I set to work looking up options that I currently have in my pantry/fridge/freezer and also started a “to buy” list that I will snag when we do our first grocery shop post challenge. That being said I can see how the challenge has changed me. I want to show I can have this kind of diet and still stay in a reasonable budget, even daring to say I want to spend as little as possible (caring for my family financially) while simultaneously caring for my body and this little one I am growing. It’s going to be a challenge for sure.
That being said I’ll be trying to share some of the creative ways I’m eating/cooking to keep myself on track while still hoping to finish strong in this challenge.
I had eggs, cheese, and salsa for my breakfast.
Ingredients: 2 boiled chicken breasts
I just chunked up the chicken using my fingers, cleaned and chunked the celery, and tossed all the ingredients into the food processor. Gave it a whirl til it was the consistency I liked and added salt and pepper to taste. That simple! It makes enough for several meals so it’s so good to just have on hand when I need a meal quick!
Then my afternoon snack was a hot cup of tea with cinnamon (supposed to help with blood glucose levels) and a slice of multigrain toast and peanut butter. YUM! This hit the spot.
Dinner tonight is with our small group and we are having tacos. I’m contributing the ground taco meat and I’ll just try to be very conscious about what I eat and skip dessert. 🙂
Overall the hardest part about this will be my late night snacking. I may need to hit the sack earlier at night to help combat the desire. Which is a good idea anyway. And the other things is that exercising 15-20 minutes after a meal is done is very important but I’m already seeing that with my little men in tow, and our schedule, this may prove difficult. I’m going to try though! And I’ll keep you all apprised at how it’s going.
As far as the challenge today…
I did spend on…
1. We needed milk (I think this is the second time we’ve had to get more, not sure I noted it the first time) but it is on our “absolutely necessary list” for the boys. So … whole milk for Camp and soy milk for Cashel. Plus Ben snagged some green onions for me as we have been able to fill many produce gaps through our Buy Nothing Group but this was a real gap we had. I’ll be making them last! We had some in our fridge but they went bad and it killed me! (<$5)
2. I’ll need to get gas today. Considering I think I have only filled up on other time this month and we have only 8 days left that means I cut our fill ups in almost half! That’s a victory even though I spent. (hoping the fill up with be <$40 with a club discount)
3. Ben got Cashel a treat at the store last night when he stopped for milk. I think our kids have been amazing. They have only rarely asked for something where I’ve had to explain that it costs money and that instead we will go home. And last night Cashel recited his cubby verses and did so much better with Ben at his club time. He gets WAY more clingy and needy when Ben takes him but we really want it to be a special father-son bonding time. So… he felt a reward was in order. I couldn’t say no. 😉 A wee cheat. (>$1)
1. I took yummy pumpkin cookies and leftover brownies to my mom’s group (get my favorite carb loaded treats out of the house!) and tried a new recipe. Using some Swiss Chard I was gifted. This recipe for a Tomato and Swiss Chard Quiche is killer and one to keep around. I’ll be making another one for my breakfasts. It has leafy greens which are great source of iron, plus is low in carbs since it’s crustless. Thanks to Real Foods Real Deals for the recipe!
2. I’m taking ground beef to small group potluck since it’s tacos. Bless them because they asked me what I wanted to bring knowing I’m not spending.
3. I’m refraining so far from buying some of the easier low-carb things that they suggest and using what I have on hand. Planning to go the full 8 days I have left but will keep you posted on my resolve.
Tips…
1. There will always be unexpected things that “get in your way.” Like this necessary diet change or the car issue we had earlier this month. BUT it’s how you respond that counts. Not getting discouraged was hard, especially in light of the even more important issues behind the diet change. But in some senses having the challenge to focus on also helped me stay motivated and inspired.
2. I think I’ve mentioned this already, several times, but sharing with others what you are doing and not doing it alone is key. I blog but I also share with friends, curious folks who come across a reference to the challenge on Facebook, and even random folks who I’m making small talk with. It keeps the challenge fresh and the accountability real. Plus your community will support you – I believe that. This challenge was not accepted completely out of necessity but in the end our first half the month savings covered our car expenses and our second half the month gives us a tad extra as we hope to close on our new home next month and have a couple things we’d like to do (paint and clean carpets) before we move in. The savings may just about cover those things. God is good! And thankfully the challenge has helped meet needs, and also taught us a great deal. 21 days to build a habit and 31 days to change your life? I think so!