30 Days for 30 Dollars Manifesto

Beginning on the first day of the coming year, I will attempt to eat for 30 days for only 30 dollars. I would like to do it for two reasons:

1. Personal Finance: I spend a lot of money on food. I calculate that more than 25% of my gross income is spent on groceries, dining out, lattes, and cocktails! I consider myself a "foodie," and I admit to proudly consuming whatever I want. On a typical work-day, I dine out for every meal. I like huevos rancheros from a little place on the highway ($15). Then I stop for a quad-shot mocha ($5). Lunch is usually Mexican, Chinese or Thai ($10-$20). Dinner is often gemelli from my favorite Italian place or vegetarian rolls from the sushi place up the street ($25-$40). If I go to the bar with friends, I spend another $20-25. So a "normal" day can cost me over $100! I recognize that this is ridiculous, and I'm willing to change. I derive enjoyment out of food, but I know I could get a better return-on-investment elsewhere. I want to spend less money on food. With the current state of the economy and the possibility of a real depression on the horizon, a lesson in frugal living might be more useful than any of us want to admit.
   
2. Personal Challenge: I just want to see if I can do it. I know it can be done*, and I really want to see how it feels to intentionally limit myself on something as primitively important as food.
   

I will abide by three rules throughout the program:

1. Spend $1.00/day on Food: This rule seems simple enough, but it needs some clarification. $1.50 on Monday then $0.50 on Tuesday will not count. Since I am only intentionally impoverished, I will have the twin luxuries of buying in bulk and storing food. For this reason, I will be tracking the cost of food as it is consumed -- not as it is purchased. Free, found, gifted or stolen food must all be assigned a value toward the daily dollar. No shortcuts. If Rule #1 is broken, I start the 30 days all over again.
   
2. Eat a Healthy Diet: The definition of a healthy diet is relative. For the purposes of this challenge, a healthy diet is one whose calories are derived from 60% carbohydrate, 20% protein, and 20% fat. It should be vegetarian (vegan, if possible) with high fiber. It should include little or no sodium, refined sugar, cholesterol, saturated fat, alcohol, or caffeine. It should be high in vitamins and minerals.
   
3. Record Relevant Data: Every day, I will post my menu with nutritional and cost information. I will also post my exercise program, since calorie-expenditure affects ideal calorie consumption. I will also catalog how I am feeling or any other pertinent info. At the end of 30 consecutive days, I will get a physical examination and blood work to determine whether this diet is sustainable and healthy.
   

*This challenge is based upon other similar projects like The One Dollar Diet and 30 Days on 30 Dollars.