We just got back from A.C. about a week ago. We too did the kitchen thing. I brought a canned ham for breakfast and sandwhiches, some of that deviled chicken spread for sandwhiches and canned tuna to make tuna salad. I didn't have any problem at all. The little fruit stands have decent prices on fruit and a few veggies. The big grocery stores are a bit expensive, but it's still cheaper than eating out every meal. We had two teenage boys with us, so eating out for every meal was not an option. We only ate out in the evening, and I didn't find that most entrees were any more than what you would pay here in the states. Elvies Kitchen was a little pricey, but the atmoshere was nice. Do you like to go fishing? My husand and boys went fishing and it was not so bad cost wise. The guide cleaned the fish for us and we kept it. We grilled some at our condo (they had a grill available for guests) and we also took it to a little restaurant called Ambergris Delight. For $15 BZ they cooked it for us four different ways served family style. It was delicious and we couldn't finish it all. We ordered some rice and beans al a carte, and we were HAPPY!!! The bakeries are reasonable, and if you buy your beer (asuming you drink) by the case from the beer distributorship, you can save mucho $$. That's how we did it. Beer at the clubs is expensive. We brought two bottles of liqour in as well. We got it at the airport (duty free) We wanted to make those nice tropical fruit drinks in our room. We had a blender. So nice in the evenings......out by the pool........ Have a wonderful time. We did.
Debbie