THERE HAS been a 20 per cent increase in the numbers of people claiming to eat five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day, according to a survey commissioned by Bord Bia, the Irish food board.
Some 45 per cent of consumers said they ate five or more portions a day. When asked the same question in 2006, 25 per cent of people said they ate five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Some 70 per cent of people surveyed knew the recommended intake of fruit and vegetables was five portions or more a day. This was a 20 per cent increase on the previous survey.
The research findings were released by Bord Bia to coincide with the back to school period. The survey involved some 800 people, aged over 18. All adults in the research increased their average number of servings of fruit and vegetables from 3.2 portions per day in 2006 to 3.9 portions per day in 2010. Bord Bia’s horticulture manager Mike Neary said research was finding that Irish people were becoming more mindful of diet.
Nutritionist Paula Mee encouraged parents to include a mixture of fruit and vegetables in their children’s lunchboxes.
She said parents should buy small, sweet apple varieties, but alternate with other fruit to keep it interesting. Mixed fruit and berries could be sent to school in small, sealable tubs or pots. Also popular with children were carrot sticks with dip, celery, peppers, sugar snap peas or mangetout and cherry tomatoes.
“A warm vegetable soup drink is great in colder months, and you can use just about any combination of vegetables.”
See bestinseason.ie for other healthy lunch ideas
