67 per cent of adults are obese
Obesity figures indicate just how fat the nation has become - 61 per cent of adults and 27 per cent of children are obese, yet we still can't seem to put down that extra slice of cake.
Not knowing how to eat right and our busy schedules are often the main causes why we neglect our bodies and end up piling on the pounds.
How many times have you got home from a long day of work and put a pizza in the oven - it's quick and it's easy, plus it's just the one night. You promise you'll make something healthy tomorrow. When tomorrow comes it's the same song and dance - something quick and easy to make.
Research has revealed that each year an estimated 30,000 people die prematurely from obesity-related illnesses and an overwhelming sum of £4.2 billion is spent by the NHS on tackling obesity: things like stomach stapling, jaw wiring and cosmetic surgery are just some of the areas that the money is spent on.
But shouldn't we invest more on informing people of how to change their bad habits?
Tom McNeile, Managing Director of the UK's largest cooking school L'atelier des Chefs says: "We feel very strongly that education needs to start with adults and that it is extremely important that we know what has gone into our food."
So, popping a ready-meal into the microwave doesn't count - even if you do read the list of ingredients first.
The L'atelier des Chefs was founded to help reinvigorate the nation's love for cooking and teach people the importance of eating right and how easily it can be done.
Their 30 minute public cooking classes teach you how to create a delicious and healthy meal - always under the tuition of a professional chef and using ingredients which are easy to source.
Tom says: "Cooking at home does not have to take huge amounts of time, money or energy - it can be simple, fast, delicious and enjoyable. It is vital that adults are well informed, and accordingly given the opportunity to teach their children to eat well.
"We teach 2,000 members of the public every month at the L'atelier des Chefs and our concept is always to remind people not only of the joys of cooking but also the positive impact on our health, on family life and our own finances."
Try something different tonight and start paving the path to a healthier you.
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
Tagged in Obesity Healthy Body