Five portions of fruit or vegetables a day is now the accepted wisdom and many people have changed their eating habits to be able to meet this goal.
Most fruits and vegetables are low in fat and are a good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. It is important to eat a variety of fruit and vegetables as not all the vitamin and mineral requirements can come from one type.
A portion of fruit or vegetables can be a small glass of fruit juice, an apple, a tablespoonful of raisins or a large bowl of salad to name a few examples.
- Potatoes don't count towards the "5 a day" as they have a much higher carbohydrate content than most other vegetables.
- Potatoes are still a good source of fibre and carbohydrate so should definitely form part of a healthy diet.
Fruit shouldn't be covered with sugar, cream or ice cream and the vegetables shouldn't be smothered in butter or other oils!