Gladys Sellew’s 15-cents-a-day diet
Back in the 1930s, sociologist Gladys Sellew decided to find out if it was possible to survive spending only 15 cents a day on food. I think, in today's money, that would be about $3/day.
She used herself as a test subject and, five years later, reported that not only was it possible, but she actually only spent an average of 13 cents a day on food.
She said she was going to remain on her frugal diet for the rest of her life.
The headline below claimed that she gained weight on her diet, but in the picture above it sure doesn't look like she had any extra weight on her.
A typical day's meal plan:
By way of comparison, here's a more recent version of an experiment in frugality: "Spending $5 a day on food. Is it possible?"
She used herself as a test subject and, five years later, reported that not only was it possible, but she actually only spent an average of 13 cents a day on food.
She said she was going to remain on her frugal diet for the rest of her life.
Austin American Statesman - June 3, 1942
The headline below claimed that she gained weight on her diet, but in the picture above it sure doesn't look like she had any extra weight on her.
Hartford Courant - Feb 24, 1941
A typical day's meal plan:
Austin American Statesman - June 3, 1942
By way of comparison, here's a more recent version of an experiment in frugality: "Spending $5 a day on food. Is it possible?"
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Category: Food | 1940s | Dieting and Weight Loss