Fewer than half of us are getting our 5-a-day fruit and veg
Just 44% consume recommended amounts of fruit and veg, but numbers up over past decade
LESS than half of people eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, a Department of Health survey has revealed.
The department’s ‘Health Survey NI: First Results 2019/20’ revealed that only 44% of respondents said they eat the required fruit and veg. However, this is a jump from 32% in 2010/11.
Within the survey of 4,085 people, it was also revealed that the number of people smoking continues to decrease, while 17% of drinkers take more than the recommended weekly limits for alcohol.
Vital Nutrition’s Jane McClenaghan said it was great to see things “go in the right direction” but encouraged everyone to improve their diet and nutrition as that will positively impact your mental health and wellbeing.
The health survey stated that 71% of respondents described their health as being good or very good, but 30% reported having a long-standing physical or mental condition that reduces their ability to carry out day-to-day activities.
Meanwhile, the number of smokers has dropped from 24% in 2010/11 to 17%, while 6% reported that they use electronic cigarettes.
“You used to see smokers everywhere and I’m not surprised to see the numbers coming down because it’s becoming harder to see people smoking,” continued Belfast nutritional therapist Ms Mcclenaghan.
“We know what a massive risk factor that is for our short-term health and our long-term health.”
Reflecting on the intake of fruit and vegetables into our diets, Ms Mcclenaghan said she tries to get people “excited” about food. She added that it’s important to educate the public on how they can get their five a day.
“We need to start at breakfast time because there’s no point thinking about it at tea time as you’ll never get your five a day in,” explained Ms Mcclenaghan.
“Do things like putting berries into your porridge or having something like peanut butter and banana on toast at breakfast.
“If you’re having eggs, have some spinach with that or a few cherry tomatoes so you’re really thinking about it from breakfast.
“At lunchtime, think outside the lunchbox so it’s not just a sandwich. Have a bowl of soup with your sandwich.
“If you’re working from home, even things like your leftovers make a really good lunch or do an omelette so you’re using up the vegetables and you’re not throwing stuff out.
“Frozen fruit and veg is really economical because you just use what you need and you don’t throw half the stuff out.”
Around t hree- quarters of adults aged 18 and over drink alcohol the survey also found — 80% of males and 73% of females.
However, 17% drink above the recommended weekly limits, with males around three times as more likely to do so. A fifth of male drinkers (19%) drank three or more days per week compared with 10% of females.
Ms Mcclenaghan explained that cardiovascular risk is extremely high in Northern Ireland and encouraged everyone to keep an eye on their alcohol intake.
“You can get really good alcohol-free beer now and lower alcohol wines,” she said. “It’s about making better and more informed choices but because we are at home a lot more, the measures that people pour themselves will be different than when they’re in the pub.
“Some people might be drinking more over lockdown which could be an issue as well.
“If you’re using alcohol to deal with stress, look at other things to help as a stress relief.”
Ms Mcclenaghan encouraged the public to make some small changes to their diet and feel the benefit.