The Importance of Fruit and Veg

Question 1

What is the importance of including fruit and vegetables in the diet?

Answer 1

Vitamin C (citrus fruits/strawberries/kiwis/peppers)
Add variety (colour, flavour, texture)
Low in fat and calories (not avacado)
Vitamins A, C and E help protect against illnesses such as cancer and heart disease
Good source of dietry fibre.

Question 2

How can teenagers be encouraged to include fruit and vegetables in their diet?

Answer 2

Include in meals and part of lunch boxes
Present them in a creative and appetising way
‘Hiding’ fruit and veg in dishes e.g. onions, peppers and sweetcorn on pizza
Making smoothies for breakfast instead of chocolate based cereals
Vegetable soups, sauces and purees
Substitute soft drinks for juices
Adding dried fruit to cookies, cakes and pancakes
Only allow fruit/veg as snacks between meals.