The Rules

It's almost impossible to create a restrictive meal budget without setting up some rules. Scottie and I have talked and talked and talked some more about what can and can't be consumed and what should and shouldn't count. And Scott is actually more hardcore than I am, so when it seems like all he's getting to eat is bread and water, this was his idea too.

The Rules

• We have a $400 budget for the entire month (the month is defined as 28 days, but if we're not starving too much, we will extend it a full 31 days. ).
• We will keep track of 2 totals, the amount spent and the amount consumed. Not all items purchased during each shopping trip will be consumed immediately, or in their entirety.
• Any food that Scott and Kellie consume outside of the home will count in the food budget.
• All food in the Freeze household at the start of the experiment is considered "off limits" and will be labeled as such. (see exceptions).
• All food brought into the Freeze household during the period starting January 4 and ending either January 31 or February 3 must be paid for out of the $400 budget.
• Food that is purchased does not have to be consumed within the week, portions may be frozen or reserved for future use.
• All food will be labeled with the item's total cost and cost per serving (or cost per basic unit of measure, i.e. cost per tsp, TBSP, or cup).
• Connor is allowed to eat snack at preschool without penalty.
• Connor and Grant are allowed to eat snacks at play dates but we will bring a snack from our house as first choice.
• Kellie will host a book discussion on January 20 and must pay for the refreshments (including wine) out of the $400.
• Kellie and Scott will go out one night and must budget and save $30 for the event.
• Scott's place of employment provides beverages and snacks for its employees, but Scott is limited to water, tea, or black coffee.
• When Kellie attends board meetings or other social events, unless she has prepared and paid for the food, all food and beverages are off limits except for tap water.
• If Scott has to attend a lunch meeting, he must pack and bring his own meal, food may not be purchased for him.
• We can collect and use coupons.
• We can comparison shop.
• We will weigh ourselves and our children on January 4 and again on a weekly basis. Weight loss by either child means that they are not getting enough to eat and the experiment should be reconsidered.

Exceptions

• Pantry staple items that we already own (like salt and pepper, olive oil, and baking supplies) will be labeled with cost per basic unit of measure. Amounts used will be deducted from the $400 (i.e. we do not need to buy another box of salt to use 1 teaspoon from it. We can "buy" the needed amount from the box we already own.) Cost for the entire container will be gathered from local and online grocery stores.
• Vitamins, pain relievers, and cold medications do not come out of the $400.

Yes, I know that I sound like a robot, I just wanted to make sure I've covered anything.

Tomorrow's post, What We're Giving Up