Diary of the Ration Challenge: Day 7

The final day is OVER (well, not quite but I’ve eaten all my meals).

I made some boiled rice with cinnamon for breakfast, but after a couple of mouthfuls, I couldn’t stomach any more. Then while my family tucked into toasted teacakes and sandwiches on our trip to The Russell Cotes in Bournemouth, I had a couple of carrot sticks. When I got home, I had the last of my lentil soup, and chucked my leftover breakfast rice in. Tea was one of the plainest of the week - chicken and rice. So rice three times today…three times too many.

I have come out of the week with rice and oil left, but I had to work so hard to stretch all my other rations. It’s been one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever taken on, physically and mentally. I feel exhausted. When my brain is back up to speed, I plan to post a few thoughts, plus some pointers for anyone who is brave enough to take on the challenge next year.

From a selfish point of view, I can’t wait for the challenge to be over and to eat normally again tomorrow. I want to replenish my body and eat as much goodness as I can. I’ve already planned my breakfast - a big bowl of strawberries and yoghurt, then a slice of sourdough toast with butter and Marmite. (I’m dribbling as I type that)! But my first day of freedom will be tinged with real sadness and I’ll be thinking of all the refugees around the world who have no choice but to continue to survive on rations.

We are so lucky: To have food in plentiful supply. To be able to afford variety. To have convenience. To have the luxury of eating out or grabbing a coffee. To rarely know true hunger that keeps us awake at night.

I want to end by saying a massive, enormous, gigantic THANK YOU to everyone who sponsored me, sent me uplifting and encouraging messages and kept me strong. Most of all to Chris, for his unwavering moral support and practical help. He and the boys have had to put up with many a hangry outburst this week. I overheard my 2-year-old asking my 5-year-old this morning, “Is Mummy hangry, Archie?” I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I love you boys and I’m so grateful that you understood why it was so important for me to do this.

Over and out for now. x