For some of us just the thought of 5 portions of fruit or veg a day fills us up, but really when you think about it we probably already do so or are close to consuming that amount each day, consuming fruit and veg need not be a chore but more of a benefit to our lifestyles.

Why is it important to eat fruit and vegetables?

Its important to eat fruit and vegetable because it helps to balance our diets and gives us a good supply of vitamins and nutrition, fruit is a major source of vitamin C also they contain antioxidants which will help absorb free radicals which damages DNA in our cells and they are packed with fibre.  Eating enough fruit and vegetables also helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and obesity.

So how can you make sure you get your 5 a day?

Well lets start with the most important meal of the day Breakfast, because of our busy lifestyles a lot of people grab breakfast on the go or not at all, Breakfast simply means to break the fast get the metabolism going so you should find time to sit and eat, be creative use fruit to make your cereal more interesting try adding berries to porridge or grate an apple on top try chopped strawberries or banana, if you have bit of a sweet tooth toast with chocolate spread and strawberries or banana is great, and chocolate spread have slow releasing energy so keeps you full longer.

Lunch and Dinner might be a bit easier for some of us, try and get into a habit of having at least a third of you plate with vegetables or salad, again try and be adventurous, there are so many exotic fruit and vegetables to try this way you are less likely to get bored with it, my favorite salad ingredients at the moment is avocado and vine ripen cherry tomatoes this is delicious with prawns or hot bacon yum…  Liven up your stir-fries with exotic mushrooms, many supermarkets now do ready packed stir fry mixes give them a try.  For snacks try vegetable crudities with a hommous or guacamole dip or a piece of fruit there are so many great and exciting ways to experiment with.

You are probably thinking eating this way is going to cost me a fortune, eating healthy do not need to be expensive, look out for fruit and vegetables in season these are always cheaper, frozen tinned and dried also count so look out for any offers, your local market stall they always have great offers at fantastic prices especially towards the end of the day bulk buy remember if you see the fruit or vegetable starting to go off use it up in smoothies, soups or casseroles, these can also be frozen after, saving time in the kitchen for another day.

If you are stuck for ideas why not join our free newsletter there are great freebies for each new member one of them being 40 Quick and Easy Fruit Recipes plus there will be regular updates on new recipes and ideas that the whole family can enjoy.  Remember healthy parents makes healthy kids.

Do you have some great ideas of how to get your 5 a day? Why not share them with us.

Until next time

Melanie