When it comes to fruit and vegetables, five is the magic number. You should be aiming to intake at least five pieces of fruit/veg a day for a healthy diet. It may seem impossible at times, especially for those who are busy and on the go. Don’t worry – we’ve got five tips to help you.
1. Start with breakfast
Starting the day off right sets you up for the hours ahead. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and you should eat foods that will give you energy. It is really easy to incorporate fruit into most breakfasts, from berries in your cereal, to bananas with your toast!
2. Double up on veg
Smaller portions may be key to dieting, but doubling up on veg is never a bad thing. You could also substitute any starchy foods, such as potatoes or pasta, with extra vegetables. Although meals should be based on starchy foods, many people have a tendency to overindulge in these foods, so cutting them back a little is usually a great idea.
3. Prepare healthy snacks
Having healthy snacks prepared the night before your working day can help you resist the temptation to grab quick, easy and unhealthy alternatives. Carrot and cucumber sticks and pots of fruit are great for snacking, will keep you full for longer, and are packed with important vitamins.
4. Eat veg packed meals
There are so many tasty meals that can be made with huge amounts of vegetables. Vegetable chilli or curry, stir fries, stews and soups are all flavour sensations, and a great way to eat larger quantities of veg without even realising it.
5. Add fruit and vegetables to almost anything
A simple way to get your five a day is to add fruit or vegetables to whatever you were going to eat anyway. You can add tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms and onions to omelettes or sandwiches or berries to yogurts and porridge. These all add flavour on top of boosting your fruit or veg count, so it’s a win-win situation!
Need a little help? Drop me a message to ask about my custom nutrition coaching. I can offer health tips, healthy recipes and support to ensure you stay happy and healthy.
