If you need 5 fruits and vegetables a day are you saying you need 5 fruits and 5 vegetables? Or just 5 total?

Question

I know this is a dumb question, but if all the health agencies are saying you need 5 fruits and vegetables a day to keep yourself healthy, are we saying 5 fruits and 5 vegetables per day or just 5 fruits OR vegetables? (e.g 3 vegetables and 2 fruits). Do you know a website that has a good breakdown of what consists of a serving of fruit and vegetables? For example, if I were to eat lettuce, I know I am not expected to eat a whole head of lettuce to get one serving . . .

Answer 1

You need a total of 5 servings of fruit and vegetables, not 5 of each.
A serving size of fruit would be, for example, one piece of fresh fruit (pear, peach, orange), or half a grapefruit, or a half cup of canned or cut up fresh fruit.
A serving of vegetables would be, for example, a half cup of cooked vegetables or a bowl consisting of salad greens with some tomatoes or raw zucchini, and raw cauliflower.
Starchy veges would be a small potato, or a half cup mashed.
Carrots are semi-starchy, so it would be a similar amount.
These are only examples. You can choose whatever you like.
The idea is to cover all of your vitamins. Citrus for C, dark green leafy veges and dark yellow (carrots, turnip greens) for A, potatoes and just about everything else for B.
Try some new things. Don't overcook. Bright color means they're done. Try some things raw in a salad that you have only been eating cooked, cauliflower, broccoli.
Try some on a sandwich that you have never had that way before, zucchini sliced long ways.

Answer 2

Your question is by no means dumb and I applaud you for taking an active role in your health. Many people are confused by the new dietary guidelinesand what constitutes a "serrving" While the minimum number of Fruits and Veggies recommended is 3 servings of fruits and 3 servings of veggies. This, however is based upon a total daily caloric intake of 1400 Calories a day. Total recommended fruit and veggie servings will vary based on your total daily caloric intake. This is to ensure a well rounded diet.
"Servings" size is generally dictated by caloric content. As a rule, 1 c raw and 1/2 cup cooked veggies is considered 1 serving. For Lettuce, because of the low caloric content, 4C is a serving.
If you are eating frozen or canned veggies, check the nutrition information, generally a veggie serving is 25-30 calories.

Answer 3

It is 5 fruits plus 5 vegetables, totaling 10.

Answer 4

Its nothing wrong in having only 5 fruits and 5 vegetables a day! this is my diet for more than 3 years.

Answer 5

Fruits and Vegetables is considered one category. So five servings of that could technically be mixed and matched any way you like. But for optimal health, eat more, especially more vegetables since fruits are high in sugar and one or two fruits is more than enough. Whole fruit is healthier than fruit juice...
I'm sure I'm going on a bit here since I've already answered your question.. . but I am so excited to be answering a featured question.....
anyway...
Happy Eating!!!!!

Answer 6

Hi, any 5 fruit and veg is fine, if you only like 1 fruit and 1 veg that is ok as long as your portion works at 5. If 1 apple = 1 portion, then 5 would be 5, etc.... As long as you are eating healthy and getting enough fibre and drinking plenty of water (8 glasses is recommended) you should be on a winner.

Answer 7

Actually, it is now recommended that you eat five to nine each day. Preferably a mix of both. The average serving of fruits and veggies is one half cup, and for optimal health you should look for darkly colored ones, such as carrots, spinach, strawberries, dark leafy lettuce and sweet potatoes. The darker and/or brighter the color, the more nutrients is contained. Balance all these out with whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy, go easy on the fats and sweets and you will soon feel like a kid again!

Answer 8

5 total, but I think it's more like 7-8 servings a day. A serving isn't equal to one fruit though - 1 banana is actually 2 servings, 1/4 cup a berries is one serving, you can also get some of your servings from certain juices.

Answer 9

thats 5 servings of combined fruits and vegetables each day. remember also you need servings from all 4 or 5 food groups for a healthy diet.

Answer 10

You need a lot,,, that's what they are trying to say.. If you get 6 or 4, that's not really the point.. you need a lot every day.. but to answer your question you need a total of 5, but in actuality, you need more than that.. So get in the habit of snacking on fruits and veggies.. eat baby peeled raw carrots the way most people eat potato chips.. eat raw broccoli, and apples and drink fresh lemon and lime juice (make it into lemon or lime aid, with a little sugar and water,).. Just change the way you eat, and eat less fat, and don't smoke and drink little or no alcohol, and get lots of sleep, and try to laugh often. .Ok?