I have come to the conclusion that it might be possible to
maintain a healthy diet on the food stamp budget IF and only IF you have the
tools and the resources to back it up. I think that, if one learned how to
prepare more lentil and bean dishes, they'd have a better shot at staying
healthy and staying on budget.
We have gone $25 over budget thus far and it looks like
we'll have to go shopping soon!
If I had to shop again, I'd buy more fruits and veggies and
bulk lentils/beans and less processed foods. I'd get oatmeal instead of Chex
and ditch the yogurt covered raisins and applesauce (and make my own!)
In addition, I would buy a waffle maker, make my own
waffles, make my own bread and create dishes from scratch - instead of buying
gluten free items from Dierberg's (a weekly ritual of mine.) They would
be healthier AND cheaper.
I've actually been inspired to do all of the above. I don't
think it is possible to live on a food stamp budget. However, I think that it
is possible to spend less and eat more healthfully. If you focus on eating
whole foods (not necessarily from Whole Foods!), you can cut down on your
expenditures and improve your health.
Ironically, I gained weight this week. (Which, for me, is
FABULOUS - I am in remission from Multiple Myeloma and have needed to gain more
weight for a few months now.) It looks like lentils and beans provide the body
with healthy weight gaining calories. Gotta love that. I'm glad that we
participated in this project. I learned a lot by doing it.
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