The Surprising Foods That Contribute to Your 5-A-Day – Including Pizza
New survey data reveals that a staggering three out of four Britons are failing to meet the recommended five-a-day target for fruit and vegetable consumption. Even more shocking is the fact that one in five individuals have not managed to reach this goal even once within the last year.
The advice to consume five portions of fruits and vegetables daily has been promoted since the 1990s. However, a surprising 95% of Britons are unaware that something as indulgent as pizza can count as one of their recommended portions. In addition, six out of ten people are oblivious to the fact that beans on toast can be included in their daily intake.
These findings were uncovered in a recent poll conducted by the recipe box company, Gousto. The results suggest that a lack of understanding regarding what qualifies as a portion and how much should be consumed is a significant factor contributing to individuals’ failure to meet the target. Alongside this, the cost of food is also cited as a barrier.
The survey revealed that three out of four Brits fail to meet the five-a-day target, with many admitting a preference for carbohydrate-heavy foods like chips, potatoes, and pasta, which often replace the consumption of vegetables.
Remarkably, only one in twenty respondents were aware that even just the basic sauce topping on a pizza could count as a portion towards their daily intake. Furthermore, six out of ten individuals did not think that baked beans were eligible, even though they can be included.
The research also highlighted common misconceptions, as one in four people wrongly believed that nuts could be counted as a portion. Additionally, 37% mistakenly considered potatoes to be a qualifying food.
The survey found that 22% of individuals admitted to not meeting their five-a-day goal on any given day within the past year. Furthermore, 56% were unaware that sweet potatoes could be included as one of their portions.
The main reasons cited for the failure to meet the daily recommendation were cost, which was mentioned by 36% of respondents, and confusion regarding what counts towards the target. Astonishingly, one in three individuals were unsure of which foods qualified, while four out of five were uncertain about the portion size required.
Disturbingly, 48% of survey participants confessed to not meeting the recommended amount even once in the past month.
According to nutritionist Ellie Bain, increasing vegetable consumption is not as simple as it may seem. Different colors of fruits and vegetables offer varying health benefits due to their unique fiber, antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral content.
While indulging in pizza or fry-ups occasionally can contribute to fulfilling a portion, relying on these foods regularly may not be a successful long-term strategy for managing weight. Interestingly, just over half of those who do manage to consume their five-a-day reported feeling healthier as a result.
The five-a-day target was initially introduced in the US in 1990 and in the UK in 2003. There is ample evidence supporting the health benefits of increased fruit and vegetable consumption. In recent years, many scientists have argued that the guidance should be raised to seven or even ten portions per day.
What Should a Balanced Diet Look Like?
To achieve a balanced diet, the NHS recommends the following:
1. Base meals on starchy carbohydrates, such as potatoes, bread, rice, or pasta, preferably wholegrain.
2. Consume at least five portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables daily, including fresh, frozen, dried, and canned options.
3. Aim for 30 grams of fiber per day, which can be achieved by consuming five portions of fruits and vegetables, two whole-wheat cereal biscuits, two thick slices of wholemeal bread, and a large baked potato with the skin on.
4. Include dairy or dairy alternatives (like soya drinks) in your diet, opting for lower-fat and lower-sugar options.
5. Incorporate beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat, and other proteins into your meals. Aim for two portions of fish weekly, with one of them being an oily fish.
6. Choose unsaturated oils and spreads in moderation.
7. Stay hydrated by drinking six to eight cups/glasses of water daily.
8. Limit daily salt intake to less than 6g and saturated fat intake to 20g for women or 30g for men.
Source: NHS Eatwell Guide
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