Isn't this the classic first world problem? I stopped reading at only spending on food and bills b/c I see no challenge since that is how millions live for decades, not a mere half a year.
I guess going vegan and/or gluten-free isn't cool anymore. Now you need a different reason to tell everyone you're better than them in some way that only matters to you.
I went from "this person wants to share what they learned" to "this person is using gimmicks to get my attention". Kind of like how people will want to talk about being vegan or gluten-free but I quickly realize they don't know what amino acids or Celiac disease are.
So, literally "cynicism" as in "distrusting or disparaging the motives of others". If the article lead with something like "how it feels to go 6 months without spending money on entertainment" I wouldn't doubt her motives.