Tomatoes: Fruit or Vegetable?

So, I'm watching "Top Chef" and the chefs' challenge is to create a healthy school lunch.  In defending their menu, a chef stated that his team added tomatoes to the sandwich for more vegetables.  A judge responded that they added a fruit, not a vegetable.  So, I was curious what mypyramid would say.  Here's the scoop...

"Hey, USDA, tomatoes are fruits not vegetables! Why does MyPyramid include them in the Vegetable Group?

Oh yes, tomatoes are fruits – botanically speaking. But so are eggplants, cucumbers, green peppers, and several others which you'd hardly expect. The botanical definition of a fruit has to do with its seeds. In MyPyramid, as was done in the Food Guide Pyramid, USDA groups foods according to how they are used in meals rather than their botanical definitions. Tomatoes are commonly eaten as vegetables as parts of salads, sandwiches, sauces, and so are in the Vegetable Group. For more on the tomato, click here."

via MyPyramid.gov - United States Department of Agriculture - Tips & Resources.

In defense of my vice: Coca-Cola

Keep in mind, I am an Exercise Scientist, not a Nutritionist,,,

Coca-Cola

I am a Coke fanatic. As in the real thing. No diet. No, Pepsi is not OK. Don't try to substitute in secret... I can smell the difference.

I've loved Coke for as long as I can remember. My current mode of choice is in Sonic form... usually Large during Happy Hour which still comes in under $1... barely. In my hometown of Ruston, Louisiana, I prefer my Coke in Icee form, either from Citgo U Pak It on Tech Drive (formerly Handee Mart) or Ken's Mini Mart on the Choudrant exit.

It is difficult to defend my vice. However, if I am forced to, I will justify it as an sports drink... sugar for energy, caffeine for performance enhancement, water for hydration.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.