How much fruit and veg should I be eating?

Most people know that we should be eating more fruit and veg, but most of us aren't eating enough. We should all be eating at least five portions of fruit and veg every day. Fruit and veg should make up about a third of the food you eat each day. And it's also important to eat a variety. 'Five-a-day' is a good, achievable target.

What counts as a portion?

One portion = 80g which is approximately 1 apple, banana, pear, orange or other similar sized fruit; 2 plums or similar sized fruit; 1/2 a grapefruit or avocado, 3 heaped tablespoons of vegetables; 1 handful of grapes, cherries or berries; 1 slice of large fruit such as melon or pineapple; a glass (150ml) of fruit juice (however much you drink, fruit juice counts as a maximum of one portion a day).

What counts as a portion at McDonald’s?

• Fruitizz
• Tropicana Orange Juice
• Fruit Bags
• Garden Side Salad
• Main Salad (counts as 2 portions)
• Carrot sticks

Fruitizz

Fruitizz is a revolutionary new drink that provides one of your 5-a-day. It’s made with 60% fruit juice and sparkling water - with no added sugar, no artificial colours and no artificial flavours. It contains only naturally occurring sugars and no sweeteners. As with all other fruit juices, however much you drink, Fruitizz only counts as a maximum of one portion of fruit a day.

Getting your five portions a day?

If you eat one or two portions with every meal and have the occasional fruit snack you might be surprised at how easy it is to eat five-a-day. At breakfast you could add a handful of dried fruit to your cereal or drink a glass of fruit juice; at lunch you could eat a bowl of salad; at your evening meal you could add vegetables to a stir fry. And when you fancy a snack, reach for an apple or some dried fruit.

When visiting McDonald’s you could add a Fruit Bag or Tropicana Orange Juice to your Breakfast order. A Fruit Bag or Carrot Sticks make a great alternative to Fries in your kids Happy Meal; for no extra cost. At Lunch why not try a Garden Side Salad with your Extra Value Meal instead of Fries, or go for a Main Salad of your choice to get two portions of your 5 a Day. Fruitizz also makes a good alternative to your usual drink and counts as one of your 5 a day.

Why is it important to eat five a day?

Fruit and veg are good sources of many vitamins and minerals, yet most of us don't eat enough of them. There is mounting evidence that people who eat lots of fruit and veg are less likely to develop chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and some cancers. And don't forget, fruit and veg are also very low in fat.

Fruit juice helps contribute to a well-balanced diet and is a convenient way for adults and children to help reach the recommended number of daily servings of fruits and vegetables.