Since the "end" of the labor dispute in the local markets here in California, I've noticed a MASSIVE selection decrease in the meat department - particularly if I'm stopping off on the way home form work to get something for dinner.

Well last night I FINALLY was able to pin someone down about this.

Of all the staff in a market, the butchers are the highest paid. With the recent "dispute settlement", corporate offices are paring down on higher paid employees where they can get away with it.

At Vons, where we used to have butchers from opening to closing, they are now working ONLY from 7 am to 3 pm. Hence NO fresh meat/fish/poultry is put out in the cases until 8 am, and by 3, whatever was worth buying, is long gone.

The gentleman I spoke with explained that he is just a packer, that by union rules and state health regulations he can NOT cut up more meat. He does his best to keep things evenly stocked, but by the time that he's done for the day, (6, just when I'm stopping in) the pickings are slim.

He TOO is on Atkins!!

He said it is REALLY important for this WOE and your sanity to find out when the butchers in your local markets ARE there, when the freshest meat is placed in the cases and how often they restock. He also highly suggested that you plan your shopping for the morning, between 8:30 - 9:30 - all shipments for ALL departments have been made and stocked.

I don't know if any of you have tried to get your weekly shopping done at an early hour before going to work, but trust me, trying to buy things when everyone is re stocking is enough to drive you WAY over the edge!!!

SO, if you're shopping at a chain grocery store, do yourself a favor. Find out what hours the butchers are there. Cause when you CAN'T get the steak you've been planning on for dinner, other bad carb options just get too tempting.

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when life hands you lemons, order lobster!

Interesting - I often shop at Safeway (Von's counterpart), but I've been able to shop earlier in the day. Geez, corporations are just squeezing the consumer at every level!

What I often do is stock up on what's on sale (tri-tips for $3 something a pound a few weeks back!). I often by the ValuePacks, too (large quantity meats in a single package). I seal what we won't use immediately in freezer ziplocks (squeezing out the extra air), then throw it in the freezer for later use.

As long as I cook the frozen meats within a month or two, I don't notice that much loss in flavor or juiciness.

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~~~Teelbee
Back to GOAL!!!
start weight: 176/goal range: 137-134/now: 138
Reached goal in Aug. 2003 - 4rd year of maintenance.

Maybe just run in fast in the morning and grab your meat and do your other shopping at another time. I am with Teelbee in that I stock up on meat and freeze it.

Something else to consider, but I don't know if it is available in LA is www.peapod.com the internet grocer. I have loved them here in Chicago. My meat and produce have all been top notch and the convenience is worth every penny of the delivery charge. I only wish they were available in Ohio where I am moving next week.

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Libby

2004 174/142/138

Begin Again 2007

164/159/142

Oh, you make me weep!

I LOVED Webvan; and used them almost exclusively for all my grocery shopping until they suddenly ceased operations and went belly up a few years back. You could schedule night time delivereies, they delivered to your door, brought in the groceries, and practically put them away for you. Aw, gee! They even used to throw in thoughtful little presents - like new products to try, flowers or candy, or a packet of 1 cent stamps when postal rates increased. At that time, I was working long hours and had a long commute. Webvan just made life so much easier!

Now that you mention it, I remember Safeway had some limited online ordering service areas. I should look into that.

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~~~Teelbee
Back to GOAL!!!
start weight: 176/goal range: 137-134/now: 138
Reached goal in Aug. 2003 - 4rd year of maintenance.

I've happily used Safeway's delivery. April, does Vons deliver? You would be guaranteed the best meats, and they'll deliver around your schedule. I highly recommend it. You can do it online. It takes a bit, but not really any longer than shopping does and you can save your common orders. I actually have links up on my personal site for Safeway delivery. It is a coupon for $20 off. Here is the link to my site http://www.thelowcarbcook.com/page20.html

There is another way to buy meat -- a fellow brings shrink wrapped meat to your home by the case. I've done that too, with varying degrees of success. We did it in TX and loved it. I did it here, but wasn't thrilled. They added table salt to the meat, which really hacked me off. We are using it up, but I won't be getting it again, most likely. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the company we used in TX...

ON the freezing meat front--I invested in a compression sealer--aobut $60 from Wal-Mart and the bags another about $6 every couple of months--this vacuum seals the meat and preserves the freshness very nicely--I used to use ziplock bags but always noticed flavor loss and toughness. This also seals bowls designed to go with it for fruits and veggies--makes them last days longer than a regular storage container. Particularly great with cucumbers and lettuce.

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Lori

232/190/130
My other journal http://www.lowcarbeating.com/bb/showthread.php?t=1130

I've been eye balling those food savers - good to know that they are such a great investment. I'll have to get one.

I DO buy in bulk, but had to stop by the market for that other oh so important LC item - TP!! Figured while I was there I'd get the steaks too, cause there were on sale.

I've a great little store that delivers, has a full service butcher. Great quality, but nothing to brag about on prices.

Sharron, thanks for the link, VERY helpful.

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when life hands you lemons, order lobster!

You are most welcome