US-born law graduate Mark Plummer gives an American perspective on the British diet.
What do you think of the food in the UK?
Quite different. I like the fact you eat a lot of curry here because in the US we eat a lot of Chinese food so it was something really different to what I was used to. The concept of the takeaway is different here as well – it’s accessible, I’m always busy studying so I can just grab something late at night. I really love the cider here as well, as there are so many varieties.
How do you keep fit?
I get most of my exercise by walking around the city, I don’t have to drive as much in Manchester as I did in Rhode Island. The public transportation here is very good and links everything. I like to use the grass tennis courts in Fletcher Moss when it’s good out.
Any tips for a healthy lifestyle?
I eat what I like really, but I’m half-Italian so I use a lot of recipes passed down in my family. I tend to make my own pasta and I make my own pizzas from scratch. I eat a lot of Pecorino Romano cheese. It’s richer food but has good ingredients, so I think it’s all good.
How has your diet changed since you’ve been in the UK?
I eat more Nutella! I eat less because I find you don’t get as bigger quantities for your money over here. I have lost a lot of weight since I started living in the UK. I think it’s because of all the walking – I can fit into my jeans!
