The
challenge was presented to me, first as a tease, then once I thought about the
real effect, experience, and knowledge it would give me, it was on. I started
by planning what foods were healthy, but less expensive and where to buy, I
tried the closest market or food stores that offered fresh and some forms of
sale items (by using coupons from the papers, computer, etc.) After I purchased
my food, I had to be creative in cooking, (by the way, I'm a great cook, smile)
the amount of what I would eat, then became an issue. I prepared for 4days
(lunch and dinner). I would eat boiled eggs (yolk free) in the AM. Everything
was fine, until Sunday, it was my sister's birthday and I took her out,
something we planned in advance, before this challenge, so I have extended my
time. The overall challenge has enlighten, created my awareness for the complete
use for vitamins, and it has shown that having the ability to find ways to
change my eating habits, helped eliminate access pounds, mission accomplish, I
feel great. (I LOST 4lbs) However, for those who are during this on a daily
basis, more is needed, the knowledge of where to get fresh foods at low cost,
convenience of locations, access to coupons for discounts, and increase the
funds for food stamps. This was a small eye-opening of the real challenge of
the Food Stamp Program; can we afford not to do more?
--Valerie, Legislative Aide