Hellobee Boards

@aMohror: @Mrs. Pen: Yeah, the advice I've heard from a lot within the paleo community is "pay the grocer now, or pay the doctor later." Unfortunately, that doesn't help if you just plain don't have the money.

I would say that, if anything, my grocery bill has gone down a bit since going paleo. It's the processed/prepared foods in the grocery store that cost the most (at least where I live). So when I'm buying nothing but veggies, meat and some fruit it definitely cuts costs.

I think there's a misconception out there that to be paleo you have to eat a lot of meat - that's not true. There are even paleo vegetarians. It's more about eating high quality, nutrient-dense whole foods - that doesn't mean you have to have meat at every meal. I also include things like canned wild salmon which are cheap, go a long way and are a great quality protein.

I think another problem that is frequently proliferated in the paleo community is that of "paleo perfectionism," (great blog post on that here: http://balancedbites.com/2012/06/paleo-perfectionism.html) which is the idea that if you can't afford grass fed, organic, pastured everything that you should just give up on the whole idea of eating paleo. The fact is, that even if you are eating conventionally raised food, so long as you're avoiding processed food, grains etc. and eating a whole foods based diet you are still way ahead in terms of the health benefits. All you can do is the best with whatever you have to work with.

I think things like almond butter and almond flour get thrown around a lot in paleo recipes that are trying to recreate non-paleo recipes (e.g. baked goods), but really, they are not at all essential in a paleo diet, in fact they're less than optimal (not the greatest omega 3:omega 6 ratio in almonds) and should be used quite sparingly. I have found that, for the occasional splurge, you are WAY further ahead to buy some ground almond meal (which is the same thing as almond flour) at the bulk food store than the buy the pre-packaged almond flour available at the grocery store (at my grocery story a small bag of almond flour goes for around $12. You can get the same quantity at the bulk food store for about $3). But in terms of every day meals, you don't need those sorts of fad-ish paleo ingredients.

Good luck - I know it's not an easy thing, but I think it's definitely do-able with careful planning and recognition that this is an investment in your long term health and well-being

@aMohror: To piggyback on what others have said, I actually think paleo is more affordable if you do it right. I just bought groceries for a whole month (I'm doing Once A Month Mom freezer meals) and it was only $180!

I know that usually I go up and down every aisle and have a full cart, but when shopping paleo, I stick to the produce and meat sections, and that's pretty much it! I don't buy a lot of fancy things to make complicated recipes - I stick to simple, whole foods. I also look for meat that is on sale. Admittedly, it is not all organic/free range, but we are already taking a huge step in the right direction by cutting out a lot of crap.

I've been trying a strict Paleo diet this week and I quickly realized my weakness. Let's just say there is something I couldn't do without...

So, yeah other than creamer I've been military about my new lifestyle change! I feel good so far =)

Oh and I am totally still drinking wine. Non-organic but the next time I stock up the wine bar thingy I'll buy organic...

@tlcbaby: I need to try coc milk...I don't love almond milk in my coffee...It's too "thin!"

@PrincessBaby: I love almond milk! I know its not a huge deal but I was hoping to follow the diet to the 'T and I've already started trimming edges:/ Can I last for months? I dooooon't knooow;)

@tlcbaby: I tried coconut (chocolate) milk once and it was so thick I couldn't finish it! It was in an old school carton. But using it as "creamer" would probably work.

@Mrs. Pen: Sorry I am just now responding to you! We are doing the Once A Month Mom meal plan this month. It makes 6-10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 16 dinners. In addition to the grocery list for OAMM, I picked up a few veggie sides to add to the dinners that will last, like frozen broccoli and sweet potatoes, and I spent $180 at Publix.

Of course, we eat out quite a lot, so this is more than enough to make it through the month. We do spend a lot of money eating out! If we wanted to strictly eat in with the OAMM plan, we could have doubled it (12-20 breakfasts, 16 lunches, 32 dinners) and I probably would have spent around $360 on groceries... which is similar to your budget, haha!

Having said that, I think I still spend less on groceries doing Paleo / OAMM than I did before. I used to buy a lot of random junk from the middle isles, but now my grocery chat is much lighter!

@Mrs. Pen: Yes, but it's a nominal fee. I think $10-15?

I still can't decide if I think it's worth it. It's a TON of work up front. The instructions are not as clear as they should be. The food is really good but frozen is never going to be as good as fresh. I still feel like I spend a good amount of time in the kitchen getting dinner ready even having it frozen. Still, there's no doubt that we've saved money, are eating healthier, and eating home cooked meals a lot more regularly than we were. Having food in the freezer ready to go - and not having fresh veggies going bad in the fridge - has been really great. Still, I'm not completely sure if it's worth all the work. If you have the time and enjoy cooking, it may not be worth it to you, but as a busy professional who is often tempted to eat take out, I'd say it's paid off.

So this is a silly question, but is almond butter the same thing that I get from those machines that make your own peanut butter but this one is with almonds? Or is it something that is in the butter section of the grocery store.

I'd like to start eating like this if not all the time part of the time but there's things I just have questions about.

I can finally join since I got motivated to do Paleo again (only did it for maybe 2 weeks strict the first round).

Why did you start paleo: I've noticed how terrible processed foods, dairy, sugar and grains are for my body. I have bad anxiety and when I eat clean, I am a better mom, more patient and my anxiety lessens. I also really want to lose a total of 35lbs. After having 2 babies my body really is looking sad. Which is awful because I'm young so there's no reason.

Do you follow strictly paleo: For the most part. No grains, no dairy, no legumes. Trying to eat more raw foods.

Does your whole family eat paleo? DS still drinks milk (organic) and eats whole wheat grains. DH is definitely not but he eats what I make him. DD is 9 months and eats all fruits and veggies plus cheese.

Do you eat out: We did once this week. I don't think I'm a fan. Too many temptations.

What is your favorite paleo recipe? Tonight we made bacon wrapped chicken - SO good. I love steamed coconut milk in my coffee.

This kindle cookbook is currently free.

International Paleo Recipes For Two: 59 Easy To Make Breakfasts, Soups, Salads, Main Course and Desserts All Genuine Paleo Perfect, Gluten-Free, Low Carb and Dairy-Free

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J876K64