In order to maintain a nutritionally balanced diet we are encouraged to consume five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. A variety of vitamins and minerals are found in fruit and vegetables which provides much needed energy to allow the body to function successfully. This diet is also rich in antioxidants and fiber to keep the body regular and can dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes. Most importantly it can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight, not to mention inspiring creativity in the kitchen. With so many options your menu at home is potentially limitless.

 

This standardized rule, although regarded as one of the simplest reminders of a healthy lifestyle is still sometimes hard to achieve. Fast-paced living and the nature of eating on the go often seems the easier option. According to the Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) Americans now spend less time in the kitchen than in the past. However, the goal of meeting the 5 a day rule is still attainable and can not only be a fun activity but a delicious alternative to ordering in.

 

To begin with, it is important to be aware of what counts towards your 5 a day. A common misconception is that the food must be fresh but fruit and vegetables that are frozen, chilled, canned and even dried all count too.

Potatoes do not count unfortunately, as they’re considered too high in carbohydrates to qualify. Fruit and vegetables do not have to be consumed on their own either look out for them cooked within your meals and can even include pre-prepared meals. It's important to check the nutritional information on the packaging of any ready-meal though as they can have high salt, sugar and fat levels and should be eaten in moderation.

 

Now to put this rule into practice and one of the best things about reaching for this goal is it can be tailored entirely to your own taste. No-one is forcing you to eat food that you don’t like. Pick your favorites or be adventurous and find food you have never cooked with. You may be surprised what you have a new found appreciation for.

This 5 a day program works on a 3 square meals a day principle. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and the snacks in-between. Breakfast is widely regarded as one of the most important meals of the day so why not make it fun? A lot of people skip this due to time restrictions so invest in a blender. Quick and easy to use, choose a selection of fruit blend it together and enjoy a refreshing home-made smoothie. The taste combinations are endless and not only limited to fruit, carrot can provide a sweet alternative. Of course the more you blend the better in order to meet the 5 portions.

Try cooking a meal at home to take with you to lunch. That way you can be sure of the ingredients. Sandwiches are a healthy alternative where you can introduce all kinds of vegetables to a salad filling. Vegetable sushi is another great option, offering bite-size portions of vitamins and minerals. Your afternoon snack can simply be a piece of fruit.

As a side order or cooked within the dish, vegetables in your evening meal should round up to your 5 a day intake.

 

Achieving the 5 daily portions of fruit and vegetables doesn’t have to be a chore. Make the best of your health by catering to your own tastes. Numerous vegetable portions can be used within one meal, you may learn about new food you wouldn’t have tasted before and fruit can be blended for a delicious and quick breakfast alternative.