Have you come across this blog? Carolyn started blogging in 2009, the year we purchased Cornerstones. At that point, living in Canada, she was really struggling with weight loss, and also with some difficult personal circumstances which meant money was tight. Things had to change...
Her aim was to live in a WW2 Wartime Rations Diet, which she hoped would prove both frugal and effective. After all, the scientists and historians frequently tell us that the British Nation was healthier and fitter in those years than in the years since. Lots of exercise and little processed foodstuff.
In the years since she has moved back to the UK, lost around 7 stone. She's blogged diligently through the years, celebrating success and honest about lapses. She ran the London Marathon, raising money for the British Legion [WW2 connection] And she has posted some fabulous, economical WW2 recipes along the way, started a YouTube series and more
If this sort of thing is of interest to you, do check out her blog or YouTube channel, and watch out for the book. There is far more to living on rations than Woolton Pie, and Potato Pete!
I have enjoyed her writings, I applaud her efforts and wish her every success.
I applaud anyone who has lost so much weight, an achievement. However, how can living a 1940’s lifestyle work today. How about school runs, no buses for rural children now. How about getting groceries home without a car, a long walk to bus stops either end. You still have yo pay Council Tax, for oil and electricity or does this person live in the suburbs or a small town. Living in my village in Dorset without a car would invite social isolation of the highest degree. A laudable experiment but not one for rural dwellers I fear. Sandra.
ReplyDeleteI agree it would be harder for those if living in villages with unreliable bus services. I think C lives in a town, with more access to shops, and her children are grown up. But it's probably possible to manage the WW2 diet in most places. (Apart from dried egg!) I find her frugal recipes useful when I'm "using up the cupboard stocks"
DeleteYes I've 'known' Carolyn since both our early days blogging, I too applaud her bravery in giving up her job to fulfill her dream of writing a book the job really was stressing her out though, so I think she's done it at a good time.
ReplyDeleteShe also has a Facebook page that now has a massive following from all over the world, of people either living on rations or just interested in the subject.
I take my hat off to her. She's taken a big leap of faith.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting experiment! Lots of people sharing their alternative lifestyle choices in books on recent times. I hope she does well in a crowded market.
ReplyDeleteI have followed Carolyn from the beginning of her adventures when she lived in Canada. She seems lovely and is very open about her failures as well as her successes. I too wish her well in her new venture. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteBrave lady! I grew up in the rationing years and I dont think I could do it now.
ReplyDeleteI have followed Carolyn’s blog for years, she is inspiring. I base our diet on WW2 ration quantities of meat, fats, dairy, and sugar, with plenty of seasonal vegetables, because they were tested and proven to maintain health and energy for the nation, and children’s health improved. It was hard to give up junk food, and to avoid UPFs, but it has been worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteWe may not live as people did in the 40s, but we can learn from their thrift, energy, and willingness to help do their bit. Imagine giving up your holiday to help get in the potato crop by hand.
I occasionally look at blogs like this and find them interesting, good for her, I wish her success with her book. I remember Mum talking a lot about the impact of war time rationing.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x