Day 22: Could smaller food budget= healthier eating?

Today we are just having leftovers so we are going to look at one the huge benefits that I found during this challenge. 

Since our budget challenge started I have lost 5 pounds! I attribute this weight loss completely to our change in eating. We have always eaten very balanced meals, however, we have had to cut down on the size of portions and eating out.

One of the BIGGEST areas to save money and calories is by cutting how much you eat out. Instead of going out with friends to eat, why not have a fun dinner party, pot luck, or progressive dinner? We did a progressive dinner in college and had so much fun! Each host house offers a different part of the meal and it makes for a VERY fun evening! For appetizers you go to one person's house and they offer little starters and finger foods. You begin your eating adventure by just sitting back and enjoying everyones company. Than everyone moves on to the next house where the main course is served! Again, food and fellowship! Than last to end your night, move to the next person's house and have desert! It's always fun to finish this part up with playing games. The progressive dinner obviously might not save you calories, but it can save you money and offers a really fun experience with friends!

FACT: Just because you are ordering a salad at a restaurant doesn't always mean you are ordering healthy... If you don't believe me, check out the nutrition information on your favorite one. Most of the time we eat the whole salad, however, the serving size might only be half the salad so you can potentially be ingesting over 1,000 calories!

Remedy this by making your own salad at home. You will be able to cut your calories, fat, and sodium way down. Plus, you will know exactly what is going into your salad. No more mystery or hidden ingredients you didn't know about. And again, save some money by doing this! The average restaurant salad costs around $10!

Now, onto portion size... Did you know your meat portions are only supposed to be about the size of the palm of your hand? How many of you like to eat an 8oz steak? You should really only be eating about half of that. Fill the rest of your plate up with steamed veggies, healthy whole grains, and fruits.

In America especially, we have this attitude and thought system that bigger is better... bigger budget, bigger food portions, bigger houses, bigger cars... Speaking of bigger houses, lets venture off for a second. My hubby and I live in a 1,000sq ft. condo. Sometimes it feels like the 4 of us are bursting this house at the seams. Lets take a look for a second at a few pictures my Mother-in-law took this past week in Nicaragua of a home they are helping to fix up.

Here is a picture of their house. As you can tell it's VERY small... More like a shack.

This is the inside of the house. As you can see, there is one large bed where the mother sleeps and the mesh hammock above is where her 2 young children sleep. 

Here is a side view and a good view of the walls that are partially plastic (That is one of the things they are fixing on the house). 

Now, after seeing that, how can I complain? See why this food journey started to begin with? This is what they eat on a good day when my in-law's ministry provides food at the feeding center. 

Here they are with bowls lined up waiting to eat. 

Food at the feeding center. It's full of healthy veggies. This is going to feed 125 children!

If you are interested in learning more about Haven of Rest Ministries and the amazing work they do, click here! Haven of Rest

Have a blessed day!