How much do you spend for food?

[Roshen]

I'm wandering... I feel like eating in this way I'm spending more money then before (and probably I am!) and I really need to keep costs low 'cause right now money is an issue for me and my bf.
We are fine but next year we'll be moving and we need every extra cent.
I don't buy clothes (since so far it wasn't a pleasure ) and I don't waste money usually but Uni for me is expensive, even if I can finally get the degree I always wanted!

I tried to contact people on this board who are from Sweden, so maybe they could help me out with stores and brands 'cause I *don't know anything*!!
I shop in the stores close to home and I buy the usual stuff 'cause I'm sure with them... I don't know any low-carb store or brand here and not even online sites for Europe...

Sorry for the rant.... but I want to find a way to eat as I need to without feeling guilty that I'm wasting money.

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: How much do you spend for food?

I don't know anything about shopping in Sweden unfortunatley.

I'm sure you can probably buy a lot of the things we get here though. Things like canned tuna are pretty cheap and you can eat that for your proteins.

Do they have weekley sales? I try to buy whatever meats are on special and then I package them and freeze them. I buy things like whole pork loins when they're on sale and then I cut them into chops and roasts and freeze them.

[ladyinred]

Re: How much do you spend for food?

I do the same as Mog, look for sales and buy in bulk when you can. You don't need things that are specifically low carb other than getting regular salad dressing and such. Low fat items tend to be high sugar, so if you buy regular fat things then just check for no added sugar and you should be fine. We all go through times when there's not much money in the bank but you can still eat well. We eat a lot of ground beef and I make casseroles with ground beef and cabbage, meatloaf, etc. Frozen veggies aren't usually expensive and there's less chance of them going bad before you can use them up. You CAN eat luxuriously (i.e. crab, lobster, filet mignon, whipping cream) but you don't HAVE to. Atkins can fit any budget. I also find I eat less on this plan so a little goes a long way. Good luck with school and with Atkins-ing.

[Tired of Chub]

Re: How much do you spend for food?

Im single and live alone so my budget covers me. I buy stuff on sale when I can and shop in bulk for things I know I like and use. (like tuna fish). I do eat more expensive items but when I get them on sale (like the salmon on sale now) with the occasional splurge on things I love that dont go on sale. Are you able to use coupons? shop at farmers markets or local produce stands? Ive found those to be most economical (not to mention the most flavor and nutrients)

[Roshen]

Re: How much do you spend for food?

I'll check about farmers market... that would be good!
And I'll start buying more frozen vegetables (like broccoli)!
Thank you everyone for your advices and personal experiences!! *hugs*

I buy canned tuna and I buy cheap bacon (and btw it tastes much better then the expensive one!) and I think I'll start checking how often I buy certain thing instead of others!
It's hard to adjust myself to the price-difference!

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: How much do you spend for food?

I'm sure it is tough!

Maybe find out what things are locally grown as opposed to imported. Locally grown veggies are usually fresher and much cheaper! Good luck!

[dreamof145]

Re: How much do you spend for food?

I agree. I don't spend a lot on groceries. I buy bulk, bake and freeze foods...so that it lasts several meals. I eat tuna, chicken, meatballs, hamburgers wrapped in lettuce leaves, soups I make low-carb and can be frozen or ate as left-overs the following day. In fact I feel that eating this way saves me money. I used to blow a lot on rolls, breads, chips, potatoes, sugar, goodies and beverages. Now I only drink water which saves me a bundle.

[doeskin]

Re: How much do you spend for food?

I have noticed that I do spend a little bit more. The fresh and frozen veggies are relatively cheap, even when I buy organic, so that's not it. But in my case it all comes from buying way more meat, cheese, and bottled water. I'm very picky about water (HAS to be spring) and cheese (HAS to be all natural). But with meat I have learned just to buy whatever is on sale that week and somehow plan my meals around it.

I know in France they have Carrefour (like a Euro super-WalMart), do they have something like that in Sweden? Maybe they have cheaper food. Good luck!

[Roshen]

Re: How much do you spend for food?

thank you *hugs*
I agree with dreamof145 about saving money not buying junk food anymore... like I'm not buying cookies, crisps, coke and such anymore...
Here in Sweden the only cheap supermarket I found it's called Willies, but you need to be very careful about what you buy, some things are really crap! I can't buy meat there, only frozen and of brands that I already know, otherwise it's not good quality, not even decent
Sofresh, I'm buying more meat and cheese as well, and veggies of course. I don't buy water, here tap-water is ok to drink and I'm lucky about it!! \o/