Hunger Challenge Day 3: Getting a little worried
Editor's note: Brian Calvert is participating in the Hunger Challenge to see if he can eat three healthy meals on just $7 a day. See his notes from day one and day two.
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I made some of the best pasta ever last night!
I had planned to make it Monday night, but settled for PB&J. Last night, however, I was ready to make something tasty.
I took the vegetables I purchased Sunday, went to the store and picked up a couple more, and came up with a pasta dish that features tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, onions, and a little olive oil.
It hit the spot last night, and there's plenty left over. I had some more for an early lunch today, and tonight, I think I'll bake some of it with a little cheese on top. You know, something a little different?
Now for the accounting: My quick stop at the grocery store last night cost me $8.49. That's the damage from the two additional vegetables, and some decent coffee beans.
I had been trying to survive without coffee in the morning, but it only took a day for it to catch up with me. So, once you take the $7.49 off my remaining budget, I'm left with $4.07. I have enough of the basics that I think I can make it through Thursday's dinner.
I'm starting to worry about Friday. There still may be leftover pasta, but the cereal will likely be gone, as will the bread.
I'd like to throw in something personal that I believe is relevant to the challenge. Having to worry so much about what I'm eating and what I'm spending on food this week has really been distracting. I'm consumed with it. On the job, I find my focus a little off because of it. And yes, I find myself a little hungry at times because I'm trying to stretch everything.
I can't imagine having to worry about this all the time, and my heart is really hurting for those of you who deal with these tough decisions full-time.
I still have two full days of the Hunger Challenge left, but already, it's clear what I'm going to take away from this experience. Thank you again for your supportive notes and your suggestions.
If you have any ideas, advice or thoughts, please login or sign up below to post a comment.
---
I made some of the best pasta ever last night!
I had planned to make it Monday night, but settled for PB&J. Last night, however, I was ready to make something tasty.
I took the vegetables I purchased Sunday, went to the store and picked up a couple more, and came up with a pasta dish that features tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, onions, and a little olive oil.
It hit the spot last night, and there's plenty left over. I had some more for an early lunch today, and tonight, I think I'll bake some of it with a little cheese on top. You know, something a little different?
Now for the accounting: My quick stop at the grocery store last night cost me $8.49. That's the damage from the two additional vegetables, and some decent coffee beans.
I had been trying to survive without coffee in the morning, but it only took a day for it to catch up with me. So, once you take the $7.49 off my remaining budget, I'm left with $4.07. I have enough of the basics that I think I can make it through Thursday's dinner.
I'm starting to worry about Friday. There still may be leftover pasta, but the cereal will likely be gone, as will the bread.
I'd like to throw in something personal that I believe is relevant to the challenge. Having to worry so much about what I'm eating and what I'm spending on food this week has really been distracting. I'm consumed with it. On the job, I find my focus a little off because of it. And yes, I find myself a little hungry at times because I'm trying to stretch everything.
I can't imagine having to worry about this all the time, and my heart is really hurting for those of you who deal with these tough decisions full-time.
I still have two full days of the Hunger Challenge left, but already, it's clear what I'm going to take away from this experience. Thank you again for your supportive notes and your suggestions.
If you have any ideas, advice or thoughts, please login or sign up below to post a comment.