A resolution...

With New Year only a matter of days away, you might be starting to think about what you want to achieve over the next year. Often we think about the bigger things such as getting a new job, improving our fitness or going on that holiday we've always dreamed of, but what about something small? I doubt you'd consider fruit or veg in relation to this topic, but a resolution involving them might just set you on the road to better health, a new skill or hobby. Not convinced? In that case, glance over these ideas.

• Aim towards your 5 A Day. If you're currently way off the mark, perhaps start by including just one extra portion each day. Once you're into the swing of things, you can up it by another portion.
• Cook a new dish each week, where veg is the main focus. So easy to sneak an extra portion or two in this way. 
• Always have a standby of frozen or tinned fruit and veg in, then there never can be an excuse of having run out for not including them with a meal. Always try to choose fruit tinned in juice and veg tinned without added salt.
• Start making your own soups - you'll save yourself money, can pack more veg in and have control over the added salt, fat and sugar.
• Include different fruit and veg in your diet. We're all guilty at times of getting into a food rut and adding different fruit and veg to your meals can help you get out of it. Not only will it give you more variety at your meals, but will enhance the range of nutrients you receive.
• Decide what is important to you. Find out more about food miles, organic produce, supporting fair trade or local producers, then apply this to your fruit and veg choices.
• Start to grow some fruit and veg of your own. Even if you don't have much outdoor space, a number can easily be grown in pots, so why not give potatoes, carrots, strawberries or cherry tomatoes a go on your patio? No outdoor space? Start with herbs on your windowsill - they'll make a lovely addition to soups and other veg based dishes.
• For anyone who has been bitten by the grow-your-own bug, but is running out of space in their own garden, why not contact your local council about the availability of allotments nearby?
• If home grown isn't an option, consider using a fruit and veg box scheme; as we've said previously this is a great way to eat seasonally and support local producers.
• Start to compost your fruit and veg waste, and within the year you'll be adding back the goodness to your own garden.

Ten suggestions to get you thinking, perhaps you have another idea you'd like to add to the list?