Tips for surviving The Ration Challenge
This was the first year I’ve completed The Ration Challenge. That by no means makes me an expert, but I did learn a few things along the way that I thought might be helpful for others. So here goes…
Get yourself organised. Weigh your rations and make a meal plan for the week.
Kitchen supplies. You’ll need kitchen scales and/or a cup measure.
Start plain. Plan to have your plainest/lightest meals on Day 1, the theory being it can only get better from there.
Midweek treat. Some people save their rewards until the end of the week, but I benefitted more from a midweek boost.
Allow for cooking time. A lot of the recipes can’t be rustled up as quickly as your grumbling tummy would like, so allow time.
Test your recipes. If you’re not a cook or are making things that are new to you, test the trickier recipes before the challenge begins. You can’t afford to waste rations - not even a lentil!
Take it easy. From Day 4, I had zero energy to fuel my usual activity levels. Don’t take on the challenge during a busy/active week.
Prep your loved ones. If you’re doing the challenge alone, you’ll need plenty of moral support. Warn the people around you that you’ll probably be tired and grumpy, and explain why.
Grab the tissues. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be emotional. There will be tears, and plenty of them.
Eating disorder trigger. I wouldn’t recommend the challenge to anyone who has, or has had, issues with food and/or an eating disorder.
Remember why you’re doing it. It’s easy to get swept up in self-pity when you’re tired/hungry/emotional, so it’s good to remind yourself that you’re only doing it for a mere 7 days unlike the refugees that you’re helping.
Although it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done - physically and mentally - I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was humbling, and a great reminder of how lucky we are. Concern Worldwide were great at sending supportive messages and emails throughout the challenge, which really helped to spur me on.
As well as raising a lot of money for Concern Worldwide, it meant so much to raise awareness - and I had many lovely messages from friends, family and acquaintances saying I’d done just that. And although my little boys (2 and 5) had to put up with a grumpy mum for a week, it taught them invaluable lessons.
My only concern about taking part next year would be asking people for sponsorship again. But I won’t let that stop me. Perhaps I’ll just have to think of more creative fundraising campaigns!
