In this fast paced world that we live in, squeezing in five portions of different fruit and vegetables every day can seem impossible. Cosmopolitan.com spoke to registered dietician, Ro Huntriss, about the surprising sources of fruit and vegetables that can count towards your 5-a-day winter diet.
Baked beans (How much? Half a 400g can)
Beans are a double whammy of health; not only do they contain tomato sauce, they’re made from haricot beans, and pulses like this count as one of your 5-a-day.
Olives (How much? 80g (or around 30 olives))
Olives are a fun and healthy way to work in the 5-a-day diet this winter. They are a great source of vitamin E and a reasonable dose of fibre, said cosmopolitan.com
Mushrooms (How much? 80 grams when fresh)
“Fresh and dried mushrooms are a great way to eat more veg – why not chop them into your bolognese or have them as a side to your scrambled eggs?” She adds that mushrooms are especially great in the winter months as they help to regulate your immune system.
Sweet Potatoes (How much? 80g or a medium-sized potato)
Huntriss mentioned that sweet potatoes have a lower starch content than their white counterparts and are a source of several nutrients, including vitamin A and C.
Raisins (How much? 1 heaped tablespoon)
Whether you sprinkle them in your cereal or mix them with a bowl of nuts for a tasty afternoon snack, raisins are a great way to sneak in a boost to your 5-a-day.
Onions (How much? 1 medium onion)
Not only are onions efficient as flavour enhancers, they’re low in calories and a great source of fibre and therefore count towards your 5-a-day.
Spaghetti hoops (How much? Half a 400g can)
“I love reminding people that spaghetti hoops count towards our 5-a-day, and it’s due to the tomato sauce,” says Huntriss.
“Spaghetti hoops are fortified with iron and vitamin D which makes them an even better choice.”
Compiled by Abigail Visagie.
Source from: Cosmopolitan.com
