How changing participants’ diets has changed their lives
From connecting to others, eating healthier, saving money, boosting confidence and feeling happier, all these students have benefited hugely and changed their lives for the better.
Breaking Old Habits: Ali’s Journey from Ready Meals to Homemade Masterpieces
A li joined the course because he was struggling with motivation to eat healthy and had fallen into a routine of relying on takeaways and ready-made meals. He was stuck in some bad habits and didn’t know where to start when it came to cooking healthier meals from scratch. Ali wanted to make a change, but he needed the support and guidance to break those habits and find a simpler, more enjoyable way to cook for himself.
“I joined this course because I was struggling with motivation to eat healthy. I had gotten into some pretty bad habits—mostly relying on takeaways and ready-made food—and I didn’t know where to start to make a change. I wanted to get out of those habits, but I didn’t know how. When I heard about the course, I thought, ‘Why not give it a try?’ I was set in my ways, but the kind words and encouragement from my mentor really made me want to stick with it. She believed in me, and that support kept me going. Since starting the course, I’ve made some huge changes—I’ve filled my cupboard with spices, tins of tomatoes, and chickpeas, and even bought a garlic press! I now find cooking fun and rewarding, and I actually prefer the meals I cook for myself over takeaway. Who knew I’d say that?”
Building Connections and Confidence: How Chantelle Rediscovered the Joy of Cooking with Her Family
“The WhatsApp group made this course so much more engaging for me. The active participation from others made me feel connected, and it was a lovely surprise to discover that I had already met one of the participants at the food pantry. Now, we’re planning to meet up socially after Easter, and even better, we’ve included the third participant! My favourite dish was the pilaf—my whole family loved it, even my 2-year-old. I now know how to cook a batch and freeze it, which gives me homemade convenience meals. Although I never had many takeaways due to cost, this course has introduced me to simple, delicious meal ideas. I also tried chickpeas for the first time and loved them! One of my biggest achievements was learning how to cook rice properly. I feel more confident in the kitchen, and I’m excited to keep cooking!”
“I enrolled on the course to try new cooking skills, and I’ve come away with so much more than I expected. I’m already encouraging my friend to join to help change her habits—especially since she relies a lot on ready meals.”
From Learning to Cooking with Confidence: John’s Culinary Transformation”
J ohn, a newly single dad, found out about the course through the food pantry. He joined to learn basic cooking skills after relying on takeaways. With his daughter’s health in mind, he wanted to cook healthier meals. The course boosted his confidence and helped him bond with his mum and daughter while learning new cooking techniques.
“This course has been an eye-opener. I never thought I could cook meals I actually enjoy, let alone ones that are healthy for my daughter and me. The step-by-step instructions and videos made it so easy to follow, and I’ve learned a lot about timing, patience, and how to really enhance the flavours in my cooking. I’m proud of cooking the chana on my own and realising how simple it can be. It’s also brought me closer to my daughter and mum, and now I’m looking forward to teaching her to cook too.”