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The SNAP/food stamps challenge is an opportunity to experience what it is like to nourish yourself solely based off of the funds provided by food stamps. This challenge has been popular among congressmen and celebrities with varying success (I???m looking at you Gwyneth Paltrow, who failed after 4 days???but I mean really? 7 limes?). Based off of the most recent average monthly allotment per person I could dig up, I am stuck with a measly $4.22 per day, or $29.57 per week to feed myself.
So while at an event for homeless Veteran???s that I was voluntold to help with, I got to thinking??? I???m a registered dietitian, so I should be able to do this right? Truth is I am a sucker for a challenge, and food is kind of my thing - so I decided to tackle it! I will be doing a nutrient analysis, as well as mini-journal type reflections each day to answer the age old question??? Can you eat healthy on a budget? But first lets set some rules???
$29.57 for the entire week???s allotment of food
All foods count ??? including spices, beverages (gosh I hope tea fits in my budget), and snacks
No accepting foods from anyone (coworkers, friends, family)
No eating any food you had food you already have on hand
Must include at least 3 servings (or 1.5 cups) vegetables per day
I work with many homeless Veteran???s in a clinical setting so my hope is that this project forces some insight upon me. I also hope I don???t starve to death. Working against me is the fact that on a normal day I consume ~2200-2600 calories pretty easily, but I am also a very active individual. I think I have a solid plan in place ??? will post a picture when I get back from the grocery store with the day???s loot
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