Did you fall for any April Fools pranks?

I think I must have been.  

There has been a report on the radio this morning about research stating the need to increase the amount of fruit and vegetables the government recommends from 5 per day to between 7 and 10.

Obviously I think this is long overdue and would be a great idea.

That wasn't the bit that I think I was being fooled over.

They had a government representative on who said that the research was interesting but as 2/3rds of adults still didn't eat 5 portions per day they didn't see the point of upping the recommended amount.

That must be a joke, surely 2/3rds of the adult population can't eat less than 5 portions of fruits and veggies per day.

Unfortunately, I see that it is true on a daily basis.

I've met vegetarians that don't really eat vegetables, how is that even possible?  

Well, it's easy if you base your diet around processed crap, soy, fake meats and quorn.  None of which add to your health points.  They're not even vegetarians, more like processedians.

Excuses like 'I don't really like vegetables' are ok as a toddler but as an adult, you just need to grow up.

A lot of people don't like veggies because their parents were crap in the kitchen, they have never really tasted veggies; just greyish mush that was once a sprig of broccoli or cauliflower.

When we are teens, we don't really like the taste of alcohol but we drink it because there is a purpose - to get drunk and have confidence with the objects of our desires ;)

Eventually we learn to appreciate the taste rather than the effect it has.

We need to start eating with purpose, the effect being adding health points to our bodies.

If you don't like veggies, try to cook them in a different way.  Sneak them in to dishes like you would with children.  Add some spices or herbs.  Anything just get them down your neck.

If the government said you had to eat 20 mars bars per day, you would find a way to do it.  Yet with vegetables we seem to have lost our way.

The reason I have highlighted vegetables so much is that they are generally nutrient rich and energy poor.  That means they generally don't add to your overall energy load.  

Vegetables should make up the major part of your plate, add some meat and some starchy carbs and you're on to a winner on the weight loss and health side of things.

Darren 'food fool' Checkley

P.S. Before I have any responses about fresh food being more expensive, the extra cost is negligible if you go to the grocers rather than a supermarket and learn how to cook.

P.P.S. Sorry for the ranty nature of this message today but it winds me up when the government / media dumb information down because they think we can't make changes.