A new survey, commissioned to promote Diabetes UK’s ‘Food you Love’ campaign during Diabetes Week, has found that broccoli is the West Midlands favourite vegetable, receiving 19 per cent of the total vote. The banana saw off stiff competition from the pineapple and strawberry to take the West Midlands fruit crown with 18 per cent of the vote.
Apples also fared particularly well in the survey following just behind pineapple and strawberry following banana at the top of the table. However orange, apricot, blackberry and pomegranate received no votes.
Broccoli was joined by sweetcorn and carrot at the top of the veg table, both receiving 16 per cent and ten per cent respectively of the vote, while cabbage, kale and asparagus were the region’s least favourite vegetables each receiving only one per cent).
In order to get people eating more healthily, Diabetes UK has embarked on a new ‘Food you love’ advertising campaign all about healthy eating to inspire everyone with recipes featuring the food they love, but healthier. The charity hopes the easy recipes and tips will inspire more people to make small changes that can make a big difference to how they manage their diabetes.
Peter Shorrick, Diabetes UK Midlands regional head said:
“It is fascinating to see the variation in the West Midlands fruit and veg taste. Who knew that we were so keen on bananas, or that nearly one in five people think broccoli is the best veg?
“Eating fruit and veg is a great way of getting vital vitamins and fibre and a much healthier snack option than reaching for crisps, cereal bars or even smoothies. They are also low in calories and super filling.”
The ‘Food you love’ campaign is being fronted by five ‘everyday’ people living with diabetes cooking their favourite recipes and has received celebrity support from chefs including: Jamie Oliver, Prue Leith, ‘Deliciously’ Ella and Angela Hartnett.
