Day 30: The penultimate day

Day 30: Saturday 2nd Feb

Saturday's menu:

Breakfast: Porridge, water and sugar.
Lunch: Cup a soup
Dinner: Rice and mixed vegetables.

Enjoying a sneaky cup a soup

The penultimate day. I'm counting down the the hours now. I have been in London the past few days and so have had to plan every meal and lug tupperwares of food around in my bag.  I this didn't find this as hard as I had done when staying at my friends the other week. I am not sure why that was, maybe I have just become more accustomed to this routine.

I spent the day with my friend exploring the capital and moving from coffee shop to coffee shop. I grabbed my usual free hot water in each one and once cheekily added a cup a soup sachet so I could eat lunch on the go. My friend and I had booked to go and see the Matilda musical. We arrived a bit early and so were exploring the local area when I spotted a 'Wholefoods' supermarket. I am an absolute sucker for places like that. Call me weird but I love looking at the different foods available and giving my self inspiration for recipes. I dragged Els into the shop and spent the best part of an hour with running around looking at all the delicious options they had on offer. I don't know why I do things like this to myself, I just wanted to buy the whole shop. They had the most delicious looking bakery section, and the both of us were particularly taken with the meringues the size of my head. Els bought one of these and I have to say it took all my self restraint not to sneak a little bit when she kindly offered me it later on that evening.  Trips to supermarkets remind me how lucky we are to have such variety and such affordable prices at out fingertips.

Tempting myself in 'Wholefoods'

I have to say the most difficult aspect of this challenge has definitely been socialising. I hadn't realised until now just how many social activities have food at the core of them. You rarely do something where buying or being offered food or drink isn't part of the activity. I have felt painfully awkward asking for free water in coffee shops and most of the baristas give me this 'she's cheap' look.  To be fair it is probably a bit cheeky going into a cafe and not actually buying anything, but I will repay the debts when I reinstate my coffee addiction on Monday.

Being so near to the end of the challenge people keep asking me what I am most looking forward to eating. I don't know if I have a particular meal or food but the following is the best answer I can give you... 1) Fresh fruit and vegetables, 2) Being able to eat socially again and 3) meat that isn't from a tin. I have gotten so used to this challenge I think I  am going to find it strange the first time going into a food store and buying what I like.  I can't wait to stop having to ration my food.

This month has taught me how ridiculously blessed we are in the UK to have the resources that we do. I hope that when this month is over I will not forget all that I have learnt and I will continue to be thankful for what I have and endeavour not to waste food.