1.22.09

Breakfast
I started with a latte instead of my regular coffee this morning, made with 1 cup of skim milk, a packet of Equal and a little cinnamon. Who needs Starbucks? I've got my own skinny latte right here in my kitchen (although I'm sure I'll break down and buy one again sometime)! I've been craving something different in the area of cereal in the morning, so last time I was at Target I checked out their Market Pantry selection. I ended up going with their version of Raisin Bran, because it seemed to be the most nutritious one they offered, at a very low price...just my style, of course. I haven't even had actual Raisin Bran cereal in years, so I figure I won't even notice if it's not the same. I tried a bowl this morning (1 1/4 cups) with 3/4 cup of skim milk. I also had a cup of Trader Joe's gala apple juice. I was impressed with the cereal...it tasted great, and at only $2.39 per box, you can't go wrong! I love Target!

All together, this meal provided:
Grains: 1 1/2 oz whole (cereal)
Fruits: 1 1/4 cup (1 from apple juice, 1/4 from raisins in cereal)
Vegetables: 0
Milk: 1 3/4 cups (skim milk in latte and cereal)
Meats & beans: 0
Oils: 0

The cost of this meal was approximately: $1.13

Lunch
I had a Boca burger for lunch today (I know...I'm repeating this a lot...but they are so easy to make!). I didn't have any buns left, so I decided to make a "double" on a slice of bread. I melted a 1 oz. slice of mozzarella cheese on the burger, cut it in half and put it on the bread. I also had 6 baby carrots and 1 ounce of baked potato chips. The chips were also a new find at Target-Archer Farms garlic and rosemary variety. I have had my eye on these for awhile, but they are a little expensive. This week they were on sale, so I gave them a try. They were really good-a nice change-up from the plain Baked Lays I've been eating.

All together, this meal provided:
Grains: 1 oz whole (bread)
Fruits: 0
Vegetables: 1 cup (carrots and chips)
Milk: 3/4 cup (mozzarella cheese)
Meats & beans: 2 1/2 oz (Boca burger)
Oils: 0

The cost of this meal was approximately: $1.61

Snack
I had to go to my practicum site tonight, and I wasn't sure what time I would get out-so I had a snack before I left. I toasted a slice of whole wheat bread (Sara Lee), spread a tablespoon of peanut butter on it and had a banana on the side. I hope this keeps me going through the night-I have a feeling there won't be any time to stop and eat tonight, so I'm not even bringing anything along with me.

All together, this meal provided:
Grains: 1 oz whole (bread)
Fruits: 3/4 cup (banana)
Vegetables: 0
Milk: 0
Meats & beans: 1 oz (peanut butter)
Oils: 1 teaspoon (peanut butter)

The cost of this meal was approximately: $0.45

Dinner
I didn't get finished until 8:30 tonight, and the last thing I felt like doing was making dinner. Matt got home right when I did, and felt the same way. I ran over to Crazy Bowls and Wraps and picked up dinner. This place can be a bit pricey, but my favorite menu item is one of the cheaper ones...I got a small bean superbowl with steamed veggies and brown rice. It's a pretty simple dish-it is literally just what it sounds like. I estimated about a cup of rice, a cup of veggies and 3/4 cup beans. At $4.50, it is definitely one of their cheapest menu items-if not the cheapest altogether. Sadly, I could have made this at home for even cheaper, but it would have required me going to the grocery store and spending at least 30 minutes preparing it-so, I went the easy route tonight. I have priced it out below as if I had prepared it at home, for comparisons sake and also because I am using the "cost of food at home" as my budget amount.

All together, this meal provided:
Grains: 2 oz whole (rice)
Fruits: 0
Vegetables: 1 cup (steamed veggies)
Milk: 0
Meats & beans: 3 oz (beans)
Oils: 0

The cost of this meal (if I had prepared it at home) was approximately: $0.93 (wow-that's quite a difference in cost for convenience!)

How did I do today?
Grains: 5 1/2 oz out of 6 oz (all were whole)
Fruits: 2 cups out of 2 cups
Vegetables: 2 cups out of 2 1/2 cups
Milk: 2 1/2 cups out of 3 cups
Meats & Beans: 6 1/2 oz out of 5 1/2 oz
Oils: 1 teaspoon out of 6 teaspoons

Total cost for the day: $4.12