Jeremy, Day 6: The pizza worked

I used the recipe for pizza dough that was shared on my blog comments and it was pretty good. It was a little more dense than the pizza dough that I’m accustomed to making, but it was good. I would make it again because it was super quick, but I would stretch it out and make it a little thinner. It was also really sticky – Cohen thought it was fun to play with (with clean hands of course).

Rustic was the best way to explain the pizza. To make the sauce I used some of the canned tomato sauce, with a little bit of garlic that I sautéed quickly with some salt and pepper, just to jazz it up a bit. So it was a pretty simple cheese pizza that we had a salad with. I made the same salad dressing as I made a few days ago, but this time with the mixed greens I added in some of the arugula that we were given. When I put the pizza in front of Cohen he actually clapped and cheered; a better response than the tuna received. My Dad even had seconds of the pizza – he doesn’t like pizza. It was either sincere or just his way of showing enthusiasm for my effort – I think it was the former. I thought it was pretty darn good.

I think that we’re doing pretty well. I know that I would normally eat some more fruit, but we’re working away through the melon and trying to supplement with the veggies. Also, the novelty of the boxes of Oreos seems to have worn off on Cohen.

I had a good chat with my Mom this morning about the whole experience again. As you might remember I mentioned that when I was younger my parent’s used hampers (at least once by my recollection, but it could have been more). My Mom said that the hardest part of all of this has been the memories that this has brought back. Right when I walked in and started unloading the food they rushed back for her. She said that she still worries that they will need them again. As I said, this is giving me some insight into how they must have worried. It’s a great experience from that perspective alone.

As for Cohen, unfortunately he may have to cheat a bit today. He’s been a great sport about this, but he’s going to have a sleepover with his cousin’s. I can’t with good conscience make him go over there and not have some fun. As one of the bloggers commented, this isn’t meant to be a punishment for the kids. We’ve talked a lot about being thankful for what we have. In so far as a 6-year old can get it, he gets it.

We’ve learned a lot.

I’m starving

Not from food – I got plenty of food.  My will power is starving.  My desires are starving.  My cravings for the food I want is starving.  My SELF is starving.

My son took a deep breath after I offered him his morning Captain Crunch and said, “Mommy, I’m tired of all this sugar.  Can I PLEASE have my apple juice and fruit?”   He’s had enough.  What could I say to that?  I can’t say “no, you can’t have your healthy food” to a 4 year old.  So today, I allowed my son to be finished his hamper experience.   I found that interesting that he was pleading for healthy food.   We had a good debrief about how some kids don’t get the privilege (yes, he gets its a privilege now) of eating wholesome, fresh foods and have the choice of which ones!

Hubby came home after work completely done as well.  After a 3 day headache and racing heart, he told me he couldn’t do this anymore.  He looked tired and awful.  His energy was zapped and he looked depleted.  So I’m the only one left on the program in the family.

I’m even starting to notice my energy getting lower as each day passes.  I’m sleepy, lethargic and drained.  I’m reaching for energy in granola bars and crackers that leave me hungry and craving more simple carbohydrates.  I’m drinking more coffee to hopefully get me through the slump.   It feels a bit like a rut.

*as mentioned in a previous blog, this is not because the food bank doesn’t do its best to give good food, but because of the foods we are not used to eating such as a lot of breads, crackers, dairy, wheat, etc

But I will endure till the end of the week because I’ve again reminded myself why this is important:

• it’s not about ME
• I believe our spoiled North American culture may need a wake up call to the needs that are next door, not just over in other countries.
• I need to “get it”.  I need to understand why the food bank is crucial to people.
• I need to understand how blessed I am.  Instead of just being aware of my blessings, I need to use the resources I’ve been given to help those who don’t live in the same reality
• I need to FEEL what others feel.
• I really need to spend a “week in their kitchen” so I can carry that bit more of awareness in my life so I’m not so quick to judge or come to my own conclusions
• I need to remember every time I drop a healthy item in the food bank box at Superstore, that it matters and makes a difference.

It’s been worth the conversations and dialog created among my friends and those I connect with on social media.  So many comments have been made about how they feel they’ve learned from our journey!  That awareness makes it all worth it.

Hunger is an issue even in our rich nation and city.  Thanks to the food bank, no one goes hungry.  If they didn’t exist, what those in need would do?……

Brandy, Day 4

One of the coolest things about doing A Week In Their Kitchen are the conversations I’ve had with people about the Food Bank. Almost everyone I’ve spoken to has said the same thing after reading my posts – that next time they donate to the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank, they will think carefully about what they are actually donating. I know for myself, a lot of times it’s been whatever is in the cupboard that I don’t think we’d eat. But I think from now on, I’ll actually do monetary donations or make special purchases to donate. This week I know we would have loved to see more canned fruit and veggies (fresh too of course, lol), maybe some more kid-friendly school snacks and some wine. LOL. Ok, maybe I would have liked to see some wine but I get that’s not happening at the Food Bank.

I think my kids are starting to hope that we always live like this. Emma told me this morning she loved how nice I’ve been this week and how awesome it is to have so many home-cooked meals. Wow.
I made some scrambled eggs and peanut butter toast for breakfast this morning, and was shocked at how well that held me over until lunch. Yay protein!

Emma had a half day at school so this afternoon we went over to Cochrane to the Spray Lakes complex where they have some bounce houses set up on one of the hockey rinks. The girls had a great time bouncing around and I have to admit, I LOVED that they didn’t complain about only having water to drink. My kids are notorious water-avoiders, I think they will drink almost anything over water. We ate at home before we left, and ate again at home when we got back. It was a very different outing that we would usually have, because the complex has all sorts of vending machines that I know I would have succumbed to. It’s unfortunate to think how many families have to live this way, while mine takes casual spending of money on food so for granted.

Dave had a half day at work today so he graciously made dinner tonight. Cabbage and hash browns, grilled cheese and tomato soup. The girl who hated cabbage is now making it her goal to finish all the cabbage we received by the end of the week.
Only one head left!

The girls and I are having a girl’s night tonight while Dave is out at his monthly poker game. Normally we would have popcorn and candy while we watched our movie – but tonight we’re making smoothies with yogurt, milk and ice!
Dave was a bit subdued when he left for his game. Usually it’s beer, pizza and various boy-friendly snacks, but all he took with him was a water bottle. He’s an awesome guy for taking this so seriously.

I think everyone is getting a little tired of me taking photos of them eating, but I keep telling them that it’s compelling journalism. 😉

Save The Spaghettios!

I know I agreed to stick to the rules and in the spirit of being honest about this project I want to be honest about where we have succeeded and where I have failed. Today I failed.

It has been almost four days since my kids had any fruit. I no longer could ask them to continue with that. I gave in and allowed them to eat a small clamshell of raspberries. What it drove home to me yet again, is the fact that there are so many moms out there not able to afford fresh fruit and vegetables for their kids.

The next time you donate to The Food Bank, please try to include canned or jarred fruit into that donation, save the Spaghettios for someone else.

 

Jeremy, Day 5: Breakfast for dinner, anyone?

As I knew would happen, the creative juices stopped flowing a little bit with last night’s dinner. So when all else fails, make breakfast for dinner. One of my favorite things to eat.

I took a picture of it, but it didn’t really seem worthy of posting (plus I seem to be having a bit of technical glitch at my end). So we ended up having scrambled eggs, toast made from the sourdough rye bread, pork and beans, and pan fries. It was one of those nights and it kind of hit the spot.

I have to admit today has been one of the days that has been a challenge only eating from the hamper. I took the day off today to get stuff done around the house and for Cohen and I to go to the dentist. By the end of our appointments I was ready to eat, really ready to eat. Normally I would have taken us to Subway as a treat, but not today. I also very much enjoy going for coffee, that would have been on the agenda today. In fact, Cohen’s mom (who wasn’t going to get the chance to see him today) asked if we wanted to meet her for a coffee. So we skipped the coffee and met her so she could give him a hug. The lack of coffee certainly didn’t kill me – in fact the dentist would have been happy. I suspect the weekend will have more challenges.

We just had some KD (thank goodness for a meal that only takes 8 minutes to make) and some of the melon. As for tonight, I’m going to make home-made pizza, salad, and maybe cut some of the broccoli.

We’ll let you know how it goes.

Caitlin, Day 5: I cheated. Will you take me back?

Well, I made it more than half-way through this challenge following the rules, but I’ve fallen off the wagon. It started last night, after finishing my rather unsatisfying repeat dinner of diced potatoes with canned tomatoes, mushrooms and melted cheese on top. I only say “unsatisfying” because what I really wanted was sushi. Specifically, tuna sashimi. I used to think that I was a carb-happy person, but I’m finding that I am missing my protein this week.

So there I was, watching So You Think You Can Dance, tummy grumbling (I have an unhealthy association between prime-time TV and snacking)…and I caved. And the sad part is, I didn’t even cheat by eating food! I had had a long and difficult day, and nothing seemed to be more enticing than a bottle of the Lemon Sanguinelli Bassano Hard Soda (which, on a foodie level, I totally recommend). The ironic part is, I probably drink alcohol twice a month. Why it seemed worth breaking “A Week In Their Kitchen” to have an adult beverage last night, I don’t know.

I woke up this morning, guilty and remorseful. Back on track, I had a bagel for breakfast – from the hamper. I was sure I would get back on track for these last few days of the challenge. But then…it happened again. After 45 minutes of cardio followed by an hour of weightlifting at the gym, my legs were wobbly and I was getting dizzy as I headed for the change room. Desperate, I grabbed the first edible thing I got my hands on – half a protein bar. It was not from my hamper.

Judge me all you want – I deserve it! I signed up for this challenge ages ago, and especially considering how important I deem the work of the Calgary Food Bank, I figured the least I could do would be to walk a week in the shoes of a Food Bank client. But I didn’t make it. I totally understand the difficulties of Connie (one of the bloggers on this project), who is a personal trainer and also teaches dance/fitness classes – it’s tough to be involved in the health and fitness world and live off a low-fibre, highly processed and often high-sugar diet.

But here’s the kicker. If I were actually a Calgary Food Bank client, my indulgences would not have been possible. An alcoholic beverage costs the same amount of money – often, even more – than a full meal. And that shaky, dizzy feeling after my exercise? Well, first of all, I probably wouldn’t have had a gym membership if I were a client. Juggling work and family life might not even make regular exercise possible. And if I did manage to squeeze in a workout and found myself exhausted – well, it would be back to the hamper, trying to scrounge up whatever was quick and easy to re-fuel my body.

So, it’s back to the hamper for me. I’m going to try to stick to the hamper for the remainder of this challenge. When I read about how the other bloggers are faring, especially those with children, I think that I don’t have it so bad. At least I don’t have to contend with conflicted, questioning youngsters or preparing meals for others. There’s two more days to go…wish me (and all of us) luck! I think we’ll need it, especially over the weekend!

– Caitlin.

Jody, Day 4: Mixed Reactions

First, I have to agree with the other bloggers – this project has made me feel so very grateful for everything that we have. Luke and I have to much, so many wonderful things in our lives that we enjoy food, but it is not something we stress about. This project has reminded me about the other areas of life as well – how lucky we are to be able to feed ourselves, to have our home, a new car in good working order, and the ability to be social with our friends.

More specifically, speaking now of food, as Luke and I are both somewhat fussy eaters (he’s not a big fan of a lot of things, and as I am a vegetarian that forces some restrictions on our diet) this project has created some mixed reactions. Going into it, we thought it would be harder on me than it would be on Luke – we weren’t sure what there was going to be for me to eat – would the canned soups all be made with a chicken stock? Or contain meat? What about protein?

Although this week has not been easy, I do think I’ve had an easier time than Luke has had. Specially he is craving meat. Not protein, but a full on piece of beef or chicken. Yes, there are other proteins in the hamper, and I do think we are eating as balanced a diet as we can, but we are both missing something we would typically use for protein. Peanut Butter is a great source of protein – I’m all over that, and I’m used to it. Luke, on the other hand, is not. He is very much used to fresh cuts of beef, ground turkey, and luncheon meat. Most of the proteins in the hamper are somewhat vegetarian – I eat egg whites, drink milk, and don’t have any issues with cheese. Again, for me, this is great. I feel like I am reiterating myself a lot here, but Luke really misses full on meat.

I do love the variety of foods that were offered as a part of the hamper, but again, certain things are hard. We got those 2 big containers of mixed greens – but no salad dressing. So in accordance with the rules of this project, we have had to find other ways to use it, especially as we don’t want it to go bad. For Luke, this is no big deal – he doesn’t use salad dressing anyways. For me – I am not eating salad this week as I cannot eat plain greens.

I’ve noticed that the hamper is great for snack foods – yogurt, granola bars, cookies, crackers etc, but making full meals is a bit more of a challenge. Honestly, at this point I’m regretting not taking that second bag of potatoes, as they seem to be the base for whatever meal we have. If Luke is making breakfast potatoes, or if we have roasted potatoes with dinner – they are in at least one meal a day, and they are going fast. We are starting to ration them as we would like them to be a part of the meal we will serve my mother on the weekend. The challenge here, outside of eating within the confines of the hamper, is not having the ability for top-ups, or ‘craving-inspired’ quick stops at the grocery store. We have to eat what we have, and that is that.

I can really see how this would be a challenge for that that need to use the hampers, and to all of them – my heart goes out to you. I know this cannot be easy for you.

This experience has made a big impact already – it’s been a real eye opener for what many people go through and has put a spotlight on how truly lucky we are.

Jody, Day 3: Tasty Thus Far

Breakfast this morning was homemade hash browns, some mozzarella cheese, with fresh sauteed mushrooms. Luke had the same but with poached eggs instead of mushrooms. We both enjoyed a glass of mango guava juice to finish things off.

Having a lot of walking to do for another event, the hamper has been amazing with things like Nature’s Valley granola bars which are great for a boost during a long walk, and the yogurt is one of my favorite things to have when I get home. I am really loving the options they gave us and haven’t felt restricted or deprived at all.

Thus far, we haven’t noticed any limitations from the hamper as it is very well put together – but we do forsee things getting a bit tricky when our 1 2L container of milk is gone and we still have 3.5bags of cereal left, or other things like that.

It is a real shift for us to use what we have instead of always buying what we feel like eating that specific day, but I do think this is the healthier (and more economical) way to go.

Lunch today will be soup, salad, and yogurt. Dinner… well – even though we are trying to eat what we have, it doesn’t mean that we are any better at planning meals ahead.

Sugar High Son

I didn’t really know what to expect going into “A Week In Their Kitchen”.  I’m about to share with you my greatest challenge and struggle on the program.  Please don’t take any of this as me complaining, as this has been an amazing experience!

I’m a personal trainer, dancer and health advocate.   Even though I don’t have the funds to shop solely organic or at trendy places such as Community Natural Foods, I do take time and care to buy my family as close to raw, natural foods as possible, and buy very few processed items found in the centre of the grocery store.  I now see what a privilege that choice really is.

I can tell the food bank tries hard to feed its clients well by making sure they are receiving the standards put forward by the Canada food guide.  Kudos to the food bank for their efforts to give the best food possible!  But as you know, it’s become extremely expensive for families to eat healthy.

I see firsthand the effects of the amount of processed, sugary, sodium-filled foods consumed by families and kids.  I teach hip hop in the school system and I am amazed at 1) their lack of energy  2) the sugary snacks I see in their lunch bags.

So here I am feeding my own child many things I stand against.   I’m constantly warring with the inner voice saying, “How can you do this to your son?”

Statements like this coming from him don’t help:

“I don’t know what to eat?!”

“I want an oreo!  Can I have an oreo!  Please just 1 more oreo!!”

“I’ll just have crackers…. again”

I see his energy levels hit the ceiling then come crashing down after his cereal and Sunny D.  Our routine walks to the dog park have him begging to go in the stroller half way through our walk.  He usually runs the whole way.

I have noticed for myself more headaches and lack of energy.  This week I have continued teaching my dance and cardio classes as normal.  It has been a struggle to get through them.

It’s in moments like that, I have to remind myself; “Its only for one week”.   It’s when the test stands to confront me about how serious I am about caring what others go through.

This experience is showing me the full effects of what a family may go through with their children.  People just like me; wanting to eat as healthy as possible, can easily find themselves in crisis only to find themselves doing the best they can to feed their children what they need off donations.

Again, I feel the need to remind you I’m not complaining or saying the food bank isn’t doing a good job giving good food.  Please don’t misunderstand.  The reality of what they can give is limited to what is donated.  If our small family of 4 have a hard time affording healthy eating, how much more a place that provides food for many families!

41% of those who use the food bank are children.  They need our best.  They deserve our best.

Before I think of tossing my can filled with sodium or another box of sugary cereal into the donation box, I’ll be rethinking, and offer the health I would want for my son.

Brandy, Day 3

Today has been the toughest day so far. The novelty of what we’re doing has worn off for most of the family. While they are resolved to do this, even the girls, I can tell that they are starting to miss their creature comforts.

Charlotte wanted McDonald’s after gymnastics. I told her we would have sandwiches at home. The buns we got have gotten hard and stale tasting. I really, really miss my Coke Zero. Emma wanted to swap food with her friends today and couldn’t.

When I agreed to this project the one thing I was worried about the most was being sensitive to the users of the Food Bank. I didn’t want to appear to be taking this lightly, or say something that proved that I just wasn’t getting the spirit of doing this. I was thinking of all of this today and how I was missing something as trivial as Coke. But if our family really did have an emergency that caused us to use the Food Bank, even though we would be grateful for the help it provided our family – it would still be a shock to the system to have to rely so heavily on foods chosen for us. I’ve been an adult for quite some time now, used to making my own decisions. And if I used the Food Bank, I would feel the same way. I would wish to make my own choices. So the best we can do this week is stick with it and try to make the choices within the confines of the hamper. I’ve been giving the girls a choice of two things for each meal so they feel like they are making the decision. Dave and I are talking together about dinners. Little things to make us feel like people in control of their own lives.

Not many photos today, we ate many of the same things as the other days. I discovered I love Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Emma had oatmeal for breakfast. They had cinnamon buns for a snack after school. I had craisins for a snack and we had blueberry pastries for dessert.

Our biggest success was dinner. Once again, I managed to make a meal that everyone liked. Emma said and I quote:

“You should make this on a Friday night so we can stay up late and eat it all night long!”

I found a recipe on the internet and modified it a bit. It turned out really good and the kids loved it.

Tuna Casserole

Ingredients
2 cans of tuna
3/4 cup milk
1 can cream of celery soup
3 cups of macaroni
1 whole cabbage
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 350F

I diced the cabbage and fried it with some butter, then set it aside.
I cooked the macaroni noodles in boiling water, about 8 minutes, then set aside.
In a bowl I combined the tuna, milk and soup. I added some salt and pepper.
I put the noodles, cabbage and tuna mixture in a greased casserole dish and topped with the shredded cheese.
Baked in the oven for 40 minutes.

YUM!