Why eat 5 a day?


Most of us make resolutions around this time of year to eat healthier after the Christmas season of indulgence. But what does it really mean to eat healthily? And what benefits should we expect from it?

You have heard it many times before, and it is an old cliché, but “You Are What You Eat”. It’s true! Our bodies are made out of the foods we eat, and if we don’t eat the right foods then our bodies cannot work properly – resulting in illness, poor health and not feeling as good as we could.

Eating your 5 A Day is one of the most important factors in feeling well.  This is because fruit and veg significantly reduce your risk of getting many chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain types of cancer, stroke and diabetes, as well as offering many other health benefits – because they provide the vitamins and minerals which our bodies need to work properly.




 What counts in your 5 a day?

Your 5 a day is made up of all the fruits and vegetables, whether they are fresh, frozen, canned or chilled or dried. In addition, one of your portions per day can be made up of pulses (beans, lentils).


Your daily five should include both fruits and vegetables – it should not be made up purely from fruit. It should also include a variety of different fruit and veg as each one has its own special health benefits, different vitamin and mineral levels and fibre content.


Choosing a variety of different colours is also important – as each has a different colour according to the nutrient it concentrates. For example, orange coloured vegetables, like pumpkin, sweet potato, red pepper and carrots, are high in beta-carotene, which is essential for eyesight.


 		 



Fruit and Vegetables

Every portion of fruit and veg you eat counts towards your 5 A Day, this includes fresh, frozen and canned. For more information on fruit and veg portion sizes click here. 


 		Beans and Lentils 

Beans and lentils count as one portion per day, no matter how many portions you eat. For more information on beans and lentils portion sizes click here.

Breakfast Recipes 

Click here to view easy to make breakfasts that can help you achieve 5 portions of fruit or veg a day.


Soup Recipes

Soup is a great meal to help you gain your 5 a day. Simply add your favourite local vegetables to a stock for easy home made soup. Lentils and pulses can also be used to increase your 5 a day intake.
Click here to view more soup recipes.

Light Bites and Snacks

Click here to view a range of light bites and snacks that can help you meet your 5 a day intake.


Main Meals

Click here to view a range of delicious recipes with easy tips to help you gain your 5 a day.