Well, I guess it depends on where you live -- do you have a WINCO or other warehouse type grocery store near you?
I go shopping once or twice a month and the last time I went it was $140.00 for enough to last 2 of us 2-3 weeks or so.
Part of the way to begin may be for you to do as much pre-planning of your menus as you can.... and if you don't do it already learn to use all leftovers or f reeze them for a later date.
Also maybe learn what fruits and vegetables store well for longer periods of time.
Ask plenty of questions here -- there are many people who will help you get started until you get going....and after.
HEARTOLOVE 8/2/07 7:44 P
I have been using the Diet Plan here since May.
I have found that it calls for alot of different type breads such as "mini bagels", Whole wheat bread, Pitas , English Muffins. I've gotten to the point of buying just a couple of these. Mini bagels and whole wheat bread.
It really isn't that expensive to follow.Do you have a Significant other? I cook the same meal for hubby and he loves it.
Some weeks I have gone for 3 weeks without grocery shopping because there's so many groceries.
I bought every thing except condiments and herbs last week and it cost me $114. That included sodas and some stuff not on list.
ALSO if you notice each meal has 2 breads, one fruit or vegetable and one protien.
After awhile you become a GENIUS and are able to plan your own meals with the same concept! Good Luck!
WANNABESKINNY9 8/1/07 9:16 A
that list sure is hard to swallow, thats for sure. Some of the items are staples you might already have in stock, but the rest is a lot, plus storing it is a challenge, if you live in trailer or apartment, and small house. I have not been able to follow a meal plan exactly, as my family (mostly husband) wont eat the same thing if its chicken every night. He blows up if we have roast beef one night, and leftovers the next. Hates to eat the same thing more than 2 times in a month. I had to pick out menus for 2 months worth so he wouldnt have to eat the same thing too much, what a baby. I buy what I want, pretty much, and adapt. I use the food groups a lot if you eat the same thing often. I cant be bothered with a different lunch every day. I usually pack a salad, a ww meal, some fruit, and a waffle or frozen pancake and take it to work.
PSEVENBE 7/31/07 11:31 P
I agree, buying all the groceries on the list can get quite expensive. Ways I've cut costs are:
1. Substitute the veggies/fruits with what's ever on sale. But that's a hassle to follow the plan and make the substitutions
2. Shop at the large ware house grocery stores (Cub Foods etc)
3. Mostly I use lots of coupons and stock up. I "save my coupons" until there is a sale on that item and buy a lot. For instance, frozen veggies $1/bag plus coupon for 25 cents off makes it only 75 cents so I buy as much as I can store.
Also,Most stores will let you use store coupons on top of manufactures coupons.
Sometimes, I don't save a lot on food, but I make up for it in saving of toiletries, paper products etc.
For more info on coupons check out www.thegrocerygame.com. The message boards are free.
Also, I'm not very brand specific. I will buy whatever brand is on sale.
Good luck.
BOXERGURL 7/31/07 6:23 P
I almost forgot... do you have a Trader Joes? I think their prices are quite reasonable on a lot of things!
BOXERGURL 7/31/07 6:22 P
Do you have an Aldi's? I buy things like non-fat vanilla yogurt, non-fat cottage cheese, veggies, meat, frozen fruits, and lots of other stuff there for cheap! Also, frozen veggies can be a lot cheaper than fresh usually. Also, as far as things like lettuce go, even though the pre-chopped bags are more convenient, I find that they go bad pretty quick, and are quite expensive. I buy romaine with three heads in a bag, for usually $2, and its lasts a lot longer. Make sure you shop the grocery store ads as well, and stock up when they have really good deals on staples! Don't be afraid to go generic... usually they taste just as good as name brand, and the cost difference is amazing! Hope this helps!
AAANNE 7/31/07 4:30 P
Hmmm, I guess I can't help you much there. You can try going to super target or a walmart supercenter or something; they have cheap generic items (like instant oatmeal for 1.75 for 12 servings). In the beginning you might want to just have the same thing for breakfast every morning--that should cut down on the quantity of things you have to buy all at once. It might be possible to modify it slightly by substituting one fruit or vegetable for another. For example, if the meal plan is telling you to eat a banana, you could substitute an apple (if you were buying apples for something else). The same could go for veggies. I hope that makes sense.
RBSAUERS 7/31/07 4:13 P
I would like to be able to follow the diet that this web site is suggesting so I can keep track but the grocery list is alot. I guess I was just woundering if anyone has advise
AAANNE 7/31/07 3:14 P
Do you want suggestions for creating your own meal plans or are you looking for shopping tips?
RBSAUERS 7/31/07 1:44 P
How do you afford to buy the food this website is asking me to buy. I really would like a grocery list but this is way too much. Any sugguestions would be great! Thanks
