How changing students’ 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.
Barry: building confidence on a budget
Barry was made redundant just before the first lockdown in early 2020 and started to cook more, but his budget was tight. He wanted help preparing varied and affordable dishes and to get his children to eat more vegetables. He was keen to explore but he didn’t have the confidence to be more adventurous.
“Before the course, we probably didn’t shop as wide a variety with my family as we could have, and maybe ate a few more ready meals than ideal. The course taught me how to make healthier alternatives with more vegetables and less salt. The recommendations on how to get better value for money when we shop helped us cut down on our food bill.
My wonderful mentor, Purnima was very supportive. There was a great sense of camaraderie in the group and they sent round lots of food photos – and empty plates – via the WhatsApp chat. I think it was good for your mental health during the lockdown; you felt engaged with the community a little.
I cook more now and feel comfortable in the kitchen. I use the Bags of Taste recipes and have even extended them. My wife has been very encouraging, and the kids like the new food too and they don’t even know the veg is there; I smuggle them into the meals with recipes like the ragu made with grated carrots, celery, onions, and a small amount of meat.
We even got into a friendly cooking competition with my brother – he was jealous of my new skills. The course boosted my confidence and I felt like I made some friends and gained a new skill. I’m proud of myself.”
Nina: from anxiety and depression to health and happiness
Nina suffers from anxiety and depression and was referred by her key worker to help with her concerns about her weight. She was keen to learn how to cook healthier, tastier meals for herself on a budget, instead of buying ready meals. We taught her how to shop around for deals and freeze leftovers, helping her cut down on both her food bill and wasted food.
“I did everything on my own, which I am really proud of. My mentor was really understanding. There were days when I felt like I couldn’t do it because of my mental health issues. She told me to take my time, and I’ll be able to do it. She was nice.
The recipes and tips were useful and easy to do. I never thought of making tomato sauce instead of just buying the jars.
I felt like I needed to do this for myself and my health, so I’ll go to the gym when it opens again. I have a healthier lifestyle now, and I’m happier.”
John: cooking, connecting, thriving
John was referred from Shelter, unemployed and on benefits. Living on his own, he struggled to find the motivation to cook.
Money-saving advice from the Mentored Home Cooking Course, including bulk-buying and batch cooking, has transformed John’s shopping habits; since cooking food fresh, he feels healthier, more energetic, and has lost weight. The course also gave him a new way of connecting with people.
“I would just make a sandwich or cheese on toast or literally just pasta and would throw a can of tuna fish in it, and that would be it. As soon as I started cooking and realised how simple it was and how delicious and healthy the meals were, I felt really motivated.
It was the first time I’d tried WhatsApp; I’d never used it, I didn’t even know how to do it. My mentor set me up and helped me, and now I’m in touch with lots of friends. So, it’s opened up a lot of avenues…it was lovely just to interact with someone again.”
“Bags of Taste is one of the best things I’ve done in a long time. I can’t thank them enough, and the support was fantastic. They made me feel very nice and warm and welcome and it gets you into a healthier and cheaper diet, it’s just a win win win.”