A Government nutritionist I spoke to about my diet said it was unbalanced and didn't meet basic nutritional needs.

This came after a 2007 Government study, called the Low Income Threshold, calculated that most single adults, operating on a 2,200 calorie a day diet, need $8.19 worth of food a day in order to maintain a healthy diet.

The Royal Gazette asked me to experiment with the LIT for two weeks, however I was unsuccessful in providing my body with healthy meals each day.

According to Government Nutritionist Cymone A. Hollis, who contributed to the LIT study, my meals were not balanced because they did not include at least four to five of the food groups with each meal. Ms Hollis took the time to briefly look over my diet and said that "Adequate portions were not provided per meal".

In addition, "Carbohydrate requirements appeared restricted -these are necessary for energy, a minimum of six portions per day."

She also believes that vegetable and fruit portions were largely neglected, and said: "Nutrient dense vegetables are an important source of vitamins, minerals and nutrients — five portions are required per day." Calcium and protein also seemed limited.

"Overall, your diet appears inadequate to meet required nutritional needs," said Ms Hollis.

Though the LIT reported in detail about serving sizes, recommended caloric intake and weighted daily price for food items, it also stated that "no single method of measuring can convey the difficulties that are experienced by families in need".

During my experiment I found out that some of the most expensive items at the grocers were fruits and vegetables.

Each week I bought a bag of twelve, small apples for $5.99, a loaf of bread between $4.39 and $5.99, and the cheapest poultry or beef I could find.

I ate iceberg lettuce leaves and cucumbers, despite the bland taste, simply because I couldn't afford a variety of salad toppings on the budget. I also took advantage of the discount shopping day at MarketPlace.

Ms Hollis admits the LIT may tempt people to stray away from the five food groups more often, however, it also has many benefits, including possibly keeping weight under control.

She also says the LIT "decreases food budget due to limiting portions", "keeps people focused on purchasing foods according to nutritional needs" and is a "good grocery shopping guide".

According to Ms Hollis, a recommended diet would include a cup of oatmeal and powdered milk and water for breakfast; two pieces of whole-wheat bread, two tablespoons of peanut butter, a banana, low-fat yogurt and ½ cup of raw vegetables for lunch; and three ounces of chicken, a cup of rice, half a cup of carrots and broccoli and chocolate milk for dinner.

Government Nutritionists who contributed to the 2007 study on the Low Income Threshold (LIT), calculated it was possible to survive on $8.19 a day.

By May 2008, they estimated that food costs have increased by six percent, up to approximately $8.69 per day. This information has not been formally released yet.

For those using the Lower Income Threshold for a longer period of time it is recommended they adequately plan out each meal and check the store for special offers. In addition, it is useful to buy foods in bulk and take advantage of any discount shopping days on the Island.

The Arnold's chain of grocers (except Arnold's Discount, formerly known as PJ's) offers a discount of 15 percent every first Tuesday of the month.

The Supermart Ltd. on Front Street, in Hamilton, offers a 5% discount on Wednesdays for customers using cash and cheque payments.

MarketPlace stores offer a five percent discount on Wednesday for cash, cheque and Market Place charge account holders — in addition they offer the Shoprite discount brand in stores year-round.

White's and Sons, which includes Hayward's Supermarket and Deli in Warwick and Southside Supermarket in St. George's, offers a Wednesday discount of five percent with cash payments. They also offer a Tuesday discount of 10 percent for senior citizens on all household products.

In addition, White's also has a discount brand known as White Rose and a dollar store at their Southside branch, where everything, including eight rolls of toilet paper, pet and baby supplies, toiletries and groceries costs $1.99.

Missing the luxuries

Thursday, August 14

Breakfast

Cereal, milk, handful of blueberries

Lunch

Peanut-butter and jelly sandwich, small apple

Dinner

Half an avocado, three pieces of bacon, cucumber and lettuce salad, small apple

Prepared all three meals first thing in the morning, and didn't realise how time-consuming the process would be. The bacon for the salad was dry and burnt, but I sprinkled it on top of the salad anyway, determined not to waste a thing. I leave my house in Somerset at 8.35 a.m. and arrive ten minutes late for work.

On my ride into Hamilton some of the milk packed in a Thermos spilt, I used what little I had left for the cereal.

Around 6.31 p.m. I feel unsatisfied, the final meal, a salad didn't stand well at the end of the day and was rather soggy and unenjoyable.

Friday, August 15

Breakfast

Cereal, milk

Lunch

Nothing

Dinner

Peanut butter and jelly sandwich

Got up a little bit earlier to prepare my meals but then I forgot my sandwich and apples on the counter. At work around 3.26 p.m. I have a headache and feel drained. I didn't eat anything until I got home that evening around 6 p.m.

Saturday, August 16

Breakfast

Cereal, milk and small apple

Lunch

Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, handful of blueberries, two small apples

Dinner

Popcorn

Had to take lunch with me to town, rather than pick up a meal on the go. The rest of my family went to Pickled Onion while I opted to have a glass of tap water. I was miserable and disagreeable for the entire duration of lunch.

Sunday, August 17

Breakfast

Cereal, milk, rest of blueberries

Lunch

Two apples with peanut butter

Dinner

Large bowl of spaghetti and four large meatballs

I feel like my body is getting used to eating less or not eating as regularly as before. More than anything I miss the luxuries I had with eating- the convenience of being able to eat what I wanted when I wanted.

Monday, August 18

Breakfast

Cereal, milk

Snack, two small apples

Lunch

Salad (lettuce, cucumber)

Dinner

Spaghetti and four, large meatballs

Cheat: cupcakes

I made cupcakes for a co-worker's sabbatical and had to give them a taste test.

Tuesday, August 19

Same as before, minus the cup cakes.

The spaghetti I made over the weekend was my saving grace, it fed me for three days and was very filling. I do miss having my favourite foods and struggle to eat for survival instead of enjoyment. Most of my groceries have run out-cereal, milk, blueberries, pasta, ground beef, pasta sauce and cucumbers- and I have to get more creative with my meals for the next day.

Wednesday, August 20

Breakfast

Half a peanut butter and bacon sandwich, small apple

Lunch

Other half of sandwich, small apple, plain lettuce leaves

Dinner

Chicken thighs, broccoli, pumpkin

They say never go grocery shopping when you are hungry, but I try and stick to my shopping list. There is still some food left over from the week before, including broccoli, chicken thighs, pumpkin, two bags of popcorn, rice, peanut butter and jam.