is it 5 portions of fruit and veg every day or 5 different types?

Answer 1

It has to be 5 different types...

Baked beans and fruit juice also count towards your 5 a day so it doesn't have to be actual fruit or veg ;)

Fresh, frozen, chilled, canned, 100% juice and smoothies all count, as do dried fruit and vegetables

Fruit and vegetables don't have to be eaten on their own to count. You can also include any vegetables found in soups, stews, sandwiches and other dishes

Fruit and vegetables contained in convenience foods like ready meals, pasta sauces, soups and puddings, also contribute to your 5 A DAY. However, these ready-made foods can be high in salt, sugar and fat, which should only ever be eaten in moderation, so it's important to check the nutrition information on the labels and packaging

Dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals do not count towards 5 A DAY. This is because many dietary supplements don't have the same nutritional benefits as fruit and vegetables

Potatoes and other related vegetables such as yams and cassava do not count. This is because they are classified as starchy foods

Answer 2

Yes, you could have 5 portion of the same veg or fruit and still be your 5 a day, but it isn't advisable. It'll still be better than not having any or less than 4, but it would be better if they were all completely different, and some veg and some fruit.

If you find it hard, I found that the easiest way to do it is have 1 piece of fruit at midmorning, 1 portion of veg (cooked or salad) plus 1 piece of fruit at lunch, and the same at dinner time.

A tip: Potatoes don't count as veg for your 5 a day.

Answer 3

If you look at what is a portion, you will quickly realize that in many cases what you have already been eating or drinking is 2 portions. A portion of orange juice is half of what I commonly drink when I have orange juice. Similarly a salad can easily be 2 portions. 1/2 a cup of vegetables may be less than you want to eat. As long as you don't eat only one category of vegies all the time - mixing between dark greens, yellow veg, citrus fruits, and other kinds, etc. over the days of the week, you are going to be fine.

Answer 4

It should really be 5 different types to get a variety of nutrients.

Fruit juce can only count for a maximum of 1 portion per day however much you drink

I read somewhere that you should ideally pick fruit and vegetables of different colours as a basic guide, different coloured fruit and veg have different nutrients. So some green salad, red grapes, tangerines, tomatoes, blueberries for example

Answer 5

5 portions a day

Answer 6

5 different types

Answer 7

5 servings. A combo of fruits and veggies. 1/2 cup cooked veggies or a medium piece of fruit = 1 serving.

Answer 8

5 portions of any fruit will do.

Answer 9

5 servings usually, I have mine as 5 bottles of cider (only joking). Real fruit juice counts though.

Answer 10

5-servings not types.