We generally all have the best of intentions to eat a balanced diet. But I’ll be the first to state that getting my 2 serves of fruit, and 5 serves of vegetables into my diet each day can prove problematic! It’s made even worse when I hear news that Potato is longer even classified as a vegetable! A serving of Mash Potato always seemed to be the easiest way…

The reality, is that most people don’t even come close to getting their 2 fruit and 5 veg each day. But, Move Physiotherapy have compiled some recommendations to help you get there:

1. Ditch the Lolly Jar: Try and keep a bowl of mixed fruit in the middle of the kitchen table instead. Better yet, if you have servings of chopped fruit in a container in the fridge- it becomes a convenient and nutritious snack throughout the day.

2. Make Smoothies: This is my easiest way to get my fruit servings in throughout the day. Banana, berries and mango is the flavour of the month at the moment! Mixed with a bit of milk and yogurt – it’s delicious. And, it covers my 2 servings of fruit required each day.

3. Have a Morning Apple: Did you know that an apple is more effective at waking you up in the morning compared to a coffee. I’m not saying to ditch the coffee. But, perhaps, add an apple in at the same time!

4. Vegetables and Dip: Look, it’s not exciting. But, cut up some carrot or celery sticks into fine chunks. Dunk them in your favourite dip. I’m sure you could easily manage a serve or two of vegetables here.

5. Try and add vegetables to every meal: Put some vegetables in your morning smoothie. Cut up some carrot pieces for your lunchtime snack. Take the burden off your evening meal to provide your 5 servings of vegetables each day.

6. Add vegetables to your lunch time sandwich: Bolster your sandwich with some easy sandwich additions such as avocado, tomato, spinach and leafy greens.