I love food; I could eat it all day, every day and there is very little I do not enjoy. I guess one could call me an addict but I do try and resist and often fail.

I find one of the biggest problems is taste. Most of the very bad things taste so good. Like cake, sweets (candy), fish fingers and puddings and that doesn’t mention crisps and savoury treats. These are horrendous enemies to the human system and create vast build ups of fat, can cause heart problems, diabetes and a plethora of other such dangerous complaints which can lead to death or major disabilities. The good thing is that they are okay in very small quantities and we, as humans, have the choice of not to over-indulge or leave well alone.

Salad and good food groups are often so boring to the fat and sugar addict that it is hard to create a tasty and filling meal. It also costs more to buy fresh vegetables and fruit.

When visiting friends I find their fridges and cupboards bursting with healthy ingredients and the table comes alive with mouth watering offerings that my limited imagination and culinary skills would never have thought or be able to magic up. The truth of the matter is that I am lazy and do not take the time to investigate and learn or that is my perception.

I will find myself saying that from now on I will eat more healthily and guardedly but the lure of sugar and fat will make that a very short window and life goes back to the easy street.

One of my favourite groups is fish. I absolutely love fish and seafood but a lack of access to cheap and fresh is a problem. Take the humble prawn for example. Tasty and beautiful but one needs a king’s ransom  to live on them and the same goes for nearly all seafood. Its little wonder that so many of us turn to the ready prepared options.

Now here is a challenge to our illustrious leaders we call Government. Why not subsidise healthy fruit and vegetable along with seafood and fresh meat. In the long term the money saved on better health will reduce the Health Service bill. Tax the fast food and high sugar and fat foods. Try to boost the knowledge of the people by placing recipe cards in the food aisles alongside the ingredient groups so a better understanding of how to prepare a good meal is attained. Is it so hard or bad to want to have a better life free from some of the life-threatening diseases we are putting ourselves at risk of?

I know this sounds a bit “Nanny State” and if one wants to make a change then do it yourself but addicts sometimes need helping hands and a nudge in the right direction and then the tools to keep them steadfast.

Luckily I have a relatively active job and, although I am fat, I could be much, much worse. Sports like cycling and jogging also used to help but work and age are taking their toll and finding the time and energy is becoming so hard.

Please do not think this a black-mood moan as it is not. The above are observations and sad facts of modern lives that so many of us live in.

My heartfelt plan is to change a few things. I know I can’t change the world but I do have the ability to alter the balance of sugar/fat against more healthy options and hopefully the latter will win out.

There is no blame or shame just acceptance and change that will make a better future.