Almost all fruit and vegetables count towards your
5 A DAY. What's more there's no limit to how much you can consume - so the more you eat, the better. It's also good to know that you should eat a variety of fruit and vegetables to get the maximum nutritional benefits. This is because they each contain different combinations of fibre, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Besides, eating the same ones every day would be boring
You probably won't have to dramatically change your diet to reach the recommended amount of fruit and veg you should eat. From takeaways to ready meals, fruit and vegetables can be found in many things you eat, you just need to know where to look.
HOWEVER!! Ready meals, convenience foods and takeaways are often high in added salt, sugar or fat and should only be eaten in moderation - so it's important to check the nutritional information on food labels.
Have a look at the following guidelines and you'll soon be on your way to 5 A DAY:
- Fresh, frozen, chilled, canned, 100% juice and smoothies all count, as do dried fruit and vegetables
- Fruit and vegetables don't have to be eaten on their own to count. You can also include any vegetables found in soups, stews, sandwiches and other dishes
- Fruit and vegetables contained in convenience foods like ready meals, pasta sauces, soups and puddings, also contribute to your 5 A DAY. However, these ready-made foods can be high in salt, sugar and fat, which should only ever be eaten in moderation, so it's important to check the nutrition information on the labels and packaging
- Dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals do not count towards 5 A DAY. This is because many dietary supplements don't have the same nutritional benefits as fruit and vegetables
- Potatoes and other related vegetables such as yams and cassava do not count. This is because they are classified as starchy foods
