A Bittersweet Week at Cornish Cottage Homestead

A New Chapter for My Daughter

What a week it’s been here at Cornish Cottage Homestead! The biggest moment was watching my 16-year-old daughter start college after three incredible years of home educating. She’s absolutely loving it, diving into her passions with such enthusiasm. I’m bursting with pride, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t bittersweet. Those home-ed days, filled with shared learning and precious moments, will always hold a special place in my heart. Have you navigated a big transition like this? Share your story with us in the comments below.

A Health Scare Hits Close to Home

The week took a worrying turn towards the end. My partner of 17 years, Damian, had been battling pain in his lower spine for nearly a week. Initially, the doctor sent him home with just a cream, but we both knew something was seriously wrong. By early Friday morning, I wasn’t taking no for an answer and rushed him to A&E. After a tense wait, we learned he had a large, incredibly painful abscess. He went into surgery around 10 p.m., which lasted about an hour. Damian, being his stubborn self, recovered quickly and insisted on discharging himself against the surgeon’s strong advice to stay.

The Hospital Food Frustration

While I’m so grateful for the NHS and the surgeon’s expertise, one thing left me stunned: the food. Post-surgery, Damian was handed a pre-packed ham sandwich with rubbery ham and uninspiring bread. Hardly the fuel for recovery! The hospital was surrounded by vending machines stocked with fizzy drinks and sugary snacks, and the café at the front was laden with pastries and cakes. I even spotted nurses sipping cans of Coke. I’m not here to bash the hospital—they’re under immense pressure and doing their best with limited resources—but how can we expect patients to heal on highly processed junk food? It’s baffling.

Food as Medicine: The Science Backs It Up

At Cornish Cottage Homestead, we live by the mantra that food is medicine. Research supports this: nutrient-dense, whole foods can significantly aid recovery. For example, foods rich in antioxidants, like fresh tomatoes and berries, help reduce inflammation, while healthy fats from olive oil and coconut oil support immune function. Conversely, ultra-processed foods, high in sugar and seed oils, can increase inflammation and weaken immunity, slowing healing. Studies, like those published in The Lancet (2019), show that diets high in processed foods are linked to poorer health outcomes. Yet, hospitals often rely on these convenient but nutritionally poor options. It’s time we rethink this approach.

Nourishing Recovery at Home

Back home, I’ve been ensuring Damian’s diet is packed with goodness to support his recovery. Think vibrant olives, juicy fresh tomatoes, fragrant herbs, organic extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and plenty of fresh fruit—not a processed item in sight. This is why I started Cornish Cottage Homestead: to champion real, wholesome food, free from chemicals, additives, or preservatives. Proper nutrition isn’t just a lifestyle choice; it’s a cornerstone of healing and vitality.

Time for Change in Healthcare

Seeing seed oil-based tube feeds and sugary snacks in a hospital environment makes me question how we prioritise health. If we truly believe in healing, shouldn’t hospitals lead by example with nutritious, whole foods? I’m not saying it’s easy—hospitals face budget constraints and logistical challenges—but change starts with awareness. What do you think? Should hospitals prioritise better food to support patient recovery?

Let’s get the conversation going!

Drop your thoughts in the comments or join us on Instagram and YouTube @cornishcottagehomestead.

Thanks for reading.

Sarah, Cornish Cottage Homestead.