Can Atkins be affordable?

[lason]

I'm looking to start Atkins but my wife thinks that since I'm the only one doing it that our grocery bill is going to go thru the roof. I do all the grocery shopping and cooking and she's concerned that we won't be able to eat meals together and that buying special foods is going to be costly. Can I do Atkins without breaking the bank?

[molaurie]

I was wondering the same thing when I first started, about a month ago. But I've actually found that I spend much LESS on food now than I ever did before! It's awesome! And I feel so much healthier. You really don't have to buy any "special food". Just regular food like meats and veggies. And it goes a long way when you buy in bulk. I am not going to buy the expensive Adkins bars and shakes. I'd end up eating the whole box at once and there goes $5 and it would definately trigger my sugar/chocolate addiction! So, rest assured that this is indeed affordable! I'm cooking more than I've ever done before, foregoing the fast food, pre-packaged stuff, etc. , saving money. losing weight, and feeling healthy and energetic! It's great!

[momtomany1]

I manage by finding out when the 'reduced' meats get put out. That can make a big difference when you can buy meats close to half price or better. Cheap cuts of meat cooked in a crock pot are some choices. Bulk was already mentioned, like 5 pounds of chicken leg parts when on sale, bake them all and use for the week. (Plus you always have a legal snack handy, just grab a chicken leg!) Helps to have a freezer. Don't overbuy fresh veggies and risk spoilage. Those 'green bags' do work and are available in most produce depts.

I look at it this way... I was spending several dollars a week at the donut shop. I can spend that same money on good foods. A lot of the things you eat your wife can eat just fine too, she'll just be able to add sauces and breads and pastas, cereals, etc. Eggs, even though they have gone up, are still cheaper than boxed cereals. You have to put together a plan, can't save doing it haphazardly, but you can do it!

[Cottage]

I agree.

It's cheaper, for me.

What do you typically cook for meals?
breakfast:
Lunch:
Dinner:

[choeve]

Well lets see. I don't buy as much chips, crackers, cookies, icecream, bread, milk etc... My husband will eat the same meats as I prepare so really all I am doing for dinner is preparing different sides for each of us. I am saving tons not eating breakfast and lunch out everyday. It's all in the planning and prep work. I am spending basically the same each week as I was before. No big change in the grocery bill at all.

[lason]

Doesn't real food like meats and veggies cost more than pre-packaged frozen food? That's my wife's big concern, in that eating better food will be more costly.

[eclectikat]

WELL here is my two cents. it will be more expensive initially. only because you are hypersensitive to what you are buying but... as you go throught the grocery store and find that you rarely go down any isles... THE ISLES ARE FULL OF CARBS
fresh meat is more expensive but way better for you, frozen meals are full of garbage.
Your wife will thank you when she starts feeling better.
Eating better is costly but worth every penny for better health... you will save on antacids, painkillers, lotions, etc!!!!

I spend about the same as I did before starting the diet. less sometimes because before I started I would get cravings and buy crap which because I was so unhappy with my weight I would ultimately toss in the garbage...so I was literally throwing my money in the garbage.

I am keeping my menu simple... nothing to fancy... meat cheese salad cauliflower, peppers cucumbers and broccoli and of course eggs.

Good luck!

Kathy

[Tom]

Also ... what does affordable mean?
If someone told you that healthy food was more expensive then poison would you choose to eat poison?

The thing is that you have to make choices ... and I think that eating healthy should not be the place to scrimp and save.

That being said as said above ... you will be eating less and this can actually lower your food bills.

Just make the smart choices when shopping and look at it all as an investment for your health. Do you realize that cholesterol medicine is $60 / month after the insurance pays its share?

[lason]

thanks for the responses. i know the expense of the right foods should outweigh the health risks but we're on a limited income and i have a family of 5 to feed and i'll be the only one on atkins. my wife said she'd be up for trying things i make so that makes it a little easier.

[Cottage]

If frozen is what you want then buy frozen.

If you are buying MEALS frozen then you are in for lots of savings!

What do you spend each week at the store? Do you know?

How old are the other 3 you are feeding?

Not trying to back you to the wall but I counsel people regarding saving money at the grocery store. That is why I asked the questions I have.