Saturday 26 April 2014

Live Below the Line - Interview with the Hullian

I estimate that about 90% of recent communication with the Hullian has revolved around the comparative price of frozen veg, the merits of curry sauce vs cheese sauce and meal planning. As this is his first time living below the line, I thought I'd ask him a few questions to find out why he took on the challenge, and what he's least looking forward to...

Why did you decide to sign up for the Live Below the Line challenge?

Since you told me about LBTL a while ago, it has stuck in my mind ever since. I'm lucky enough not to think about my food budget very often. I eat a lot and I eat healthily so I've always accepted my food bills and never given it much more thought. However, I'm very aware of social deprivation, food poverty and growing obesity trends locally. These concerns are dwarfed when you stop to think about poverty, inequality and food on a global scale so LBTL stuck in my mind as I think it's a really good way to get people to engaged in these conversations. 

What are you most worried about?
I guess my biggest fear is going hungry and then having to read your blogs about your great meals . I do lots of sports/exercise so I’m used to eating lots. I’ll be rationing my portions next week which scares me. I also worry that I will drop/break/waste some ingredients which could be disastrous.

How have you found shopping for LBTL?
Shopping has been really fun. I’ve spent a couple of days thinking about foods. Then I spent a morning comparing shops and prices. I live within walking distance of the University so I seem to have lots of low cost shops near me which meant I was able to shop around for the best prices.

What was your best buy?
My best buy may turn out to be fake sausage mixture (30p) and eggs (10 for £1 – unfortunately they are not the most ethical of eggs). The Sausage mixture uses Soya Protein and claims to make 8 sausages so I’m looking forward to Toad in the Hole on Thursday. Also, eggs means that I can have Pancakes for pudding every night :o)

What item of food / drink will you miss most?

I have no fresh fruit or veg. I also have no fish and no meat which will be really tough. I think the biggest absence - one which I overlooked when I agreed to this - will be my morning coffee. Not sure how I’m going to replace this. I don’t think foraged nettle/elderflower tea will have the same kick.

What will keep you going through the tough week ahead?

I’m saving my Toad in the Hole for Thursday to get me through the first few days. This will be a real treat as I rarely have a good, homemade Yorkshire Pud. I think a big breakfast with coffee will be on the cards Saturday.

Don't forget you can support us both through this challenge by donating on our Live Below the Line webpage!

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