Low Carb Shopping on a Budget

[Always]

Does anyone remember seeing or posting a list of low-cost low-carb foods to help people living on a low budget? If so, can it be posted here or a link posted? A friend is trying to help a relative with Type II eat better low carb foods to replace the VERY cheap bread and rice that they are filling up with now and I thought I remembered this subject being addressed at one time. He feels bad that she is not addressing the excessive carb issue in regards to her Type II even though he shares what his knowledge.

It would seem to me that Aldi's would be a good place for a family on a low budget to buy veggies and proteins in bulk, but I suspect that the relative is not REALLY interested in changing how they eat...just in complaining. It can be done, but it takes some work on her part. He's already preached the carb issue and I don't think she's going to make any effort to change but I said I would see if there's an existing list out there.

See ya!

[Knipfty]

Check out WWW.GroceryGame.com (http://WWW.GroceryGame.com). Following this site, you can cut your grocery shopping 50% to 75%. You have to change your shopping habits, but it does work.
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Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory.
Down 13; 107 to go...:D

[Gaelen]

Mary, one article I wrote for Carb Health might help--it's is a thread in Protein Power Kitchen, called Cheap Eats (http://www.proteinpower.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61&highlight=cheap+eats).

Shopping at Aldi and other warehouse-type stores can help, but you need pantry space and a freezer. If you don't have those things, and/or are single, it can be a challenge, but it can be done.

[Belfrybat]

Here's a link to the "cheapskate low carb" thread at Low Carb Friends. I don't think you have to join to group to read the thread:
http://www.lowcarbfriends.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=169867

They have lots of good ideas.

[Always]

Thanks gang...I'll pass the info on.

[Zuleika]

Check out WWW.GroceryGame.com (http://WWW.GroceryGame.com). Following this site, you can cut your grocery shopping 50% to 75%. You have to change your shopping habits, but it does work.

I've been curious about sites like these. Are they really all that helpful for those of us who are buying mainly non-branded fresh items like meat, produce, etc.? The rest of my grocery budget is mostly condiment type things like spices, canned tomatoes, salad dressing, plus some dairy.

[Gaelen]

Well, I live in an area of the northeast with three major supermarket chains --Wegmans, Price Chopper and P&C -- as well as Aldi, BJs, Sam's, Eckerd Drugs, RiteAid, Kinney Drugs and a Walmart SuperCenter. All of them are within 5 miles of my house. But the only local store that comes up on the list when I punch in my zip code is CVS, a place I hardly ever go. It's also more expensive than it looks; here's the billing after the 4-week $1 trial period:
"After your optional* 4 Week $1 Trial, TERI'S LIST is just $10 every 8 weeks for the first store LIST you choose, and $5 every 8 weeks for each additional store LIST (if more than one store LIST is available in your area). Example: 1 store List: $10 every 8 weeks, 2 store Lists: $15 every 8 weeks, 3 store Lists: $20 every 8 weeks. Cancel anytime!"

I considered it, because of all the hard goods I buy in the grocery store--cat food, TP, wraps/foils/bags, prepped foods like vinegars and oils, tissues, cleaning supplies, toiletries, etc. I do use coupons for those things when I find them. But since it doesn't appear to have lists for ANY of the stores I routinely use, and it's closer to $1.25/week for one store after the trial period, I passed. Heck, I consider it a good week if I SAVE $1.25 on the hard goods stuff! YMMV...

[cmcole]

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cheap/20040518a1.asp



20 ways to save on groceries
By Dana Dratch (http://www.bankrate.com/brm/ask_editors.asp) • Bankrate.com

1. Eat your fruits and vegetables.
2. Give those shelves the once-over.
3. Stick to the edges.
4. Shop early and alone.
5. Set your shopping mood.
6. Operate by the book.
7. If you want to win the savings game, learn the rules.
8. Know when to use a list.
9. Know when not to use a list.
10. Grocery stores are for groceries.
11. Take a rain check.
12. Know the system.
13. Realize that more isn't always cheaper.
14. Request price matching.
15. Look for double coupons.
16. Weigh before you pay. |
17. Beware of "discount store syndrome."
18. Realize that sometimes the best bargain isn't the lowest price.
19. Check your receipts.
20. Put your savings to work.

This article is excerpted from the original source. Dana Dratch is a freelance writer based in Atlanta.



http://www.mcmaster.ca/health/hwc/Newsletters/jan05/eat_healthy_dirt_cheap.htm

Eat Healthy, Dirt Cheap
by Heather Bryce, Peer Health Educator

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060212.wscoffieldchat/BNStory/Front/home

http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/cpa/publications/HealthyEatingdoc.pdf

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cheap/331Ways/DailyLife/groceries.asp

[Gaelen]

Dana Dratch's suggestions are dead-on! I do make a list for 'hard goods' (tissues, TP, paper towels) but things like dairy, fresh veggies and fruits, or even the proteins I select each week not only depend on what was advertised but what actually LOOKS, smells and feels good/ripe when I get to the market. I don't menu plan for more than a couple days in advance, and I always have a plan B, mainly because if brussels sprouts, melon and daikon radish look better than the kale, berries and tomatoes, I'll be making different things. And while I may want chicken wings for dinner, if there's an unadvertised special on frozen tilapia fillets (buy one pound, get two more free), then I'll be having chicken wings another night. ;)

[paleogirl]

You could grow your own vegetables and get a few chickens for egg-laying. Then you only have to buy meat, which can be done cheaply from the grocery store if you don't do organic/grass-fed or if you do organic/grass-fed (you really should!!), you can buy in bulk and freeze.

[Lucille]

this has been a concern i have had, that this would cost me more than i can do. but so far, i have found meat on sale, when the best before date is a day or 2 away, the one store i go to here wil put it on sale for half price. so that is how i got my meat for this week. i wasnt able to buy romaine as it was out of this world in price but i got enough raw veggies that i am being diligent to keep prepared in the fridge and eat instead of letting rot in the crisper. so for me, buying my meat on sale as much as possible, and making sure i do eat my raw veggies, i think i will be able to do this on my budget. also i am NOT buying pop, bread, cookies, pudding cups, etc etc, and i spent a LOT of money on those things.

[marc chagall]

Hi!!
I am really curious about this site. Are this really all that helpful for those of us who use to buy non-branded fresh items like meat, produce, etc..
and remaining the rest of my grocery budget is mostly condiment type things like spices, canned tomatoes, salad dressing, plus some dairy.This site has valuable information.
================================================== ==
Marc Chagall

[maxlharris]

Hi!!
I am really curious about this site. Are this really all that helpful for those of us who use to buy non-branded fresh items like meat, produce, etc..
and remaining the rest of my grocery budget is mostly condiment type things like spices, canned tomatoes, salad dressing, plus some dairy.This site has valuable information.
================================================== ==
Marc Chagall
Some tips for you:
1- Meat: Couple of interesting ways to save.
a- Butcher subprimals at home (buy Ribeye, Strip, or tenderloin at your local warehouse, cut into steaks {tenderloin is more complicated than this, but not much}, and save $$'s/lb... typical example: Ribeye at Costco: Subprimal: $6/lb. Cut into steaks: $9)
b- Buy a cow (butchered) or a half cow (or go in with friends) from a rancher in your hood. Can be a HUGE cost savings (if you go in with friends, it's good to know your way around a cow... get the hanger, some short ribs, the 7 bone roast, maybe the oxtail, the cheeks... obviously this is after you get the stuff you like, like top loin.)
c- Whole chickens over parts. (Good to know what to do with dark meat chicken.

2- Veggies & Fruits: CSA. Get fresh delivered to near you from the farm, probably save a little, definitely eat with the seasons.

3- Condiments: buy at Costco and try new stuff. Sriracha. Very nice.