Freshen up NZ!

Just a third of New Zealanders are eating the recommended serving of fruit and vegetables each day with Aucklanders revealed as the worst offenders, a new survey shows.

The findings were part of a recent 5+ A Day survey of 706 people around the country. It found that although 51 per cent of us say we feel very confident preparing fresh fruit and vegetables, only 36 per cent are eating enough of them, with just 32 per cent of Aucklanders making the grade.

The survey also found only 27 per cent of men eat five or more servings of fresh produce a day, compared with 41 per cent of women. And while two to three different types of vegetables at dinner is common for 65 per cent of the population, an impressive five or more are served up for 14 per cent of Kiwis.

In a bid to get more fruit and vegetables onto everyone’s plates, 5+ A Day has launched a month long Challenge in February, encouraging Kiwis to add one extra serving of fruit and vegetables to their diet for improved health and wellbeing. 5+ A Day nutritionist, Brownwen Anderson, says such a simple thing can have a big impact on health. “Just adding one serving, which is about a handful, is not a big ask.”

For tips and ideas visit www.5aday.co.nz