More than half of us now say mealtimes are the main source of stress in our lives, according to new research, with planning and making dinners more stressful than managing finances, taking care of your health or planning social engagements. Half of us now say we experience ‘mental burnout’ from mealtime planning.
Recipe box Gousto is calling on people to get their mealtime mental load off their plate and onto a funny plate collection crafted by artist Margo in Margate. The “Off My Plate” decorative plate range celebrates the nation’s shared struggles when it comes to plating up consistently new and inspiring dishes day after day. Each plate is adorned with tongue-in-cheek, relatable catchphrases inspired by the nation’s mealtime gripes such as “No more forks to give”, “Smash avocados, not plates”, “99 problems but dinner ain’t one”, “Make linguine, not lists”, “Winner, winner sorted dinner”.
Gousto ambassador and comedian Katherine Ryan said: “I’m not here to schlep through the supermarket aisles like some sort of grocery gladiator. Honestly, planning meals for a family—especially when there are five of us—is stressful! I’m living it, and let’s face it, so many people are facing the same challenge so I’m thrilled to jump in with the rest of you and show how Gousto’s got it covered, making delicious meals easy, stress-free, and actually manageable!”
Brits currently spend an average of 2.5 hours a week planning meals and over a third struggle to come up with new dishes. Margo in Margate said: “Cooking really is a passion of mine; but after a long day in the studio my creativity for the kitchen is literally exhausted! Being able to take the feeling of the nation and bring it into my art has been a phenomenal experience and I hope this range encourages people to start sharing the load.”
Brits can head to gousto.co.uk/offmyplate to share their top mealtime gripes for a chance to get their hands on a free limited-edition plate by Margo in Margate, inspired by their own mealtime woes. All submissions are required by November 12.
All the plates are sustainably sourced and made from recycled ceramic materials.