Here in the United Kingdom, the NHS recommends that our diet contains 5 80g portions of fruit and vegetables per day (NHS 2018). A wide range of research has been carried out to confirm that this is beneficial for our health, and as a result it is important to make an effort to reach this target. However, it does not need to be expensive and/or hard. This article will explore 5 key ways to meet this target easily and affordably.
- Eat in season
Often local shops and the larger supermarkets offer fruit and vegetable which is in season at a reduced rate. If you are not sure what fruit and vegetables are in season- ask your local greengrocer. As a bonus shopping locally and choosing in season products often means that these items have not travelled thousands of mile which is better for our planet.
- Utilise your local allotments.
Throughout Craven we are lucky to have a number of local allotments, most of which are open for you to get involved with! Not only is growing your own fruit and vegetables really good for the soul it is also a great way to save those pennies.
- Frozen, tinned and dried items.
In most cases (not all), buying food items such as fruit and vegetables which are tinned, frozen or dried is often cheaper. It is often thought that these items are not as good for you as fresh items but in terms of vitamin and mineral content they are in most cases exactly the same!
- Pack in the veg
If you are making a meal for your family such as curry, lasagne, pasta, or stir-fry add all the vegetables you have available. Vegetables such as mushrooms, aubergine, courgette, onions, peppers, and carrot really does go with most meals. Why not even replace half of you meat for vegetables to reduce the cost of the meal?
- Use fruit and/or vegetables as a snack.
Using fruit and vegetables as a snack is a great way to get up to 5 portions. Examples may include carrot and cucumber sticks with hummus, a chopped up apple or orange, a handful of grapes, or even a fresh fruit salad.
For more tips- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzB3pB4DBbk
But what counts as your 5 a day- watch this video to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-uX6N4RZjg
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