Despite our knowledge that fruit and vegetables are a vital part of losing weight and remaining healthy, it seems that dieters are still giving them a miss.

A study conducted by United Kingdom Universities on the eating habits of people on weight loss programs found that although there was a drop in the total energy consumed, people were not following the best advice on what to eat.

All of the diets in the study (with the exception of Atkins) advised people to increase their fruit and vegetable intake. However they discovered that none of the groups had any significant increase in their fruit and veg intake when their two month long food diary was reviewed.

According to Helen Truby, who worked on the study: "These disappointing findings suggest that people remain resistant to the advice to 'eat more fruit and vegetables', even when they are advised to as part of a modified weight loss programme". 

So what is it about fruits and vegetables that have given them such a bad reputation? Personally, I cannot understand it.

1. They look good.
2. They are guilt free
3. The high fibre content makes them a filling snack or accompaniment to a meal.
4. Fruits are packed with natural sugars, so make a great alternative to other sweets.
5. They make you feel good after you eat them.
6. And they are delicious! Mangoes, bananas, nectarines...I cannot even name a fruit that isn't delicious. As for vegetables, they taste fantastic in a salad, a stir-fry or even baked vegetables.
7. They can be dressed with a yummy sauce and they will still be a fantastic option for health and weight loss.

It's a change of attitude that is needed. We are so focusing on our dislike of the "healthy foods" that we aren't giving them a far go. And of course, we pass that attitude along to our children.

It's really not that hard to eat more fruit and vegetables, so give it a go. And you may find that you actually enjoy them.

For more tips on increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables, click here to go to Lesson 2 of the Get Started Guide