Is high protein always expensive?

[SmiteYouWithThunderbolts]

Hello all, I am new to the weight loss area of MN and hoping to gleam some wisdom from you.

Having tried (and failed) at losing weight through Slimming World, I've reached the conclusion that such a carb-heavy eating pattern does not suit my body. My SIL suggested going low/no carb instead but from what I've read of high protein foods, it all sounds quite expensive (fish, chicken, lean meat and so on) compared to the jacket potatoes, veggie stir fries, pasta bakes, etc. that we usually make. We have to budget very carefully with our meals so we tend to make a big pot of something that will last for 2 -3 days and pad it out with cheap, filling carbs.

What alternatives can I turn to that will help me shed at least some of the excess 4 stone I'm carrying round, but without costing the earth?

I suppose it doesn't help that the only fish I like it salmon and tuna! Can't stomach white fish, blargh.

Many thanks in advance for any tips you can offer.

No, it's not necessarily always expensive. And one reason for it is that if you're low carbing you should be eating high not low fat. So when it comes to chicken, buy chicken thighs rather than chicken breasts. Or with mince, buy fatty mince. Or belly pork rather than pork fillet. Or breast of lamb rather than lamb chops.

You'll find that these fattier cuts are usually the cheaper ones.

Salmon and tuna are great fish for low carbing.

Are you joining us on the Low Carb Bootcamp? We start on 13 January.

This is my biggest worry - well, that and the fact that as a vegetarian egg-hater I'm quite restricted. Vegetarian protein is generally expensive.

I'm going to see how it goes - day 3 here. Already feeling that I'm not as hungry as i was with sw despite eating a lot less, so hopefully I'll eat less and the financial side will work itself out that way.

Newname, what are you eating in terms of protein, out of interest? High protein veggie seems so expensive?

we have an excellent local halal butchers who do really decent cuts of mutton for excellent prices. I can't tell the difference between that and lamb. It's blumming great.

Does not have to be at all. First if you get into ketosis you don't feel hungry so 3 meals and loads of snacks usually becomes 2 meals which can save an absolute fortune. If you only drink water you save on bought drinks too and alcohol. Eggs can cost 13p each if you look carefully. Fatty pork and bacon with lots of fat in does not cost a lot. Add in a few left over veg like peppers and spinach and it can be very cheap. Tins of tuna are not too expensive.

Bit of intermittent fasting never did anyone any harm either and that of course costs nothing.

Here's an old thread on a similar theme, with some good ideas

I've found that I'm nowhere near as hungry as I expected! High protein veggie is expensive, but I don't think as expensive as meat. I am eating quorn, but also I have not cut out nuts - Im not sure I can do it without as it's already v restrictive for me. I don't eat eggs but if you do then they're perfect.