Tech and life

Away from ‘Tech’ and back on a ‘Life’ topic today and I’m sure it’s a familiar one. No not exercise this time but our diet. We really don’t eat enough fruit and veg. We’re constantly being told to eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day – or more correctly at least 5 portions. But you know, it’s actually easier said than done. Have you ever tried keeping a tally?

Here in Scotland, we have one of the worst records on coronary heart disease in the world and our diet is generally very poor, but improving. But it’s not from a lack of fresh produce on the high street. I think part of the problem is that fruit and veg are somehow not satisfying, especially as a snack. We’d somehow much rather be stuffing some mixture of fat and carbohydrates into our faces.

I’ve tried to make an effort to improve my daily fruit and veg quota to get to 5 or beyond and here’s what I’ve done:

1. Breakfast: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It must be, I’ve just Googled the phrase and got 140,000 hits! But I know that many people just can’t face breakfast or don’t have time which is a pity because it really sets you up for the day. I used to find fruit a turn-off at breakfast – too sharp on the palette first thing in the morning. However, I’ve found that a portion of tinned prunes in fruit juice is just right to start the day. Not too sharp or bitter and good for the constitution. If you don’t like prunes, try fruit juice instead. If you’ve got room for cereal, or porridge, put some sultanas or cranberries in it. Make time for breakfast and you may just be able to drop that mid-morning snack.

2. Lunch: Try and put some lettuce and tomato in the sandwich or on your snack. You’ve probably made it to 2 portions of your daily quota already.

3. Mid-afternoon: I used to have a cup of tea but I’ve replaced that with a kiwi and tangerine. That keeps me going till dinner.

4. Dinner: If it’s winter, try and get some good soup down you for starters. Hopefully there’s a portion in there. Then a portion of say corn or peas (or both) with your main course. In summer, you really shouldn’t have a problem.

5. Mid-evening: I usually have an apple.

I make that a conservative 6 portions and it’s not too hard. How do you fare on getting your daily quota? Any suggestions? I’d love to hear them. Drop a comment below.

Photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography

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Blogging, forums, chat rooms, gaming, streaming TV, IM, twitter, Skype… You could spend 24/7 in front of your monitor! Being a web worker only adds to the problem of never letting go.

We’re all becoming increasingly sedentary and our health is suffering as a result. We’ve just got to get more exercise. 30 minutes of brisk walking is recommended, but how do we fit this into our busy schedule.

Photo credit: Flickr user Ross2085

Here’s a tip. Download your favourite tech podcasts to your mp3 player and take them on the road – literally! You don’t have to sit in front of the computer to listen to a podcast. You don’t actually have to be in the chat either when the podcast is going out live. Seriously, this is a great chance to get out and do 30-40 minutes of brisk walking – and you’ll feel much better after it.

I’ve been won over to this routine and actually look forward to my daily walk. If you’ve got an hour for lunch, spend half an hour walking first. Don’t quit if it’s raining. Get your umbrella or waterproof and get going.

Coincidentally, I’ve just listened to Stephen Fry’s first Podgram, Broken Arm, and at the end he mentions podcasts and brisk walking. So it must be right.

You know it makes sense!