I'm with the eggs. Chicken can also be cheap (depending on where you pick it up). I bought some today - Chicken legs with back attached 97c a pound (I live in Winnipeg). I also eat a lot of home made soup. It's a great way to use cheap cuts of meat and bones. I'll save the bones from the chicken and boil them for soup.

I also volunteer for Winnipeg Harvest (our local foodbank, I used to need their help so I am happy to be able to give back now) and while they don't have a lot for protein so I know what you mean, it might be worth asking for some additional protein since it is a medical issue to see if they can help. The worst answer is not being able to help.

When the weather improves (and I can't wait for that) farmer's markets are great for cheaper fresh veggies. In general my menu depends on what is in season. So I go to the store and decide what my meal plan is based on the prices. Yesterday I looked at the meat aisle and didn't like the prices and passed.

I also scour the shelves for discounted meats marked down to sell quickly. I find I can do quite well with those. I stock up on the canned variety when the price is right.

As for eggs I like making fritattas and adding what ever I fancy at the time. Last time I made a Mexican one using seasoned ground beef on the bottom. They are dead simple and freeze really well. Another cheap meal I make is shepards pie with ground beef on the bottom and pureed cauliflower on the top. You can also use shredded cabbage instead of pasta and make your own low carb pasta sauce. Zucchini boats are also great using hollowed out zucchini filled with ground beef. I think last time I made it I used a tomato based sauce. I hope these ideas spark some interest.

I will say the best thing is to prepare ahead but also to be flexible. So that you have lots of legal things to choose from yet be able to change what you are going to have, if something comes by that's a great deal. I also make an freeze ahead so I have my own versions of TV dinners or at least something easy to make for dinner.

To be honest once I got passed induction I ate a lot less. In the beginning it was quite scary and I thought I would go broke trying to stay on plan. I've been at this a year now and I believe I spend less eating better than I did with the old WOL. I don't buy the carbage and I don't eat the fast food junk. The treats are more expensive - but to some degree that's better so they stay treats and not part of the daily food plan.

If you would like some more help, feel free to visit my journal. We could exchange some low cost low carb recipes that can help us stay on plan without breaking the budget.

I hope my long rambling has helped,

Steph