All fresh (and frozen) fruit and vegetables are five stars!
Did you know?
Australian shoppers’ number one food priority is to eat more fresh fruit and vegetablesMum was right – We all need to eat our greens
We all need more fresh and healthy foods to be at our best every day.
Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables provide our bodies with essential nutrients, like vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. All fresh fruits and vegetables are 5 stars according to the Health Star Rating system. Frozen fruit and vegetables too! Go for 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables every day, and choose a variety of colours.
What is a serve?
Fruit
Aim for 2 serves fruit per day
Vegetables
Aim for 5 serves of vegetables per day
Images courtesy of Livelighter
Canned and frozen varieties are nutritious, convenient and often cheaper than fresh produce.
Did you know beans, pulses and lentils count towards your vegetable serves.
Give vegetables the share of the plate.
Variety is key – Eat the rainbow
A great way to think about variety in fruit and vegetables is to think about colour. Eat all the colours of the rainbow to give your body the right mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for good health.
Top tips to eat more fruit and vegetables, every day
- Bulk out dishes with canned lentils and beans
Add to spag bol, soups, stews and burritos - Beat the snack attack
Bring fruit with you when you go out so you have a snack ready to go when hunger strikes - Munch on veggie sticks and hummus as a snack
- Give salad and vegetables the share of the plate
Fill up at least half your plate with salad or vegetables - Sneak in fruit and veg
Add grated carrot and zucchini into casseroles. Add grated or pureed pear or apple to muffin and cake mixtures - Cook up a batch of vegetable soup
It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables at the end of the week - Go for fruit desserts
For a healthy dessert, try yoghurt, fruit and muesli cups - Try meat-free Mondays
Get a chance to improve your veggie cooking skills by going meat free once a week
Information adapted from Livelighter.
*Reach for the Stars is a Latrobe Health Innovation Zone initiative with funding provided by Latrobe Health Assembly and the Victorian Government.
