Healthy Eating
Eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables has many health benefits. It:
- Reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
- Protects against many cancers.
- Provides a great source of energy and nutrition.
- Protects against asthma.
- Keeps skin, teeth and hair healthy.
However, the UK has one of the lowest fruit and vegetable intakes in Europe, particularly among children.
Many of our attitudes to health and the influences on our lives are set in childhood and research suggests that food consumption patterns are established early in life. It is clearly important then, that any attempts to produce long-term improvements in the nation’s diet should start with children.
Did you know?
- People should eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
- A 200ml glass of pure fruit juice is equal to one portion of fruit.
- Fresh fruit and vegetables are most nutritious when eaten within 3-4 days of purchase.
- Tinned fruit and frozen vegetables are also nutritious.
- Buying fresh fruit and vegetables loose is often cheaper than buying them pre-packed.
Reaching the 5-A-Day Goal
- Try raisins or slices of banana on your breakfast cereal.
- Why not give your child raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery and cucumber as a tasty after-school snack.
- Cooked carrot and swede taste great mixed in with mashed potatoes.
- Add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, courgette, sweetcorn and peppers, to pizzas and pasta.
- Fruits such as bananas, oranges, mango and grapes, in a little fruit juice make a delicious fruit salad.
Food Dude tips for parents
- Eat fruit and vegetables yourself in order to set a good example to your child.
- Try new fruits and vegetables – variety is good for health.
- Make fruit and vegetables available for your child and stay positive.
- Give praise and encouragement every time your child eats fruit and vegetables.
- Remember, never offer sweet foods as ‘rewards’ for eating fruit and vegetables.
- Children often copy their friends and say they don’t like certain fruits and vegetables. The Food Dude Healthy Eating Programme helps children to learn to like these foods.
See our Related Links page for more information on healthy eating and recipe ideas.