Eight surprisingly easy ways to get your five fruit and veg a day, from beans on toast to crisps and PIZZA
An “alarming” report by Diabetes UK reveals the vast majority of Brits are not getting their five-a-day
ONE in four adults in some parts of England admit eating no fruit or vegetables on an average day.
An “alarming” report by Diabetes UK reveals the vast majority of Brits are not getting their five-a-day, with experts warning our salad-dodging ways are fuelling illnesses. But rather than chowing down on endless sticks of celery, there are tasty ways to sneak these vitamin-laden foods in your diet.
Here, we round up eight surprisingly easy meals and snacks to help boost your fruit and veg count.
1. PIZZA
Swap your Saturday night pepperoni pizza and for a margarita topped with loads of vegetables.
Two spears of broccoli, three heaped tablespoons of sweetcorn and seven cherry tomatoes equals three portions.
2. STIR FRY
A stir fry is an easy and cheap way to pack your diet with vegetables.
Alongside the usual baby corn and snap peas, add in four heaped tablespoons of cooked spinach and three heaped tablespoons of cooked carrots to boost your five-a-day by two.
3. CHIPS
A plate of deep fat fried chips might not seem like the healthiest option, but a helping of sweet potatoes fries counts towards your five-a-day, according to the .
This is because they are “usually eaten in addition to the starchy food part of the meal.”
4. CRISPS
A packet of Monster Munch is unfortunately not going to contribute towards your five-a-day.
However, snacking on air dried fruit and vegetables will.
Most local supermarkets have jumped on board the veg crisp trend, and sell a variety of flavours including sweet potato, beetroot and apple.
5. OMELETTE
As well as a handful of cheese, cram your omelette with delicious vegetables to boost your five-a-day.
Three heaped tablespoons of mushrooms, peas or cauliflower will boost your daily total.
6. HUMMUS
Swap your mid-morning chocolate bar for a pot of hummus.
Service it with a plate of chopped carrots, cucumber or peppers to increase your veg intake.
7. BEANS ON TOAST
It’s a much-loved national dish – and it’s good for you.
An 80g portion, or three heaped tablespoons of cooked beans, counts as one of your five a day.
8. SMOOTHIES
Seven strawberries, 14 cherries, one apple, half a grapefruit or one banana all equal one of your five-a-day.
Blending a couple of your favourite fruits into a breakfast smoothie will boost your vitamin intake, but be mindful of the sugar.