'Living Below the Line' - What I learnt

Hello!

So it has been 2 days since I finished the living below the line challenge. I am now thoroughly enjoying all of the food that I have. However, there are some things that I learnt from doing this that I wanted to share.

First of all, if I was to do it again, I would definitely buy some different vegetables. Having the same meal 5 days in a row got pretty boring. Nevertheless, I did also learn that buying food that amounts to £5 is very difficult, so I guess choice just isn't really an option. However, even though I did get hungry, I surprised myself with being able to live off the limited amount of food, I even tried to experiment with them. I tried to make egg fried rice and it failed miserably and everything stuck to the pan, but that is not the point.

Being on a gap year and still living with my parents means I haven't really had to always make my own food, and it turned out in the end to be quite enjoyable. Although because I live with my parents they just happened to make two of my favourite meals, as I was sticking to my rice and onions it was very hard not to eat their leftovers.

Another thing I discovered was when I was offered food or drink at work or other people's houses, I didn't know whether I was allowed to take up the offer. In the end I usually did because it was free, and tea is just a lot better than water, especially when the weather is cold.

Lastly, I realised that even though I struggled with my 5 days living off of £5, this is the reality for many people in poverty, and they also have to buy clothes and other essentials with a very small amount of money. At the end of the day I am very privileged to be able to eat without having to think of the cost, and for that I am thankful.

That's all for today, don't forget you can give to the amazing charity tearfund, who help those in poverty, through my justgiving page; https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Eviessouthafricafundraising

Bye!

'Living Below the Line' - Cravings

Hello!

So it's day 2 of living below the line, and food was definitely on the mind. I got pretty hungry before lunch at around 12 and all I could think about as I was out shopping was what I was having for lunch, how I was going to make it etc. I also made cupcakes for a cake sale, and it was so difficult not to eat one. I just want some sweetness and carbs.

My dad then proceeded to torture me by having pizza for dinner, which is one of my favourites, and leaving chips on the side that I wasn't allowed to eat. It's very strange having food separate from my parent's, and already my dad has mistaken my eggs for theirs, so used one of mine. Those eggs are precious and few! (It got replaced)

Anyway I think that is about all for today. I fear I'm going to get bored of the same meals over and over, but I guess that is the reality of this challenge. Be sure to sponsor me here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Eviessouthafricafundraising

Living Below The Line

Hello,

So I am on day 1 of 'Living Below the Line'. This is when you have £5 to spend on money for 5 days. I am raising money for the charity, tearfund, who help many people in poverty. These people who live below the poverty line, have about £1 a day. So I am experiencing a tiny amount of what they have to face every day.

I went shopping for the food yesterday, it was pretty difficult to say the least. I had a rough idea of the food that I wanted, but it was just so hard to stick to the bare minimum and stay below £5. However, the food is now bought and so this is what I am living off. It came to £4.70, so I'm giving the 30p to my parents so I can use a bit of milk, oil, salt etc.

This challenge has also made me realise how long it takes to prepare food. For example, I usually have cereal - straight from the packet into the bowl, but today was porridge which isn't quite so straightforward. For lunch I had an egg sandwich (I got the protein!) but totally forgot about having to boil the egg. It's simple things, but nevertheless, things I don't really consider on a normal day.

Finally, and quite the amusing part, I had rice, a fifth of a tin of tomatoes (all I could afford), onion, carrots (that I also snacked on) and pepper.

My little challenge has only just begun but I'm quite excited to see how the next 4 days go. I shall keep you all posted.

Don't forget to sponsor me here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Eviessouthafricafundraising

Thanks. Bye!