$3.00 a Day Challenge

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Re: $3.00 a Day Challenge

Postby Katydid » Thu Jun 02, 2011 6:32 pm

Today's menu:

Today's Menu:
Breakfast
Old-fashioned oats (1 cup dry) = $0.14 300 cal.
Small box of raisins = $0.21 130 cal.
Ground flaxseed (1 Tbs) = free 60 cal.
Tea = $0.05 0 cal.
Stevia = $0.09 0 cal.
Breakfast total = $0.49 490 cal.

Lunch
Split pea soup (2 cups) = $0.26 each 268 cal.
small baked potato = $0.09 128 cal.
Baby carrots = $0.28 42 cal.
Apple = $0.30 90 cal.
Lunch total = $0.93 528 cal.

Dinner
Green salad = $0.35 30 cal
Cucumber = $0.30 22 cal.
Roma tomatoes = $0.48 10 cal.
Green onion = $0.10 5 cal.
Balsamic vinegar = $0.03 0 cal.
Brown rice (1/2 cup dry) = $0.15 170 cal.
1/2 bag of mixed vegetables = $0.50 120 cal.
1/4 bag spinach = $0.25 30 cal.
1/2 can of canned tomatoes = $0.18 44 cal.
1 tsp. chopped garlic: $0.04 5 cal
Dinner total = $2.38 436 cal.

Snack:
Oatmeal leftover from breakfast
Banana = $0.23 110 cal.

Total for Day: $3.80 1564 cal.

Kate
This diet can save your life - it saved mine! Read my story at:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/stars/cathy_stewart.htm
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Re: $3.00 a Day Challenge

Postby Katydid » Sat Jun 04, 2011 6:42 am

We had a contest at work over the last eight weeks called the 'Battle of the Bulge' where a bunch of us competed to see who could lose the most weight. I needed to lose 10 pounds of 'winter weight' so I joined in. Yesterday we had a pot luck to celebrate. Needless to say I blew my competition out of the water by losing 11 pounds on a strict low-fat whole foods plant-based diet - and this included a week in Florida at a conference eating at REALLY non-vegetarian restaurants every night. You should have seen me arguing with the waiter about making me an off menu salad :D .

So, in a typical American fashion, we celebrated the end of a diet with a fatty pot-luck. Sigh. I brought a vegetable curry dish that is quite popular at work. I don't make it often, as it contains reduced-fat coconut milk, but as I say, people asked for it. And I had everything I needed to make it in the freezer and cupboard, so I didn't have to go out and break my $3 a day challenge.

So my menu for yesterday was:

Breakfast:
Old-fashioned oats (1 cup dry) = $0.14 300 cal.
1/4 cup dried cranberries = $0.38 130 cal.
Ground flaxseed (1 Tbs) = free 60 cal.
Tea = $0.05 0 cal.
Stevia = $0.09 0 cal.
Breakfast total = $0.66 490 cal.

Lunch (pot-luck):
Vegetable curry (1/2 cup) $0.35 125 cal.
red pepper hummus 2 TBS (free) 70 cal.
1/2 whole wheat pita bread (free) 75 cal.
Chinese cole slaw (1 cup) (free) 389 cal (based on online recipe - I have no idea if this was identical to what was brought but it looks the same - this is a weakness of mine I love this stuff but it clearly contains oil).
Lunch total: $0.35 659 cal.

(Actual cost to bring a dish $2.83. I will subtract this cost from next week's grocery bill.)

Dinner:
I stopped by a local park after work and when for a 3 mile walk. I enjoyed the walk, but it made me starved. On the way home I stopped at Taco Bell and bought a bean burrito. I know, like I need more fat in my diet today. But as we all know, once you let your guard slip, it's easy to fall back into bad habits. On the plus side, they actually left the cheese off for a change. :lol:

Bean burrito (no cheese) ) $1.05 340 cal.
1/2 cup cooked brown rice (added when I got home) $0.08 160 cal.
Green salad = $0.35 30 cal
Cucumber = $0.30 22 cal.
Roma tomato = $0.48 10 cal.
Green onion = $0.10 5 cal.
2 TBS salsa: $0.08 22 cal.
Dinner total:$2.44 589 cal.

Snack:
Leftover oatmeal from breakfast
Banana I brought home from work (free) 110 cal.

Total for Day: $3.45 1738 cal.

Ugh. While I'm proud I won the weight-loss challenge and stayed away from the chips and cookies, I could certainly have done better. And I really need to eat supper BEFORE I go for a long walk after work so I don't get so hungry that fast food looks appealing. Ah, well, back on track tomorrow.

Kate
This diet can save your life - it saved mine! Read my story at:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/stars/cathy_stewart.htm
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Re: $3.00 a Day Challenge

Postby kittyadventures » Sat Jun 04, 2011 4:12 pm

Hi Kate this is awesome... I laughed at the 1 item each from the dollar menu. I don't think when I was eating SAD I could get by on just one item... they are very small not regular sized, then there is the cravings for more that eating SAD creates.
So glad I am Mc Dougalling. Look at your amounts of food for each meal. :-D

and also did you notice you got more protein at teh end of the day eating McDougall than you would have eating the McDonalds meals. and of course all the vitamins etc. IT really is eye opening isn't it.

THanks for doing this.
Who knew an Apple a day, really would keep the Doctor away!
"Be the change you want to see in the world"--Gandhi.

http://www.kittyadventures.wordpress.com

Days in a row of exercise: 9
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Re: $3.00 a Day Challenge

Postby Katydid » Sun Jun 05, 2011 4:10 pm

Thanks for stopping by Kitty. Yesterday I was away from my computer so I'm updating for a couple of days here. Yesterday I ate:

Breakfast
Old-fashioned oats (1/2 cup dry) = $0.07 150 cal.
Small box of raisins = $0.21 130 cal.
Ground flaxseed (1 Tbs) = free 60 cal.
Tea = $0.05 0 cal.
Stevia = $0.09 0 cal.
Breakfast total = $0.42 340 cal.

Lunch
Navy bean and potato soup (2 cups) = $0.24 220 cal.
Small baked potato = $0.09 128 cal.
Orange = $0.45 80 cal.
Lunch total = $0.78 428 cal.

Dinner
1/2 cup cooked brown rice $0.08 160 cal.
1/2 bag of mixed vegetables = $0.50 120 cal.
1/4 bag spinach = $0.25 30 cal.
1/2 can of canned tomatoes = $0.18 44 cal.
1 tsp. chopped garlic: $0.04 5 cal
Dinner Total = $1.05 359 cal.

I ate dinner late, so I skipped any snack yesterday
Total for Saturday: $2.25 1127 cal.

Today I went for two long walks. One three mile walk with the dog, and a six mile walk by myself. It just seemed like such a perfect day for walking - warm with a nice breeze :D .

Breakfast
Old-fashioned oats (1 cup dry) = $0.14 300 cal.
Small box of raisins = $0.21 130 cal.
Ground flaxseed (1 Tbs) = free 60 cal.
Tea = $0.05 0 cal.
Stevia = $0.09 0 cal.
Breakfast total = $0.49 490 cal.

Lunch (leftover from yesterday)
1/2 cup cooked brown rice $0.08 160 cal.
1/2 bag of mixed vegetables = $0.50 120 cal.
1/4 bag spinach = $0.25 30 cal.
1/2 can of canned tomatoes = $0.18 44 cal.
1 tsp. chopped garlic: $0.04 5 cal
Orange = $0.45 80 cal.
Lunch total = $1.50 439 cal.

Dinner
Split pea soup (2 cups) = $0.26 each 268 cal.
Small baked potato = $0.09 128 cal.
2 cups green salad = $0.17 15 cal
1/4 Cucumber = $0.15 11 cal.
1/2 Roma tomato = $0.24 5 cal.
Green onion = $0.05 5 cal.
Balsamic vinegar = $0.03 0 cal.
Dinner Total = $0.99 432 cal.

Snack: Before second walk I had half of breakfast oatmeal cold. Never had cold oatmeal before and it was quite tasty. Almost like rice pudding. Who knew?

Total for Sunday: $2.98 1361 cal.

Kate
This diet can save your life - it saved mine! Read my story at:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/stars/cathy_stewart.htm
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Re: $3.00 a Day Challenge

Postby Katydid » Mon Jun 06, 2011 8:50 pm

Today's Menu:

Breakfast
Old-fashioned oats (1 cup dry) = $0.14 300 cal.
Small box of raisins = $0.21 130 cal.
Ground flaxseed (1 Tbs) = free 60 cal.
Tea = $0.05 0 cal.
Stevia = $0.09 0 cal.
Breakfast total = $0.49 490 cal.

Lunch
Split pea soup (2 cups) = $0.26 each 268 cal.
Small baked potato = $0.09 128 cal.
Baby carrots = $0.28 42 cal.
Orange = $0.45 80 cal.
Lunch total = $1.08 518 cal.

Dinner
2 cups green salad = $0.17 15 cal
1/4 Cucumber = $0.15 11 cal.
1/2 Roma tomato = $0.24 5 cal.
Green onion = $0.05 5 cal.
2 TBS salsa = $0.08 22 cal.
Moroccan Lentil Soup (2 cups) = $0.42 300 cal.
Dinner Total = $1.11 358 cal.

Snack
Leftover breakfast oatmeal

Total for Day = $2.68 1366 cal.

Moroccan Lentil Soup

This is my favorite lentil soup - it is savory, spicy and sweet:
1 pound of brown lentils $0.87 (from bulk food store)
1/2 bag (1&1/2 cups) frozen mirepoix mix $0.60
I get this at Kroger. It is finely chopped onion, carrot and celery and is great for adding to soup.
1 tsp Better than Bouillon $0.16
1 cup cooked garbonzo beans $0.43
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes $0.99
1/4 cup golden raisins $0.23
2 tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp cumin- cost? No idea as I buy spices in big containers for $0.99 so I'm saying $0.05 for the spices.

Sautee the mirepoix mix in water to soften. Add the lentils, a couple of quarts of water and bouillon. Cook lentils until tender and most of the water has been absorbed. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 15 minutes.
Cost $3.33 for 8 servings at $0.42

Kate
This diet can save your life - it saved mine! Read my story at:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/stars/cathy_stewart.htm
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Re: $3.00 a Day Challenge

Postby Katydid » Tue Jun 07, 2011 5:50 pm

Today's Menu:

Breakfast
Old-fashioned oats (1 cup dry) = $0.14 300 cal.
banana = $0.23 110 cal.
Ground flaxseed (1 Tbs) = free 60 cal.
Tea = $0.05 0 cal.
Stevia = $0.09 0 cal.
Breakfast total = $0.51 470 cal.

Lunch
Lentil soup (2 cups) = $0.42 each 300 cal.
small baked potato = $0.09 128 cal.
Baby carrots = $0.28 42 cal.
Apple = $0.28 90 cal.
Lunch total = $1.07 560 cal.

Dinner
2 cups green salad = $0.17 15 cal
1/4 Cucumber = $0.15 11 cal.
1/2 Roma tomato = $0.24 5 cal.
Green onion = $0.05 5 cal.
Balsamic vinegar = $0.03 0 cal.
1/2 cup cooked brown rice $0.08 160 cal.
1/6 large head of cabbage (2 cups) = $0.27 42 cal.
1/4 of large bag of stir-fry veggies = $0.75 100 cal.
Dinner total = $1.74 338 cal.

Snack
Leftover breakfast oatmeal

Total for day = $3.32 1368 cal.


Today marks the end of three weeks :D
This week's average cost per day = $3.03
average daily calories = 1435

Kate
This diet can save your life - it saved mine! Read my story at:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/stars/cathy_stewart.htm
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Re: $3.00 a Day Challenge

Postby Katydid » Wed Jun 08, 2011 5:14 pm

This week's groceries:
Bag of apples $1.99
2 bags of frozen spinach $2.00
1 bag frozen mixed vegetables $1.00
1 bag frozen 'fiesta' vegetables $1.29
1 bag frozen whole green beans $1.49
1 bag of romaine lettuce hearts (3 per bag) $1.19
1 bag baby carrots $1.39
2 cans diced tomatoes $1.10
1 bunch of bananas (6) $1.16
2 cucumbers $1.18
1 28oz can of crushed tomatoes $0.99
1 large box of old fashioned oats $1.99
1 bunch tomatoes on-the-vine (5) $1.39
Total $18.16
I also spent $2.83 last Friday to bring a dish to a pot-luck so my actual expenditures for the week are $20.99.

Kate
This diet can save your life - it saved mine! Read my story at:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/stars/cathy_stewart.htm
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Re: $3.00 a Day Challenge

Postby Katydid » Wed Jun 08, 2011 9:07 pm

Today's menu:

Today's Menu:
Breakfast
Old-fashioned oats (1 cup dry) = $0.14 300 cal.
Small box of raisins = $0.21 130 cal.
Ground flaxseed (1 Tbs) = free 60 cal.
Tea = $0.05 0 cal.
Stevia = $0.09 0 cal.
Breakfast total = $0.49 490 cal.

Lunch
Lentil soup (2 cups) = $0.42 each 300 cal.
small baked potato = $0.09 128 cal.
Baby carrots = $0.28 42 cal.
Apple = $0.28 90 cal.
Lunch total = $1.07 560 cal.

Dinner
1/2 head romaine lettuce = $0.20 15 cal
1/4 Cucumber = $0.15 11 cal.
1/2 Roma tomato = $0.24 5 cal.
Green onion = $0.05 5 cal.
Balsamic vinegar = $0.03 0 cal.
Brown rice (1/2 cup cooked) = $0.08 160 cal.
1/2 bag of mixed vegetables = $0.50 120 cal.
1/4 bag spinach = $0.25 30 cal.
1/2 can of canned tomatoes = $0.18 44 cal.
1 tsp. chopped garlic: $0.04 5 cal
Dinner total = $1.72 395 cal.

Snack
Leftover breakfast oatmeal

Total for day = $3.28 1445 cal.
This diet can save your life - it saved mine! Read my story at:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/stars/cathy_stewart.htm
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Re: $3.00 a Day Challenge

Postby StarchBeet » Thu Jun 09, 2011 12:02 am

Excellent statistics Katy, I like your dididness!
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Re: $3.00 a Day Challenge

Postby Katydid » Thu Jun 09, 2011 7:49 pm

Today's menu:

Breakfast
Old-fashioned oats (1 cup dry) = $0.14 300 cal.
banana = $0.19 110 cal.
Ground flaxseed (1 Tbs) = free 60 cal.
Tea = $0.05 0 cal.
Stevia = $0.09 0 cal.
Breakfast total = $0.47 470 cal.

Lunch
Lentil soup (2 cups) = $0.42 each 300 cal.
1/2 cup brown rice = $0.08 160 cal.
Baby carrots = $0.28 42 cal.
Orange = $0.45 80 cal.
Lunch total = $1.23 582 cal.

Dinner
1/2 head romaine lettuce = $0.20 15 cal
1/4 Cucumber = $0.15 11 cal.
1/2 Roma tomato = $0.24 5 cal.
Green onion = $0.05 5 cal.
Balsamic vinegar = $0.03 0 cal.
Black-eyed pea stew = $0.52 254 cal.
Dinner total = $1.19 290 cal.

Snack
Leftover breakfast oatmeal.

Total for day: $2.89 1342 cal.

Black-Eyed Pea Stew
1 bag frozen black-eyed peas = $1.00
4 small-to-medium potatoes = $0.36
1 can diced tomatoes = $0.55
1 tsp.chopped garlic = $0.04
1 tsp Better than Bouillon = $0.16
1/2 bag frozen spinach = $0.50
Cost $2.61 for five servings @ $0.52 each

Combine everything but spinach along with two quarts of water and cook until potatoes are tender. Add spinach and heat through. Can be soup or stew depending on how much you let the water boil off and how large you chop the potatoes.

Kate
This diet can save your life - it saved mine! Read my story at:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/stars/cathy_stewart.htm
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Re: $3.00 a Day Challenge

Postby carrotlvr » Thu Jun 09, 2011 8:16 pm

Hi Kate,

Thanks for the lentil soup recipe, can't wait to try it.

We had an end of the year picnic at another teacher's house and I didn't do as nearly as good as you did. It looks to me like you exercized a lot of restraint. Usually when I eat way off program it takes me a few days to get back on track, but I am back on track today.

You inspire me with your weight loss. I was at my goal weight and then gained weight over the winter and need to lose 7 pounds. Will you share a little about this. Was this just more weight you wanted to lose or did you stray from healthy eating for awhile and put some weight on.

Now that school is out I am committing to 6 weeks of healthy eating and watching my calories to get back to where I was. I hope you keep this topic going, it is very inspirational.

Also wondering what better than boullion is and where you buy it?

Thanks,
Kris
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Re: $3.00 a Day Challenge

Postby Katydid » Thu Jun 09, 2011 9:13 pm

Yeah, I did put on about 10 pounds over the winter. The snow was terrible this year and it was too cold to do more than zip in and out of the car. I ended up eating too much rich 'comfort' food and not exercising nearly enough. I think I may get a touch of the other 'SAD' during the winter.

I was also spending way too much money on groceries. I could easily spend $80 a week just on myself. I would go into a health food store and drop thirty dollars on vegan junk food. It was stupid and self indulgent.

So I decided to do this challenge to try and reign in my spending and my weight. I lost the weight I gained over the winter and actually have a few bucks left in my checking account after the bills are paid. It's also fun seeing just how much food I can buy for $21 a week. And its given me an excuse to use up all the canned and dried goods I collected (but never actually ate) during the winter. I can actually open my kitchen cupboards without fear of a broken toe from falling cans :lol:

Better than Bouillon is a concentrated vegetable and salt paste that you use a soup base. I get it at my local HFS. You use a teaspoon in a whole pot of soup as a seasoning. It's fat-free and cheaper than buying canned vegetable broth. It's organic and vegan, but high in sodium (700 mg per teaspoon). I wouldn't recommend it for anyone with high blood pressure, but mine is so low I can get dizzy if I stand up or bend over to quick, so I don't worry too much about my sodium intake.

Kate
This diet can save your life - it saved mine! Read my story at:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/stars/cathy_stewart.htm
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Re: $3.00 a Day Challenge

Postby carrotlvr » Fri Jun 10, 2011 5:11 pm

Thanks Kate. I appreciate your feed back. I will look for the Better than
Boullion at my local grocer.

I have also gained weight over the winter. Those SAD cookies and treats crept in along with overeating. I know I'll get it back off, I just have to persevere.

I like to eat lots of veggies which can really add up so I have been shopping at a few different places to get the best bargains. I bought a whole crate of eggplant at Caputo's today for $2.50! Since it is a cool day here I am going to roast them in the oven with some other veggies and have them throughout the week.

I know what you mean about using up what you have in your cabinet. I am guilty of of buying things and restocking before I need to. I am trying to clear out my freezer of soups I have stockpiled over the winter. Some things I don't even know what they are, they have been in there so long! I won't do that again next year.

Thanks,
Kris
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Re: $3.00 a Day Challenge

Postby Katydid » Sat Jun 11, 2011 6:53 am

Friday's menu:

Breakfast
Old-fashioned oats (1 cup dry) = $0.14 300 cal.
1 cup frozen mixed berries= free with coupon 80 cal.
Ground flaxseed (1 TBS) = free 60 cal.
Tea = $0.05 0 cal.
Stevia = $0.09 0 cal.
Breakfast total = $0.28 440 cal.

Lunch
Black-eyed pea & potato stew = $0.52 254 cal.
Baby carrots = $0.23 35 cal.
Apple = $0.30 90 cal.
Lunch total = $1.05 cal. 379 cal.

Dinner (leftovers - got home late)
1/2 cup cooked brown rice $0.08 160 cal.
1/2 bag of mixed vegetables = $0.50 120 cal.
1/4 bag spinach = $0.25 30 cal.
1/2 can of canned tomatoes = $0.18 44 cal.
1 tsp. chopped garlic: $0.04 5 cal
Dinner total = $1.05 359 cal.

Snack:
Oatmeal leftover from breakfast
1 TBS sunflower seeds $0.09 40 cal.
Handful of pretzels free at work calories 110 cal.

This is a guess based on the calories in a small bag of pretzels. I need to stay out of the pretzel jar at work, but I went for a long walk at lunch and came back to not only thirst but a horrible craving for salt. I assume my electrolytes were low, but I don't think pretzels were the appropriate way to replace them :lol:

Snack total $0.09 150 cal.

Total for Friday = $2.47 1328 cal.
This diet can save your life - it saved mine! Read my story at:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/stars/cathy_stewart.htm
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Re: $3.00 a Day Challenge

Postby Katydid » Mon Jun 13, 2011 9:11 am

No posts the last couple of days. Down and out with stomach flu or food poisoning. Haven't been able to keep even ginger-ale down. Worst seems to be over now, so hopefully back on track tomorrow.
Kate
This diet can save your life - it saved mine! Read my story at:
http://www.drmcdougall.com/stars/cathy_stewart.htm
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