How Much Will GAPS Cost Me?

A very valid question.  I am doing GAPS alone.  I still have 4 other people to feed.  Here's a shopping list for my family.  It changes slightly each week, depending upon our needs, but it pretty much stays the same.
At Hannaford Supermarket:
1 Ginger root
3 cucumbers
7 bags of carrots
6 heads of garlic
2 heads of cauliflower
16 Roma tomatoes
2 winter squash
10 sweet onions
3 large heads broccoli
3 zucchini
8 pears
10 apples
box of clementines
4 navel oranges
1 bunch bananas
3 mangoes
2 jars of kimchi
1 jar sauerkraut
1.5 lbs Deli turkey
Large box of baking soda
Dish detergent
Box of Tomato Soup
1 bag cat food
1 bag gluten free oats
1 bag gluten free fries

That is almost $200. 

At Whole Foods:

1 container raw sunflower seeds
pitted dates
dried cranberries
pitted prunes
6lbs 85% ground beef
4 bone-in pork chops
1lb stew beef
2lbs ground pork
4lbs chicken breast (bone in)
12 pork sausages (specially made)
2 whole chickens
1 pkg hemp seeds
2 Jars Bubbies pickles

That equals $168

I also ordered online some coconut oil - 2 tubs from amazon = $41.00 
And we buy our milk from a raw dairy.  Add $10.

For a family of 5, one on GAPS, we're spending $400 per week on food for the intro diet.

Is it worth it?  Let's think about it.  If my psoriasis did not clear up on it's own and I didn't have the knowledge that I do, I'd be buying expensive tubs of skin cream and I'd be on corticosteroids, at the very least.  The steroids may or may not help.  Some people have to switch steroids and meds to see what works for them.  These medications also have side-effects such as
Potential side effects of topical steroids include skin damage, such as "skin thinning, changes in pigmentation, easy bruising, stretch marks, redness and dilated surface blood vessels. Steroids can be absorbed through the skin and affect internal organs when applied to widespread areas of skin, used over long periods of time, or used with excessive occlusion."
Some people use phototherapy or laser treatments.  Those who are unresponsive to corticosteroids and phototherapy end up heading towards systemic medications.  These have been in use for 10 years or so.  Some side effects of one of these systemics are as follows:

• Hair loss
• Chapped lips and dry mouth
• Dry skin and eyes
• Bleeding gums and nose bleeds
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Peeling fingertips and nail changes
• Changes in blood fat levels
• Depression
• Aggressive thoughts or thoughts of self-harm
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Decreased night vision
• Elevated liver enzymes

We eat well...I mean lots of fruits and veggies, organics, locally grown.  We used to buy our meats through a csa, but now just buy what we need as we need it.  We've always spent a decent amount on food.  I would rather eat well and feel good than lose my hair, develop arthritis (which psoriasis can lead to) and be aggressive, depressed and lose my night vision! 

The extra money spent is probably equal to or less than what the overall deterioration of my health would cost.  Never mind not being able to be myself and be there for my family.   

We've had to cut costs.  We've had to make certain decisions regarding our finances.  Do we really need this thing or that?  I certainly do look at our grocery bill each week and think, "If I buy conventional meats and produce and products, we'd have x-amount of extra money each week.  That would save us a lot!"  But would it...really?