Your mother always told you 'eat your veg'. Now in addition to your Ma and a large body of scientific research, there is even more evidence that veggies are good for you.
From Jermain Defoe. (Some headphones in that pic by the way Jermaine.)
The Sunderland striker has turned to veganism in a bid to stay on top of his game, at the age of 34.
Defoe ended a three-and-a-half absence from the international stage on Sunday, opening the scoring in England's 2-0 Wembley win over Lithuania.
'I have a better understanding of my body now, I know when I need to have a rest day' he said afterwards.
'I do a lot of cryotherapy. It’s not enjoyable, but I try and do it like you’re loving it. Everyone wants to play and there’s no better feeling than to feel fresh. So just make sure I’m doing the cryotherapy, massage, eating the right things.'
Changing your diet can be a struggle for all of us, but I suppose if you get a few hundred grand a week you have a bit of an incentive to try and prolong your career for as long as possible.
'I’m trying to turn vegan, which is a funny one because when I go to my mum’s she’s got every meat you can imagine out on the table and I eat a lot of fish'.
They say behind every great man there is an even greater woman and that appears to be the case with the England striker who will be 35 when the World Cup rolls round.
'My girlfriend said I have to do it. She puts on these documentaries. It’s always helpful when you have someone around you help you and drive you on. It’s not easy but I feel good so I’ll continue to do it. I am just trying to tick every box so I can continue playing.'
Defoe had long since been a convert to daily spinach, kale and nettle smoothies, (yum) but has cut out chocolate and limits his caffeine intake to match-days. While the steamed vegetables remain on the menu, the grilled salmon which had sustained him even up to the end of last year has been cut out, along with eggs, dairy products and honey.
My hankering for pizza, kebabs and a steak smothered in pepper sauce looks to mean my dreams of an international career now look to be over for good. Oh well. What's the number for Domino's again?
