Hi:

I'm new to this board and WOL. I have lurked for a while, reading and applauding all of your accomplishments and finally came to the conculsion it is TIME for me to get it together!

I have read the books, searched the website, look at recipes and printed many, many out. I prepared a shopping list and off I went to the store. It took forever - reading labels, and people were getting short with me, blocking stuff and reading and I was forever moving to get out of their way!!
I found it confusing on the carb counts, to be honest - the full fat stuff is high carb - such as Ricotta cheese (5 for reg) low fat (3). I couldn't find SF pizza sauce and found one that not to bad ( I hope). All this reading, searching and referring to my list -- I forgot to buy heavy cream and a few other things.

I also picked up a few non -LC things for the house -- yes, I know that I should not do it -- but I needed fruit, bread, milk (kids) and this weekend is a big football weekend for H - so I got him what he asked for and since I can't stand football, I won't be in the same room while he eats.

Anyway, I get to the cashier and I had her do a subtotal of the bill after the non LC food and then starting ringing up the LC food. I spent $200 on LC food. People kept looking at my stuff on the belt, the cheese, meat, butter, full dressings, nitrate free bacon and hot dogs - they probably ignored the veggies, however.

Is this normal or do I need to find a part time job to pay for my groceries?
Did I do something wrong?

Thanks,

When you first start Atkins all you can think is what you deny yourself so you make sure that everything low carb is available. Later, when you have reach ketosis and you have more experience, you soon realize that all you have to do is eat meat and green vegetables first, and you can have your most favorite LC items add on after the meal if you are still hungry.

You lose a lot of your appetite and the further you are from LC made item the better off you are. You are just in the learning process right now, in a few months you will find that your desires will change on a weekly basis. You will stick with favorite and be happy with them and your food bill will reflect it.

Nope, you didn't do anything wrong...I've said it many times, "you ain't getting rich by eating low carb." It's the greatest, though, and (sad as it is) being thinner actually *does* correlate to higher income and lower medical bills, so I try to keep it in perspective as an investment in myself. I'm actually convinced that part of the reason why obesity and poverty are closely linked is due to the cheapness of high-carb food.

Also, fwiw, being that it was your first time shopping you probably did buy a lot of stuff that you won't need to buy every time you shop - sauces, dressings, spices, etc., that you'll use to prepare things. Also, you probably bought more than you'll need, as LC eating is so filling you'll probably start to reduce portion size naturally over time, which also lowers the shopping bill. When I first bought I had a certain amount of paranoia about having LOTS of low carb stuff around because I used to eat so often that if there wasn't something around I was afraid I'd eat badly. Over time I just naturally cut down not only my portions but also my snacking, leading me to feel less of a need to have a ton of different foods in the house.

One way or another - it IS worth it. Quality of life is worth more than anything money can buy. You didn't fill in your weight stats, but if you're posting in the TDC and you can stick to it, you will find that it is MORE than worth it.

-j.

One other note - things that are labeled low carb (ESPECIALLY atkins-branded foods) can be hyper-expensive and not at all worth the extra cash. The only low-carb labeled stuff that I eat with any regularity are Heinz's low carb ketchup and low carb A-1 sauce. Other than that, I eat foods that are naturally low in carbs. They're generally better tasting than "faked" low carb foods, my body reacts better to them in terms of maintaining my weight loss direction, and they're generally healthier and lacking all the additives that the low-carb fakers add to make them marginally less gross.

-j.

You did the same thing most of us all did when we got started....I know that personally being married with kids the grocery budget isnt endless so you will learn to adapt....when a cut of meat is on sale buy a bunch and freeze it (if you buy cheaper cuts of meat I can recommend making a LC marinade and putting it on the meat before you freeze..that way as it defrosts it will marinate at the same time and is ready to cook as soon as possible) Eggs are fairly cheap and are so flexible and make many dishes....try making scottish eggs ahead of time for breakfast..simply boil an egg, peel, wrap in sausage meat and bake in the oven until the sausage is cooked..a very hearty breakfast and can be made ahead of time and eaten either hot or cold....Also pick up a LC cook book ( I always check the bargain book sections at the book store for them)..there are lots of great low cost foods you can make that are on plan. Good luck..you will find what works for you with your life and budget as well...if you need help please dont hesitate to ask..this is a great place!!