$5/day and Being Healthy

Yes, we are still eating on $5 a day. A lot of the time we eat on less than that. My new strategy has been to use the weekly grocery budget only to stock up on things that are on sale and to buy any essentials we are out of (milk, cheese, bread, eggs). This has led to more creative meals and a few good finds in the dining department. At the top of this site I have a Food! tab. Click on it to see all the recipe posts in one place. I have a few more to add over the next couple of weeks.

Another result of this experiment has been calorie counting, which I've been rather successful at. Before the internet cries out "you look great, you don't need to count your calories!" (which I've heard from everyone I've mentioned this to), let me explain something. I do not have image issues. I know I look fabulous (seriously, have you seen me in a bikini? No? Do you want to go to the beach? I'm dying to go to the beach). Ok, I'm glad we got that out of the way.

I know, it's only half a bikini and some shorts, but that's what I had on that day. I look hot.

I live in the United States. We eat CRAP in this country, and lots of it. When I count my calories I become keenly aware of what I am putting into my body and I eat better because of it. Eating better leads to feeling better, which leads to having the motivation and energy to exercise, which leads to feeling even better. It's a scary downward spiral of better health and good habits which ultimately make me more focused, less depressed and more motivated to keep up with my creative endeavors. It gets you hiking pictures, too!

Also, I have lots of clothing from when I lived in Florida. Clothing that is two sizes too small right now that I want to wear again. Ok? There, I said it. I wouldn't mind if I lost some weight. But only because I can't afford to buy new clothes.

Joe, as is typical, is exercising every day, and sticking to low-carb, healthier foods. Which means that's what I have to cook. His workout routine is a combination of pilates and the P90X workout, which I find to be insane. Check it out. I'm into pilates, hiking and Just Dance 3 for the Kinect. Check that out, too!

Anyway, the eating for less and cooking at home is going well, but I have no doubt it will all fall apart once the semester starts and I have the more than full time course load and the part time job. That is why a couple of weeks ago I borrowed Nicole's kitchen and cooked up 3 lbs of chicken and 4lbs of veggies and put it all in the freezer for consumption later in the year when life gets busy. I was so proud of myself. Everything is in individual portions and labeled with "use by" dates. I am feeling very homemakery right now. Anyone have other tips (that don't involve high-carb foods) on making food go further? Leave them in the comments.