herronjeremy's Journal, 07 Apr 19

I am not kidding when I say I did a literal year of rice and beans (dried, not even canned), BUT I actually was really healthy then. I'm there again, but it's different. I bought brown rice and beans in bulk (still around $9/20lbs) at Costco or Smart&Final type stores, and then added whatever veggies I had around and/I grew tomatoes then and it really wasn't that bad, most days it was delicious and all the people around me at work wanted my lunches, not theirs. you can do it, it can be healthy and you're not alone. we all make mistakes like that and you can dig your way back out. takes time and dedication, but it can be done. figure it this way, you're budgeting the finances and your calories at the same time. try and get the max bang for your buck and only buy groceries with cash for the pay period. that kept me from buying impulse stuff, too. plus, if you have spices and are creative, no meal ever tastes the same. eggs are super cheap in bulk, too. 

Thank you all for the wonderful advice. We did find a way to actually let me keep up the diet. Today was rough in the morning and I had to eat fast food (which I find disgusting) and it destroyed my calorie intake for the day since I had to eat while driving. But my protein is good and I’ve made peace with what had to be done. I can’t wait to get some more mushrooms into my body. Those have been the best side dishes to me. I can easily give up potatoes and bread with a good mushroom side. Mushroom, onion, garlic, tomato, and broccoli is an amazing combination. Especially with olive oil and butter.  

you may be able to get food stamps especially since you have a very small child. Don't give up still track your food it makes you mindful of what you are eating. hang in there this period in your life will make you stronger. Be strong and take care of yourself and your family.