Ready meals, Rather not

[Cheese intake : Mozzarella with tomatoes, Lots of cheddar on homemade lasagna]

Okay so cheese isn’t my only love in this world, food in general comes a close second ☺ Throughout my life I’ve been brought up by two food lovers; both my mum and dad have a wonderful passion for food, especially of the French, Spanish and Italian variety. Growing up having lengthy home-cooked meals made everyday I thought getting to uni with the exciting new use of a microwave and any forbidden naughty microwave food I could wish for would leave me with no end of fun. How wrong was I! I very quickly realised that there was a very good reason these kind of prohibited foods hadn’t been introduced to my diet earlier in life. It shocked me how much they've managed to ruin simple favourites of mine, I tried a Heinz maccaroni cheese and it actually tasted of soap. Managing to make me dislike a food which has 'cheese' in the title is a tall order for most, but to be so easily done by a major food brand disappointed me greatly.

Initially these microwaveable foods do seem the logical way forward for a student on a budget, but I just can't bring myself to do it to my stomach on a regular basis. With so many prices dropping at local supermarkets to help combat the credit crunch I think its definately possible to eat on a budget without having to sacrifice your tastebuds, especially if you can source some of your food from local fresh food markets.

The first step is to admit you have a problem..

[Cheese intake: Boursin stuffed in chicken, Cheddar on jacket potato]

Hi my name's Annika and I'm a cheese-aholic...

I first considered that I might have a slight problem after a trip to Asda saw me returning with no less than six types of cheese, including Cheddar, Brie, Boursin, Mozzarella, Feta and Emmental. This shop may not seem excessive to one with a family to feed but as I am a student solely feeding yours truly I did feel a little cheeseguilt as I broke off a piece of cheddar to nibble on in the car ride home.

I have however found good reason for this love of mine, I recently read that the 'feel good' hormone, tryptophan, that's found in cheese is more effective than that feel-good effect you get from chocolate. So why when people buy you presents do they always buy chocolate? I for one know I'd be much more appreciative of a well thought out cheeseboard. Just a thought...