The department of health recommends we should consume at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. But What does this actually mean? How much does this equate to in portion size?
Five portions of fruit and vegetables a day roughly equates to 400g (14oz) of edible vegetables. Ideally we should eat different kinds of fruit and vegetables as each type contains different nutritional qualities.
Items can be cooked but try not to add too much sugar and salt, raw salad is a good accompaniment with every meal.
Fruit juices are good and can count as a portion but you will not get the value of the fibre contained in fruit when juicing.
Dried fruit can count for one portion other fruits should be taken as part of your five portions of fruit and vegetables a day as it can be high in sugar and has no vitamin C. Similarly frozen or canned fruit and vegetables can be included in your five portions and will contain much the same nutritional value as fresh varieties.
Pulses including kidney beans, baked beans, lentils and soya beans can all be included and are both a good source of protein and starchy carbohydrates.
Portion Guideline for five portions of fruit and vegetables a day
| Food | Portion Size | Example |
| Very Large Fruits | One 100g slice | Melon, Pineapple |
| Large Fruits | One, edible 100g after peeling | Orange, Apple, Banana |
| Medium Fruits | 2 fruits/ 100g | 2 satsumas, 2 plums |
| Fresh Berries and Cherries | 100g or 1 cup | raspberries, cherries, red currants, Strawberries |
| Cooked Fruit | 90g | Stewed apples or plums |
| Fruit/Vegetable Juice | 100ml | Orange, Apple, Carrot |
| Green Vegetables | 90g cooked weight | cabbage, broccoli, sprouts |
| Root Vegetables | 80g cooked weight | suede, potato |
| Small Vegetables | 70g cooked weight | Peas, Sweetcorn |
| Other Vegetables | 100g cooked weight | Onions, peppers, aubergine, tomato |
| Pulses | 80g cooked weight | Baked Beans, Kidney Beans |
| Salad | Large Bowl Full | Lettuce, cucumber, |
