I should start by explaining that as I begin this diet I am having to use up some perishables from my fridge and larder. Some of these items were not available in 1944, like bananas and fruit-flavoured yoghurt. These items will not be replaced while the experiment continues.

Yesterday, from my weekly ration I used: Tea, 2 bags (9%); Milk, 87ml (5%); Meat, 105g (19%); Butter & Margarine, 10g (6%). I have amalgamated the 60g of butter and 120g of margarine allowance because I eat vegetable spread for health reasons.

I have not touched my single egg or my cheese ration.

In addition I consumed the following “off-ration” items: 2 large potatoes, 1 apple, a little lettuce and cucumber (out of season?), an apple, a banana (unavailable) and half a tin of baked beans. I have as yet not discovered if tinned beans were rationed, only that they were considered…