The Atkins diet has plenty of health rewards, but it’s not exactly easy on the wallet. Fresh meat is among some of the most expensive items in the food industry, and if you’re following Atkins, you’ll have to buy a lot of it. Still, there are simple steps you can take to lower costs on this low plan.
Initially, be creative in planning your meals. Don’t forget that most diet books are written to entice readers to try new food mixes. The recipes in those books have the most expensive ingredients. You don’t have to cook like an expert chef to feel the benefits of the Atkins diet plan. There are many simple recipes you can make that are within the project and cost less than those revealed in diet books. If you adjust meal tactics with books, you could enjoy the low-carb lifestyle with limited funds.
One of the most critical steps to take is to buy your meats in bulk. When you stock large packages of chicken, ground beef, and fish, you lower your protein costs. You can separate the jumbo packs into small freezer bags and freeze them in meal-sized portions. Two to 4 chicken breasts per bag are easy to defrost and make a large meal. You can also cook ground beef in a few different varieties and freeze the cooked portions. Try making one serving of the meat with taco spices, another serving with burger spices, and the third serving with Italian spices. That way, you’ll be able to make use of a lot of hamburger meat and still have variety in your diet.
Also, look for less tender cuts of meat to cut back on your grocery dollars. While filet mignon can be delicious, it doesn’t fit every budget. Less tender cuts of beef and pork make great slow cooker food, and using a slow cooker will help tenderize them.
Find another source of protein like eggs and tofu. Both pack a powerful protein punch for a bit of the cost of meats. Peanuts are also a good source of protein, but they can get expensive very quickly. Some of the recipes call for expensive macadamia and cashew nuts. Peanuts, walnuts, and almonds have the same amount of protein for a bit of the cost.
Mixed greens salads will be a big part of your daily Atkins meals. While it can be tempting to buy bagged salads that are already chopped, you’ll pay $2 to $3 per bag. You can buy three heads of various types of lettuce for the equivalent cost and make the equivalent of six bags of prepackaged salads. Also, consider investing in a salad spinner. This handy gadget will make ordinary salads crisp and satisfying.
Be imaginative with your menus and use produce and meats that are on sale. If you have a recipe that calls for chicken and turkey breasts is on sale, go ahead and trade this week. Be sure to carry a proper food catalog with you so you can see if over-the-counter foods are a good substitution on the Atkins plan.
When you go to the store, you can also cut costs by limiting your purchase of low-carb packaged foods. These things are really expensive and sometimes full of harmful chemicals. They can also include hidden carbs that could stop your weight loss hard work. The Atkins plan could be successfully followed without applying any of these assets. Unless it’s a special occasion, skip them all at once.
Lastly, it’s great for planning your meals and shopping so you can shop for groceries in an impressive way. Going to the grocery store unprepared or, worse yet, starving to death could spell disaster for your financial plan. Plan each week’s menu ahead of time and then shop for what you need to make those meals.