tuna is a good example. Also even something like eggs..I'll buy 4 dozen and hardboil half of them.