Well I’ve just put in our first Ocado order for our new diet and I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed and anxious. Now when I say diet I don’t mean this is a temporary thing to lose weight, no, this is a proper lifestyle, eating habits change, and I think enormity of this is what’s scaring me the most, this is such a massive change to something I do far too many times a day.
Recently Simon (my husband) found out he’s allergic to most preservatives and caffeine, the specialist even thought that after 3 months without any of these that his Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and other issues may go away as she believes they’re most likely caused by his allergies. How amazing is that?!?
However this now means no more quick and easy meals, snacks, processed foods or takeout…..eek!
I have to admit I’m not the best cook, I find it all a little too much as I’ve no idea what goes with what and how to cook things. Si is my chef and when he cooks he’s awesome at putting random things together that taste yummy. I’m hoping he’ll be a good support with this change and dramatic increase in my cooking from scratch. He got me Deliciously Ella’s latest cookbook for my birthday recently and I’m so glad, it’s the most inspiring and reassuring cookbook I’ve ever read. The book has lots of useful words from Ella on how to make the change and how she dealt with it, the recipes are pretty simple and she reuses the same ingredients throughout the book, so you’re not left with random things in your cupboard which are only used in one meal.
I decided to write this blog post and to keep a blogging diary of our progress and how we’re managing through the change. In the end I hope to be a much happier, healthier and more confident cook. Currently I’m sat here writing this post enjoying my last massive bag of Maltesers, god I’m going to miss these….. I’ve tried to ensure I’ve got enough things from Ella’s recipes to keep my sweet tooth in check, as I think this is where I’m going to struggle most. It helps that she has some lovely looking cakes, brownies and energy balls, just reading her book and blog makes me hungry!
If you’re interested you can pick up Deliciously Ella’s books from most shops, you can also download her app from your app store and her blog is here.
Claire Newbold 