Low Carb on a Budget ~ My Journey to Lose Weight and Save Money Doing It!

[Sapphira]

April 23 ~

Today's Weight: 272 (-2)
Today's Vitamins: Didn't take.
Today's Water: 56 oz.

I guess the extra carbs yesterday didn't hurt anything. I was surprised to see a loss this morning. Sweet.

Gonna make this quick since tomorrow will be a busy day. I'm not going to post a cost break down, but most of these meals have already been calculated and posted if you're really curious.

I hope you all have a great Easter!


~Today's Menu~

Breakfast: Strawberry Carbquick Muffins

Lunch: Italian Casserole

Dinner: Steak & Sauteed Mushrooms

Snack: 1 oz cheddar cheese, 1 oz summer sausage

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Here's a screenshot of my totals for the day:

[Sapphira]

Blargh! I was doing so well... and then Easter came along. I guess I wasn't prepared and overestimated my self-control. My parents smoked a ham and had a potato casserole and rolls. I intended to just have a little, but.... failed to stop there. We hit up the store on the way home for brownies. Bad decision, I know... I'm not sure WHAT I was thinking.

And then I didn't realize we were out of eggs and sausage yesterday, so I wasn't able to eat anything before going shopping. We ended up eating at a restaurant and I was so sooo hungry I wanted everything I couldn't have and I cheated. Again.

So back on plan today. I made a promise to myself that I won't have another cheat day or cheat meal for at least another month. Despite all my bad eating, I'm only up a few pounds, weighing in this morning at 275. I think the starch blockers helped a little in that respect, but I'm sure I'm way out of ketosis right now.

That said, I just had a yummy hamburger patty chopped up and served over a salad with pickles and Angela's cheeseburger dressing and it was scrumptious and I feel satisfied.

Now if I can just tame my inner whiny-and-demanding child...

[glamazon]

LOL, I had exactly that last night! Burgerville for the win!

You'll be fine, don't worry about it. Take a page from Amber's book and just get right back to it... and it looks like you did exactly that! I know it's hard, but you did it!

You definitely need some "go to" supplies to help you stay low carb when the crazies happen. (Because they will happen, oh yes, they will happen.) Since you are doing this on a budget, may I suggest my WORLD FAMOUS chocolate peanut butter mousse? Or just chocolate mousse. Either way, it saved my ass a hundred times these past 6 months. (I also used chocoperfection, but as that's stupid expensive there's no way to do that on a budget! I can't even buy it anymore. Anyway, the mousse is just heavy cream, cocoa powder, Steviva, vanilla, salt and a touch of espresso. (and you can skip the espresso, it's just a snooty thing to do to bring out the chocolate flavor.) For the peanut butter, just add in a tablespoon or so of it-- very rich and totally easy and satisfying. It's a butt-saver!

If you want to spend a little more money, make sure you ALWAYS have blanched almond flour, coconut flour and Steviva or Ideal on hand. With these simple things (and other kitchen staples like eggs, baking powder, salt, cream cheese etc etc) you can make a whole host of naughty tasting yummies to keep the sweet monster happy.

I'm not a strong person, it was hard to stay low carb all the time while raging for something sweet. I had to come up with these things to keep me sane and keep me going! You can do it, too!

[Sapphira]

Angela, your chocolate cream sounds dreamy! I've been making a mousse with heavy cream and two packets of diet swiss miss that is quite yummy, but sometimes I want something with more substance... cake or cheesecake or brownies! I don't have go-to recipes for these things because the ones I have tried weren't very good. I definitely need to find some for those moments, though!

Here are the totals I forgot to post yesterday:

April 26 ~

Today's Weight: 275 (+3)
Today's Exercise: 20 min on Kinect.
Today's Vitamins: Didn't take.
Today's Water: 56 oz.

~Today's Menu~

Breakfast: Skipped Breakfast


Lunch: Cheeseburger Salad

2 cups romaine lettuce ($0.50)
1 beef patty ($0.66)
2 dill pickle spears ($0.29)
2 tbsp cheeseburger dressing ($0.40)

Recipe Cost: $1.85
Cost Per Serving: $1.85


Dinner: Buffalo Wings

20 chicken drummettes ($1.96)
1/2 cup Frank's buffalo sauce ($1.04)
Salt & Pepper ($0.01)
1/4 cup ranch dressing ($0.80)

Recipe Cost: $3.81
Cost Per Serving: $1.90


Snack: Pepperoni & Peanuts

1 pepperoni stick ($0.41)
1/2 cup peanuts ($0.39)

Total Cost: $0.80
Cost Per Serving: $0.80

_____________________________________________

Total Cost: $6.46
Cost Per Serving: $4.55


Here's a screenshot of my totals for the day:

[glamazon]

Okay, where on earth did you find 20 dummette wings for $1.96? Inquiring minds want to know!

[Sapphira]

I think that price was based on a package of chicken wings I got on sale back in January. I need to redo the math, but don't have a receipt.

I get these HUGE bags of mixed chicken wings and drumettes at Costco for around $18. A serving size is 4 oz and there is 24 servings per bag, or around $0.75 per serving. I don't know how many wings equal 4 oz though, so I just guess.

[glamazon]

4 oz is approximately 4-ish drummete pieces-- I love those giant Costco bags! I have to admit that most of the time I buy the premade Foster Farms ones, though. If we're eating wings, it means I don't feel like cooking! It's my lazy food. My "serving size" is 10pieces-- who can live on 4 wings? lol.

Hope you had a great day! Keep up the good work!

[Sapphira]

10 wings for sure! How can there possibly be 4 oz of meat on four tiny wings? Or does that include the bones, too? Wow! I guess my portion sizes have been waaaay off, then... at least in terms of math. Are the Foster Farms variety good? I tried the Tyson kind and they were so blegh.

I made peanut butter bars today. Oh em gee. So good. I've already had two more than I should have today, but at least it's LC.

[glamazon]

You gotta do what ya gotta do! Good job staying low carb!

I love the Foster Farms ones--costco big bag-- they have a few iffy ingredients, but they are a convenience food for me so I know what I'm getting into. They are more expensive than the plain, and not as wholesome, but there's no work involved. Easy button!

Yep, the portion weight includes bones and all. They're tricksy!

[Sapphira]

April 27 ~

Today's Weight: 276 (+1)
Today's Vitamins: Didn't take.
Today's Exercise: None.
Today's Water: 50 oz.

So all of this exercise has been making my knee hurt. I'm not sure if it's actually hurting or if it's like every other part of my body that's aching from a change in the level of activity it's used to. So I took a break today and will try again tomorrow to see if it's any better.


~Today's Menu~

Breakfast: Peach Yogurt

1 cup Fage yogurt ($1)
3 tablespoons Da Vinci Peach syrup ($0.44)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ($0.15)

Recipe Cost: $1.59
Cost Per Serving: $1.59


Lunch: Steak & Eggs

6 large egg ($0.64)
2 steaks ($2.61)

Recipe Cost: $3.25
Cost Per Serving: $1.62


Dinner: Weenie Linguine

1 lb italian sausage ($2.74)
1/4 cup butter ($0.62)
2 teaspoons minced garlic ($0.10)
1/2 cup diced onions ($0.12)
1 package mushrooms ($3.99)
1 tsp oregano ($0.10)
2 tsp basil ($0.20)
1 tsp tarragon ($0.10)
1/2 cup fresh parsley ($0.33)
1 cup heavy cream ($0.62)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese ($0.33)
1 box Dreamfields linguine ($2.50)

Recipe Cost: $11.75
Cost Per Serving: $1.95


Snack: Peanut Butter Bars

3/4 cup Carbquik ($0.71)
1/2 cup Polydextrose ($0.56)
1/4 cup natural peanut butter ($0.40)
36 drops Ez-Sweetz ($1.80)
1 teaspoon vanilla ($0.30)
1 large egg ($0.12)


Total Cost: $3.89
Cost Per Serving: $0.43 (x3)

_____________________________________________

Total Cost: $20.48
Cost Per Serving: $6.45


Here's a screenshot of my totals for the day:

[Sapphira]

Originally Posted by glamazon

You gotta do what ya gotta do! Good job staying low carb!

I love the Foster Farms ones--costco big bag-- they have a few iffy ingredients, but they are a convenience food for me so I know what I'm getting into. They are more expensive than the plain, and not as wholesome, but there's no work involved. Easy button!

Yep, the portion weight includes bones and all. They're tricksy!

Those tricksy hobbitses! We should have known! Will have to try the FF ones. The Kirkland Signature brand hasn't been crisping up in the oven as well as I like, plus I've been wanting to try a different buffalo sauce because Frank's has been a little too vinegary for my tastes lately.

[glamazon]

You'll like them-- especially extra crispy!

Have a good day, Bethany!

[Sapphira]

April 30 ~

Today's Weight: 276
Today's Vitamins: Didn't take.
Today's Exercise: None.
Today's Water: 56 oz.

Sorry I've been MIA the past two days. Thursday night I didn't get around to posting because I was staying up to watch the royal wedding. And last night I didn't get to post because I got a call at the last minute asking if I could babysit today, so I went to bed early. But here I am! Been doing well diet wise, just not seeing the scale budge in the direction I want it to.

I'm really going to crack down on what I allow in the house. No more peanuts, almonds or nuts of any kind. They are my go-to snack food, but I don't understand the meaning of "portion control". So now that they are gone, no more. Also going to stay away from LC candy or treats that have sugar alcohols in them for awhile. I just need to get back to fresh, clean, basic low carb.

Financially, we were over budget for groceries but under budget in restaurants. I think the difference pretty much cancels the deficit out. Going to try something new by planning a month worth of meals and shopping for all but the produce at once. I think that would help not only lower our grocery bill, but also our gasoline bill. Almost $4 a gallon here, so limiting our trips to the store should help there, even just a little.

These are my goals for May.

~Today's Menu~

Breakfast: Fried Eggs w/ Sausage Links

3 Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Links ($0.53)
3 Large Eggs ($0.32)
Salt & Pepper ($0.01)
1 tbsp Butter ($0.06)

Recipe Cost: $0.92
Cost Per Serving: $0.92


Lunch: Turkey & Provolone Pita

4 slices roasted turkey ($0.84)
2 slices provolone cheese ($0.40)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise ($0.12)
1 Joseph's Low Carb Pita ($0.50)

Recipe Cost: $1.86
Cost Per Serving: $0.93


Dinner: Red Robin

5 Buffalo Wings
California Chicken Sandwich in Lettuce Wrap
2 Light Lemonades w/ Sugar-Free Raspberry Syrup

Total Cost: $17.27


Snack: Peanut Butter Bars

3/4 cup Carbquik ($0.71)
1/2 cup Polydextrose ($0.56)
1/4 cup natural peanut butter ($0.40)
36 drops Ez-Sweetz ($1.80)
1 teaspoon vanilla ($0.30)
1 large egg ($0.12)

Total Cost: $3.89
Cost Per Serving: $0.43

_____________________________________________

Total Cost: $23.94
Cost Per Serving: $19.55


Here's a screenshot of my totals for the day:

[piratewoman]

Bethany, I am impressed with your journal and how you have all of your food totaled and graphed, very nice. Have a wonderful day.

[Sapphira]

Thank you, Laura! I also hope you have a lovely day.

[glamazon]

Did you have a nice weekend, Bethany?

[piratewoman]

Good morning Bethany, I hope you have a lovely day.

[Sapphira]

May 1 ~

Today's Weight: 276
Today's Vitamins: Didn't take.
Today's Exercise: None.
Today's Water: Don't remember.

A bit late posting this one, I've spent the last two days trying to come up with around 120 meals and snacks and the corresponding grocery list so that we can go shopping this week.

I did have a good weekend though, thanks Ang and Laura! Did you ladies do anything this weekend?


~Today's Menu~

Breakfast: Skipped Breakfast

Lunch: Cheeseburger Salad

2 cups romaine lettuce ($0.50)
1 beef patty ($0.66)
2 dill pickle spears ($0.29)
2 tbsp cheeseburger dressing ($0.40)

Recipe Cost: $1.85
Cost Per Serving: $1.85


Dinner: Sausage Mushroom Quiche

1 lb pork sausage ($2.50)
6 medium mushrooms ($1.98)
1/2 cup diced onions ($0.12)
8 oz cheddar cheese ($0.83)
1 tsp dried tarragon ($0.10)
6 large eggs ($0.72)
1 cup heavy cream ($0.64)
Salt & Pepper ($0.01)

Recipe Cost: $6.90
Cost Per Serving: $1.15


Snack: Magic Peanut Butter Pudding

1 tablespoon peanut butter ($0.10)
3 tablespoons heavy cream ($0.12)
1 drop Ez-Sweetz ($0.01)
1 drop vanilla extract ($0.01)

Total Cost: $0.24
Cost Per Serving: $0.24

_____________________________________________

Total Cost: $8.99
Cost Per Serving: $3.24


Here's a screenshot of my totals for the day:

[Sapphira]

May 2 ~

Today's Weight: 275 (-1)
Today's Vitamins: Didn't take.
Today's Exercise: None.
Today's Water: 56 oz.

Goodness gracious, today was a total sausage fest (not that kind, I can hear your giggles and snickering) and I didn't even realize it until I started compiling today's menu. That explains the high sodium. Um, I'm going to be sooo bloated tomorrow.

But hey, at least I'm finally down a pound!


~Today's Menu~

Breakfast: Fried Eggs w/ Sausage Links

3 Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Links ($0.53)
3 Large Eggs ($0.32)
Salt & Pepper ($0.01)
1 tbsp Butter ($0.06)

Recipe Cost: $0.92
Cost Per Serving: $0.92


Lunch: Sausage Mushroom Quiche

1 lb pork sausage ($2.50)
6 medium mushrooms ($1.98)
1/2 cup diced onions ($0.12)
8 oz cheddar cheese ($0.83)
1 tsp dried tarragon ($0.10)
6 large eggs ($0.72)
1 cup heavy cream ($0.64)
Salt & Pepper ($0.01)

Recipe Cost: $6.90
Cost Per Serving: $1.15


Dinner: Beeb's Tuscano Soup

1 lb pork sausage ($2.50)
1/2 cup diced onions ($0.12)
2 teaspoons minced garlic ($0.10)
10 oz frozen spinach ($0.71)
3 chicken bouillon cubes ($0.07)
1/2 cup heavy cream ($0.32)
Water (free)
Salt & Pepper ($0.01)

Recipe Cost: $3.83
Cost Per Serving: $0.95

_____________________________________________

Total Cost: $11.65
Cost Per Serving: $3.02


Here's a screenshot of my totals for the day:

[piratewoman]

Bethany I chilled this weekend. Friday when I went to tan I left my diamond tennis bracelet in the tanning room, thank God they found it and put it up for me so I went to pick it up Sat afternoon and tanned for 20 while I was there. I din't do much else.

[Sapphira]

Originally Posted by piratewoman

Bethany I chilled this weekend. Friday when I went to tan I left my diamond tennis bracelet in the tanning room, thank God they found it and put it up for me so I went to pick it up Sat afternoon and tanned for 20 while I was there. I din't do much else.

Oh my gosh! Thank goodness there are some honest people left in this world. Most people would have probably run off with it. I'm glad you got it back!

[piratewoman]

Thanks sweetie me too

[glamazon]

Have a great day, Bethany!

[piratewoman]

Bethany have a wonderful day sweetie.

[Sapphira]

Good day, my friends. May the 4th be with you! Here's yesterday's totals:

May 3 ~

Today's Weight: 276 (+1)
Today's Vitamins: Didn't take.
Today's Exercise: None.
Today's Water: 112 oz.

Welp, I saw that coming after all the sodium I had the day before. The sodium was through the roof today as well, but I tried to get in as much fluids as I could. I've discovered that the key to drinking lots and lots of water is to have a large water bottle next to me at all times. I'm too lazy to get up a dozen times a day to refill a regular glass.

On a not so good note, I hurt my lower back somehow. And not only is that hurting, but it's shooting pain down my right thigh. I have no idea what I did. Twisted wrong, maybe? Disappointed, because I wanted to exercise today.


~Today's Menu~

Breakfast: Sausage & Cheese Plate

4 oz summer sausage ($1.33)
4 oz sliced cheddar cheese ($0.33)
2 hard boiled eggs ($0.24)
1 tablespoon dijon mustard ($0.11)

Recipe Cost: $2.01
Cost Per Serving: $2.01


Lunch: Chicken & Provolone Toasted Pita

2 oz grilled sliced chicken ($1)
2 slices provolone cheese ($0.41)
1 teaspoon mayonnaise ($0.06)
1/2 Joseph's Low Carb Pita ($0.25)
Salt & Pepper ($0.01)

Recipe Cost: $1.73
Cost Per Serving: $1.73


Dinner: Carls Jr

Recipe Cost: $13.86
Cost Per Serving: $6.93

_____________________________________________

Total Cost: $17.60
Cost Per Serving: $10.67


Here's a screenshot of my totals for the day:

[glamazon]

Oh No! Get well soon! Tweaked backs are the worst. Take it easy!

[glamazon]

Where you been? Come back!

Happy Mother's Day!

[piratewoman]

Have a great day.

[glamazon]

I was just down in your neck of the woods at the outlet malls-- too bad we couldn't have met for lunch!

How are you doing?

[Lisa Lou]

Guys, grow a garden. Even just a few plants in containers and cucumbers growing up a fence will help.