Almost a third (33 per cent) of 16-24 year olds admit they have passed off a ready meal as their own creation when they wanted to impress someone according to a Department of Health.
The survey, conducted as part of the Department of Health’s 5 A DAY programme to encourage people to eat more fruit and vegetables, looked at young people’s attitudes to cooking and culinary ability, also revealed that 1 in 10 never cook a proper meal for themselves because they ‘don’t know how’.
To help, the Department of Health has produced a new free recipe guide, Fuel for Living, which provides simple and cost effective recipe ideas and tips to assist students in the kitchen and help them boost their consumption of fruit and vegetables as well as special offers for Harpers gyms and Whitworths dried fruit snacks.
Health Minister, Caroline Flint said:
'This handy booklet will help young people cook up a tasty dish for themselves or someone they want to impress. Whether they are making their favourite roasts or spaghetti bolognese or need to cook in a hurry, want tips on what to eat during exams or how to make their existing meals more healthy it’s all in this booklet. There are some money saving vouchers in there too so it is well worth getting your hands on one. It is important that people look after themselves and get their 5 A DAY as this will keep them looking good, feeling great and can protect against heart disease and cancer later in life.'
The survey came up with some other interesting findings: