HEALTH EATING WHY - 5 A DAY ?

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Eating the recommended 5 a day servings of fruit and vegetables is the most important element of any healthy eating plan .

The Health Benefits

For the last eight years the Dept. of Health has been trying to drive home the "5-A-Day" message. Research proves that eating at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day has very real health benefits. It can help to prevent heart diseases and some cancers. Evidence shows however, that many of us are not listening to this healthy eating advice. Recent research shows that only 1 in 7 of us achieve the 5 a day quota.

In an effort to encourage healthy eating more research is being done by the Dept. of Health to help clear up confusion about what counts towards 5 a day and what doesn't - several processed foods with added salt, sugar and fat, despite containing fruit or vegetables will not at present qualify for the logo.

What stops you from getting 5 a day - Time, Money, Dislike All Fruit and Vegetables?

Lack of time for healthy shopping
Look out for canned, frozen and juiced fruit and vegetables. They are just as nutritious. Buying your fruit and vegetables in this way also means you have plenty to hand when you need it without having to spend time stocking up with fresh produce every few days. Healthy eating doesn't mean you can't make use of convenience foods.

5 a day is too expensive

Don't be fooled, you could find healthy eating better for your budget. Fruit and vegetables (excluding exotic / imported ones) are surprisingly cheap. An average banana costs 20p - less than most bars of chocolate / crisps from the vending machine - and provides more in the way of nourishment for less calories.

Choose fresh fruit and vegetables in season, not only are they cheaper they will also be most flavoursome and at their best.
Markets also tend to be cheaper than supermarkets, particularly if you catch them when they packing up for the day.
Alternatively opt for supermarket branded tinned or frozen fruit and vegetables.

Dislike All Fruit and Vegetables

With such variety of tastes, it's hard to believe anyone can dislike them all. Also remember that tastes change as you age and therefore things you detested in your youth (like brussel sprouts...) may be a lot more palatable now! Try a different fruit / vegetable each week until you find some you enjoy.

Working Your Way to Five A Day

Make it a mission to start working to your five a day quota. Remember you don't have to include all five portions overnight - your body probably won't thank you for it! (A sudden change can cause uncomfortable bloating and gas). Also don't rush out and buy a heap of fresh fruit and vegetables - to watch it rot in the fridge / fruit bowl over the coming week! Build up gradually, make it a habit and remember each extra serving is a step in the right direction. Try these healthy eating tips for including more fruit and vegetables:

Healthy Breakfast

Have a glass of 100% pure, unsweetened fruit juice
Slice some fresh fruit over your breakfast cereal or toss in a handful of dried apricots / raisins
Try a banana sandwich made with wholemeal / granary bread for extra fibre too
Make a delicious fruit smoothie from fresh fruit. Or add some skimmed milk / low fat yoghurt for a more creamy consistency

Healthy Snacks

Look out individual portions of carrot batons, dried apricots, raisins and grapes at the supermarket - grab these instead of chocolate / crisps
Make some crudites - carrots batons, celery sticks, baby sweetcorn, asparagus tips - to enjoy with a low calorie dip
Keep a piece of fresh fruit on hand - and ensure you eat it before you reach for high sugar / calorie snacks

Healthy Lunch

Add tomatoes, cucumber, mixed salad leaves to your sandwiches
Toss a selection of fruit / vegetables and salad leaves together for a delicious alternative - drizzle with a low calorie dressing and enjoy with a crusty wholemeal roll
Make your own vegetable soup for colder weather

Healthy Evening Meal

Try to include at least one vegetable with your evening meal
Add sliced vegetables to stir fries and disguise grated carrot in homemade dishes
Make a fresh fruit salad for dessert

Healthy Eating Out

Order a pure, unsweetened fruit or vegetable juice
Request a side salad or vegetables instead of chips
Order a fresh fruit salad for dessert