30-Day SNAP Challenge: Mind over matter

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By Valencia Wicker
vwicker@abcnews4.com

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) -- Last week, I was a little bummed. I was tired and quite honestly, burned out. But, after a good weekend workout my energy has been rekindled.

I have made my second and last grocery store trip for the 30-day challenge.

At the beginning of the challenge, I chose to split my $131.38 SNAP budget in half and I'm so glad I did. This go around I have a lot more left over food to couple with new items. For instance, I still have a ton of eggs and fish, as well as a few snacks and breakfast items, including nuts, oatmeal, and sliced turkey.

So, here's what I bought:

Boneless chicken thighs
Broccoli
Carrots (1 bag)
Canned tomatoes (2)
Canned beans (2)
Whole wheat, flax and oat bran pita bread
Mini sweet peppers
Ground turkey (1Lb)
Special K cereal (Large box)
Soy Milk
Special K protein shakes (8 ct)
Chicken broth
Honey
Total for this trip: $50.25

Total for the month = $113.59. That's about $17 under budget!

I've already made a chicken and rice casserole to last me a couple days. I made it with brown rice, peppers, broccoli and carrots. And I plan to re-make turkey chili since it came out so well. And, try stuffed chicken or turkey pita sandwiches for lunch.

The other days I'll plan as I go along. Dinner options will probably include: