1-2-3 approach to eat fruits, veggies (2024)

FAQs

Is it enough to eat three portions of fruit and vegetables every day? ›

It's important that you eat enough of them. Evidence shows there are significant health benefits to getting at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. That's 5 portions of fruit and veg in total, not 5 portions of each.

The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans* advise incorporating more fruits and vegetables into U.S. residents' diets as part of healthy dietary patterns. Adults should consume 1.5–2 cup-equivalents of fruits and 2–3 cup-equivalents of vegetables daily.

Mix berries and chopped fruits into batter for pancakes, muffins and waffles. Top your cereal, oatmeal or yogurt with fruit, such as berries, peaches, apples or bananas. Add vegetables, such as peppers, onions and spinach, to omelets, hash browns or breakfast potatoes. Bring a piece of fruit for an on-the-go breakfast.

Medium fresh fruit

A portion is 1 piece of fruit, such as 1 apple, banana, pear, orange or nectarine.

While there's no blanket rule, sticking to one to two bananas per day shouldn't cause issues for most people. With that said, remember that they are relatively high in carbohydrates, so eating them along with protein or fat is also advisable to support stable energy levels.

When eaten as part of a meal, potatoes are generally used in place of other sources of starch, such as bread, pasta or rice. Because of this, they don't count towards your 5 A Day. Other vegetables that don't count towards your 5 A Day are yams, cassava and plantain.

Although sliced cucumber, tomato or lettuce in a sandwich can contribute towards your 5-a-day, it's unlikely that there will be 80g of vegetables in your salad, which is how much you need for it to count as one portion of vegetables.

How many blueberries a day? Blueberries are something that can be enjoyed every day, and two handfuls of blueberries, which is the equivalent of 4 heaped teaspoons, counts towards one of your five-a-day portions. Research has found that eating a cup of blueberries a day reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

"Onions form the base of many dishes, so you may forget that they can actually count towards your 5-a-day," points out dietitian Ro. So onions do count as a vegetable, and not just a flavour enhancer. Plus, they're low in calories and a source of fibre.

Blueberries take the title of healthiest fruit. Blueberries' stunning hue comes from their anthocyanins — an antioxidant believed to be responsible for their numerous health benefits. Long-term studies suggest that including blueberries in your regular lineup may lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Is avocado a fruit or vegetable? ›

Fruit or vegetable? Avocado is a fruit. More specifically, botanists define it as a large berry with a single seed.

1) Make the main dish a salad. Use dark leafy greens, edamame, chickpeas, cannellini beans, and seeds. Add anything else that makes your diet satisfying. 2) Have a large supply of frozen vegetables and fruits in the freezer, organic if possible, to use as side dishes, main dishes, smoothies and stir-fry's.

Add fruit to plain fat-free/low-fat yogurt or fat-free/low-fat cottage cheese such as berries, sliced cherries or pineapple. Add fruit to oatmeal, such as sliced peaches, apples or pears. Eat whole fruits. However, if you drink fruit or vegetable juice, keep your serving to ½ cup, and be sure it's labeled 100%.

As fruit and vegetables are packed full of fibre, when you reduce this long term in your diet your body is not removing any toxins, regulation of your blood sugar levels and appetite will be compromised and eventually your immune system will not be unable to defend your body from any harmful bacteria.

Everyone should have at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day.