I feel kinda lost

[soliwit]

Well, so I immigrated here from the Netherlands, at last, after a long wait.
I guess I need to get used to living here, but a big part of my feeling lost is the food.
In the Netherlands I was so used to eating certain things, I didn't even need to think about it really anymore and so I decided once I am in the USA I will start going up the rungs.
BUT, now I am here I even have problems eating according to induction.
Supermarkets seem like some alien place, everything seems really expensive and I just can't find certain things I was used to eat.
I was kinda sorta prepared to this, well I knew it was going to be different and it's not that I haven't been here before, but I get all emotional over it at the moment.
I want it to be easy as before, I don't want to fall of the waggon, I have been doing so well even while going through this whole moving country, cause that was really really stressfull.

Ok, lemme get a grip here. I don't want this to become a whining-post, I thought a long time before posting at all, but I really need to get it off my back somehow.
My husband is really supportive, but well, he isn't eating Atkins and at the moment we are not that well in money since me moving was very expensive.

I just feel so lost. *sigh*

[Bugaboo]

Could it be just the stress from making a big transistion? You're not whining at all, you've gone through a big move and are making some big adjustments and your guard is a bit down. Vent all you need to! We're here for you. As for grocery stores here shopping the perimeter of the store might work best for you right now. Spend some time in the produce section and see if there aren't any new veggies you'd like to try. I hope you feel better soon!

[2big4mysize]

Welcome to the US


well it used to be you could just shop the perimeter of the store but stores got wise to us and moved the stuf but just go to the produce the meat and dairy sections and you should be fine.

[iwillbethin]

Stay away from the middle section of the grocery store. You will notice that most of the foods you can eat are all along the outer part of the store. Produce, dairy, meat which are located around the carb laden foods that hang out in the middle of american stores. Where did you move to? Welcome to the US!!

[Moochiecat]

What was a typical menu like for you in the Netherlands?

[soliwit]

Aww thanks for the heads up, heh.
It is indeed probably like you said, it is quite a change and I have been like a stretched out rubber band since some months even, getting everything right and since my husband lives here I had to do all the packing and fixing my appartment on my own.
I have been thinking about the whole situation since I posted the first message; indeed all of a sudden a big stress fell away and now all seems so open and new and well, with less stress LOL
Heh, I can't expect to 'know' my way around all in one week.

I was used to eat certain sausages, that didn't have any sugars or dextrose, just for in between snack, here all of them seem to hold some kind of sugar, all the brands are unknown to me.
Then, and this might sound weird to you, but all the cuts of meat are different as well and all amounts are enormous, I guess in the Netherlands they are used to small families, or maybe I have to get used to buying bulk and freezing stuff.
Also I used to eat a lot of shrimp, fresh, a certain kind I haven't seen around here, they are called dutch shrimp, they are small and greyish (even when done, so not pink as the more common shrimp)
Then there is raw herring, heh, ok I can understand you peeps will probably think we dutch are crazy for eating that, heheh.
And smoked chicken, cause it was so easy to make a salad with, just cut up and it has a load of taste and not too much work for preparing a very tasty salad.
Indeed, I don't have real problems with the vegetables, only mixed salads are REALLY expensive here, but it is my proteins I am worried about I guess.

Thanks you all for letting me vent here, it does help to know I am not alone.

Oh and I moved to New Braunfels, Tx

[Momtofour]

I feel for you. You have made a major life change. Just spend a day going to the stores and reading labels. It all comes down to reading the ingredients. Maybe take a list of acceptable foods with you. I hope things get easier for you soon.

[dreamof145]

FIRST OF ALL, Welcome to the USA. I read your post and could totally relate. My husband was military and I can't count how many times I've been in your shoes!! My first trip to W.Germany was a nightmare. I got stuck in the airport for 2 days, threatened to be sent back to the USA and then when he finally did pick me up (nobody told him I was in-country)...he had to drop me off and go back to business for the next two weeks. I was all alone and feeling like the only person in the world without a friend or foe. It is very stressful.

What I suggest is to make written plans, so you don't lose focus. The supermarkets are very scary when they are foreign. Luckily, Atkins acceptable foods are not anything so absurb that your family can't eat it with you. They can add potatoes and bread to their meal, while you can still enjoy the meat and veggies portion of it. Thats what makes ADBB so wonderful, we can all go with you no matter where you go in the world to support you in. I sure could have used ADBB 25 years ago when I ate for comfort.

Best wishes, I hope your move here turns into a very positive adventure!!

[cleochatra]

Here is a google map of all your known grocery stores and butcher shops for the area.

If you CAN, shop the "Butcher Boy Meat Market" on page 2. It is a little more spendy, but you will find some quality food there.

Also, Albertson's sells "Laura's Lean Ground Beef" which is grass-fed, no-hormone beef... if you have a Super Target nearby, however, you can buy it cheaper at Super Target.

Here is the link for your local farmer's market for cheap and VERY quality produce.

Here is a link to place to google the address. This is the BEST map system I've EVER used. Type in the address and it'll even map to where you'll live!

Welcome to the US, babydoll!!!

[iyamamaschke]

HEy WOOHOO on the MOve and CHEAT free there are a lot of people who couldn't do what you ahve done staying away from the carbs while moving you should be sooo increadible you have a lot to be proud of.

Now I know you said you don't have a lot of Money and that's ok, I myself don't either and sometimes it's hard to find things on a tight budget. Wht types of foods do you like. Do you enjoy tuna, or salmon, the grocery stores can be sooo confusing the best way to get over that fear is to go inside when you ahve a fair bit of time and just become used to your surroundings. Look around see where everything is and the next time you go it will be a lot less intimidating. I am from Canada buyt, I am sure the stores are set up a lot the same there is always a meat secion which I fancy, and the frozen veggies. Sometimes if you buy in bulk it's cheeper they call them wharehouse packs or family packs get more bang for your buck. WHat I ahve also been known to do is to find a place where they sell large roasts I don't know if you have Safeways or Superstore in the US but you can get meat fairly cheap there well you can here any how. If you cut it up yourself you can get a roast for probably 20 dollars and cut about 7 steaks or more out of it depending on thickness. That would do you for a few days I am sure. I do a lot of mayo and Salmon cause I love it I mix veggies in it and mayo make like a saladout of it. I can buy 6 cans of salmon here in bulk for 6 dollars which is all right and is 6 dasy worth of lunches. The all I need is my fresh veggies and I'm sure you have no problem with that.

Well I sure hope that helps you. You are doing sooo excellent. STAYING ON WHILE MOVING WOW you are Aweomse.

Sarah