Eating a low carbohydrate diet shouldn’t cost you a fortune. Unfortunately, if you don’t make a plan you are planning to fail. In other words, if you hit the grocery store without a list and a menu you’ll be tempted to pick up the easiest foods, which are often the more expensive low carb foods. So, let’s start watching a budget while you’re counting carbohydrates.
You know that packaged foods are more expensive and often times are also processed. This means you are paying more money for food that is not healthy. Change it up and instead of picking up a pre-packaged meal, get fresh fruits and vegetables and cook them at home.
Watch for foods that are in season. Frequent your farmers market for fresh fruits and vegetables. Investigate the best ways to freeze those vegetables so you can enjoy inexpensive produce well after the natural season.
Meat can be the most expensive part of your grocery bill. Look for cuts that are on sale. Consider shopping at your local butcher shop because buying directly from the butcher is often less expensive than from a more convenient grocery store.
Although the beef tenderloin is a very tasty cut of meat, other cuts – like chuck or sirloin – will be less expensive and can be used for slow cooking. These cuts of beef are great for soups, stews and roasts.
Chicken thighs are tender, full of flavor and less expensive than the breast or even an entire chicken. You can bone the meat before cooking or bake them directly on the bone. If you bone the chicken thigh you can boil the bones for broth.
Watch for sales on chicken, beef and fish and buy in bulk. Wrap them individually at home and freeze for a later time when the prices are higher.
Eggs are another protein that can be cost effective, especially if you can purchase them directly from the farmer. Eggs can be poached, scrambled, omelets, quiche and fritatta.
Consider shopping at the discount membership stores, like Sam’s, for your produce and meat. You can also get good prices on shakes and nutrition bars when you buy in bulk.
When you are cooking, consider making the meals to serve for dinner and for left overs the following day for lunch. This reduces your prices and your efforts the next day cooking.
Plan, plan, plan! The nature of the game is going into the store with a menu and shopping list. Buy yourself a low carb recipe book to help you find foods that titillate your palate and are within your budget.
Resources:
Everything Atkins: Atkins Diet Shopping List
http://www.everythingatkins.net/atkinsshoppinglist.html
Authroity Nutrition: A Low Carb Diet Meal Plan and Menu that Can Save your Life
http://authoritynutrition.com/low-carb-diet-meal-plan-and-menu/
Keotgenic Diet Resources: Low Carb Grocery List
http://www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com/low-carb-grocery-list.html
My Natural Family: Low Carb Shopping List
http://www.mynaturalfamily.com/natural-health-tips/low-carb-shopping-list/
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