My favourite New Year's resolution

Many, many people who don't have to worry about essentials such as war and clean water are currently looking down at their (post Christmas) bloated gut and designing a full set of nutrition centred New Year's resolutions. I don't have the highest of hopes that most of the resolutions will be met, and that's coming from me, the (almost) eternal optimist. Research tends to back this up - the enthusiasm of the new year tends to wane a number of weeks in, as life gets on top of us again.

I wanted to offer a suggestion of my own personal favourite resolution; something I think is realistic and truly beneficial for health.

A doable, difference-making resolution: Make half of your plate at lunch or dinner leafy greens: you can steam, boil or saute some greens or simply open a bag of baby leaves and empty them on your plate - it all works. When half of your plate is full of greens you're automatically regulating your starchy carb and protein intake, preventing excess - this kind of plate will help to ensure you're eating a diet high in plant based foods; fundamentally important for health.

Of course all vegetables are wonderful, so why do I emphasise the leafy greens?

The vast majority of people in our societies have a diet deficient in these supremely important vegetables. Leafy greens are packed with vitamins, phytonutrients, minerals and fibre. There are so many types to choose from so rotating through them on a weekly basis is not a problem. Examples of leafy greens include kale, chard, spinach, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli and so on.

Greens prevent disease and make you feel well. Is this a resolution you think you can do?