The Atkins Diet On A Budget

Going low-carb can help curb appetite and help you lose significant amounts of weight, MayoClinic.com reports. The Atkins Diet is a popular low-carb diet plan that emphasizes intake of expensive foods, like steak. Fortunately, you don't have to clear out your savings to lose weight on Atkins. Following the Atkins Diet on a budget can help you drop pounds and save money.

Protein

Eating ample amounts of protein is an important part of the Atkins Diet plan. High-protein diets, like Atkins, can keep appetite under control and preserve muscle mass as you lose weight. However, animal sources of protein tend to be pricey. Eggs are an excellent low-cost way to get high-quality, low-carb protein. A dozen jumbo eggs cost around $2, as of March 2011. Other budget-friendly low-carb protein sources include tofu, chicken wings and beef liver.

Vegetables

Vegetables provide the bulk of the carbohydrates in the Atkins Diet. In addition to being naturally low in carbs and calories, vegetables are rich in health-boosting dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins. Ideal low-carb vegetables for those on a budget include cabbage, broccoli, bok choy, cucumbers and eggplant.

Also, consider frozen vegetables. They are less expensive than vegetables out of season and have the same nutritional content.

Dairy

Dairy products like cream, cheese and butter are allowed in moderation in the Atkins Diet. Dairy products provide your body with calcium and vitamin D which can help promote fat loss, the February 2004 "Obesity Research" states. Unfortunately, the price of dairy tends to fluctuate wildly. You can save on dairy products by buying in bulk when costs go down and freezing. Also, consider limiting your consumption of expensive dairy, like yogurt, in favor of less expensive butter and powdered milk.

Fats

Fats are eaten in abundance in the Atkins Diet. According to the "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution" fats don't contribute to body fat as much as carbohydrate-rich foods. You can get fats on the cheap by buying fat sources like peanuts, vegetable oils and flaxseed oil -- all of which are less costly than almonds, olive oil and fish oil.