Never eat my 5 a day...
Lisamar74
Posts: 114
I always struggle to eat my 5 a day. I don't really like fruit and don't want to waste calories on something I don't enjoy and which really doesn't fill me (and which always pushes me over my sugar levels when I do have it). And I don't really like eating veg unless I have a sunday dinner type meal. Being veggie, I don't often have that type of meal as it doesn't excite me like it does a meat eater.
What I guess I'm trying to say is - are there any others out there like this and have you ever found it is doing you any harm? I am perfectly healthy, not overweight (although I used to be years ago when I was a meat eater - don't know why becoming veggie dropped my weight but it did), have a good BMI and most of you are probably saying well what the hell you on here for then?! I still think this is a useful tool to keep on the straight and narrow sometimes. I know they say fruit and veg is your fibre but I get fibre from wholegrains.
I always doubt research that says you should be eating this and shouldn't be eating that. Cos god knows, in ten years time, they'll likely turn round and change their minds. So I tend to plod on, not eating 5 a day. But every now and then, when I hear it mentioned, a little bit of guilt creeps my way.
I've tried to think of foods I might enjoy that aren't classed as your typical fruit and veg that would count as one of your five. Like olives, I like olives and they're classed as one. I think I read somewhere that nuts are classed as one?
And then I don't get why they say you can't have 2 portions of the same thing as that's then only classed as one and not two?
I had thought about getting a juicer to make a juice that would have 5 in it and therefore get it all done in one go but then I looked at the sugar and calorie content of natural juices and it's ridiculous.
Anyone get their 5 a day in a different kind of way or by eating anything unusual we wouldn't think was a fruit or veg?
What I guess I'm trying to say is - are there any others out there like this and have you ever found it is doing you any harm? I am perfectly healthy, not overweight (although I used to be years ago when I was a meat eater - don't know why becoming veggie dropped my weight but it did), have a good BMI and most of you are probably saying well what the hell you on here for then?! I still think this is a useful tool to keep on the straight and narrow sometimes. I know they say fruit and veg is your fibre but I get fibre from wholegrains.
I always doubt research that says you should be eating this and shouldn't be eating that. Cos god knows, in ten years time, they'll likely turn round and change their minds. So I tend to plod on, not eating 5 a day. But every now and then, when I hear it mentioned, a little bit of guilt creeps my way.
I've tried to think of foods I might enjoy that aren't classed as your typical fruit and veg that would count as one of your five. Like olives, I like olives and they're classed as one. I think I read somewhere that nuts are classed as one?
And then I don't get why they say you can't have 2 portions of the same thing as that's then only classed as one and not two?
I had thought about getting a juicer to make a juice that would have 5 in it and therefore get it all done in one go but then I looked at the sugar and calorie content of natural juices and it's ridiculous.
Anyone get their 5 a day in a different kind of way or by eating anything unusual we wouldn't think was a fruit or veg?
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Replies
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How can you be a "veggie" if you don't eat veg.What DO you eat?!!0
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http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/5ADAY/Pages/Whatcounts.aspx might help and has an enquiry email at the bottom.
5 a day is mainly about getting a range of micronutrients and chemicals that help your health - the sugar in fruit is no more helpful than the starch in a potato (which doesn't count in 5 a day) but it's the "other stuff" in the fruit that works. Berries are low sugar / calorie and in general eat things of different colours.
I am wondering what you do actually eat :-)0 -
How can you be a "veggie" if you don't eat veg.What DO you eat?!!
Potatoes, rice, pasta, cheese, meat substitutes etc.
I know plenty of 'junk food vegetarians'.
OP. Maybe make some chocolate beetroot brownies, add dried fruit to your cereal, some fruit juice. Baked beans are 1 of your 5 a day as is tinned spaghetti in tomato sauce weirdly.0 -
How can you be a "veggie" if you don't eat veg.What DO you eat?!!
Veggie doesn't mean eating veg you know?! Actually, I am technically known as a pescetarian as I eat fish and no meat.0 -
For those asking what I eat, I eat alot of fish, eggs, pasta, quorn products, beans, nuts.0
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So...you're a vegetarian...who doesn't like fruits or vegetables? Whaaa....?
I don't mean to seem like a jerk, but I don't know how to get my head around that....0 -
How about making a smoothie with some fruits? Don't add any sweetener (honey, etc.) if you're afraid of the sugar. However, natural sugars in fruits are good for you, provided you don't overeat fruits and the fiber is a must for good colon health Do you eat yogurt? Add some fruit (peaches, berries) to plain, Greek yogurt. You said you like grains---make a salad with grains and add some tomatoes, cucumbers, mint, (You have tabouleh!). I make a black bean salad with onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and cilantro and add a little balsalmic vinagrette---lots of fiber in it which helps me feel full! Experiment! Good luck.0
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How about making a smoothie with some fruits? Don't add any sweetener (honey, etc.) if you're afraid of the sugar. However, natural sugars in fruits are good for you, provided you don't overeat fruits and the fiber is a must for good colon health Do you eat yogurt? Add some fruit (peaches, berries) to plain, Greek yogurt. You said you like grains---make a salad with grains and add some tomatoes, cucumbers, mint, (You have tabouleh!). I make a black bean salad with onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and cilantro and add a little balsalmic vinagrette---lots of fiber in it which helps me feel full! Experiment! Good luck.
Yes, a kind of bean salad is a good idea. That would be easy enough to eat as a snack. Thanks!0 -
So...you're a vegetarian...who doesn't like fruits or vegetables? Whaaa....?
I don't mean to seem like a jerk, but I don't know how to get my head around that....
There's lots of other food stuff besides fruit and veg - fish, eggs, cereal, yoghurt, quorn, pasta, rice. I'm not saying I don't ever touch fruit or veg! I will have the odd portion of peas with my fish pasta and I eat a spinach omelette every day (but the amount of spinach you have to eat to make it one whole portion is way too much to make an omelette with - in fact way too much for anyone to eat in one day).0 -
You could avoid the fruit sugars by making a vegetable juice/ smoothie instead - cucumber, spinach, kale etc are all very low in boths cals and sugars, but really good on the other nutrients (iron especially, can be trciky to get enough if you're a vegetarian)
Do you use onion and garlic when making a pasta sauce? Or tinned tomatoes in any recipes?
Beans, has already been mentioned as counting - that includes dips like humous, or dishes like falafel.0 -
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/5ADAY/Pages/Whatcounts.aspx might help and has an enquiry email at the bottom.
5 a day is mainly about getting a range of micronutrients and chemicals that help your health - the sugar in fruit is no more helpful than the starch in a potato (which doesn't count in 5 a day) but it's the "other stuff" in the fruit that works. Berries are low sugar / calorie and in general eat things of different colours.
I am wondering what you do actually eat :-)
This is so helpful, thanks!!!! I can see some stuff on here that I would enjoy!!!0 -
While you sound like you're fine now, there are health benefits to getting your 5 a day, so it would a good thing to crack.
I totally agree with you about fruit and especially fruit juice - however one of the changes I've made since joining MFP is to have some fruit in my diet, aiming for one serving (an apple or nectarine, grapes or cherries) a day although I don't always succeed! I'm just not in the habit of eating fruit and while I don't really dislike it I don't enjoy it enough to actively seek it out either!
Are there any veg that you do like? You say you eat them as part of a Sunday roast, so clearly you don't hate them, maybe you could just start incoporating them in your everyday diet?
Beans and lentils are good and count as one of your 5 a day.
I don't much like plain boiled veg - I put mine in casseroles, I roast them, and I have salads beased on pasta/rice/cous cous with a lot of veg added.
If I have a sandwich I add some tomato, cucumber or spinach to it.
And I love red cabbage cooked with lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, either hot or cold with beetroot added.
Try doing a meal planner for a week incorporating 5 a day, it might make you think of creative ways of reaching this target.0 -
So...you're a vegetarian...who doesn't like fruits or vegetables? Whaaa....?
I don't mean to seem like a jerk, but I don't know how to get my head around that....
There's lots of other food stuff besides fruit and veg - fish, eggs, cereal, yoghurt, quorn, pasta, rice. I'm not saying I don't ever touch fruit or veg! I will have the odd portion of peas with my fish pasta and I eat a spinach omelette every day (but the amount of spinach you have to eat to make it one whole portion is way too much to make an omelette with - in fact way too much for anyone to eat in one day).
Sorry....like I said, didn't mean to sound like a jerk...lol. I don't think I could ever be a vegeterian, but I admire the people who do it right, and for the right reasons.0 -
And you mentioned you eat eggs---maybe try some salsa on top of scrambled eggs? An online recipe website I really love is:
www.allrecipes.com Type in some foods you like to see ideas. People will review the recipe and add their own thoughts on how they changed it. It's good for ideas.0 -
How can you be a "veggie" if you don't eat veg.What DO you eat?!!
Veggie doesn't mean eating veg you know?! Actually, I am technically known as a pescetarian as I eat fish and no meat.
I'm a pescetarian 'junk' food eater as well. I eat a lot of bread, fish, rice, curries, and pasta. So yeah you're not alone. Am looking out for advice too. I'm looking into incorporating the odd vege/fruit smoothie to help make up for it. You can pack a lot of goodness in one smoothie, and can double as a light meal.0 -
While you sound like you're fine now, there are health benefits to getting your 5 a day, so it would a good thing to crack.
I totally agree with you about fruit and especially fruit juice - however one of the changes I've made since joining MFP is to have some fruit in my diet, aiming for one serving (an apple or nectarine, grapes or cherries) a day although I don't always succeed! I'm just not in the habit of eating fruit and while I don't really dislike it I don't enjoy it enough to actively seek it out either!
Are there any veg that you do like? You say you eat them as part of a Sunday roast, so clearly you don't hate them, maybe you could just start incoporating them in your everyday diet?
Beans and lentils are good and count as one of your 5 a day.
I don't much like plain boiled veg - I put mine in casseroles, I roast them, and I have salads beased on pasta/rice/cous cous with a lot of veg added.
If I have a sandwich I add some tomato, cucumber or spinach to it.
And I love red cabbage cooked with lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, either hot or cold with beetroot added.
Try doing a meal planner for a week incorporating 5 a day, it might make you think of creative ways of reaching this target.
Thanks! This is helpful, gives me some ideas. I do have sandwiches with tomatoes etc but I think what people don't realise is you need to eat more than what you'd generally put in a sandwich to make it one of your 5 a day. I eat spinach every day an omelette but the amount of spinach you're meant to have to make it one of your day is practically a full bag of it which surely no one wants to eat in one day?!
I think the way forward for me is by eating more casserole type dishes, as you've suggested. And I do prefer tinned fruit as to fresh fruit which I've just found still counts as one of your 5 so I'll give that a bash!0 -
Oh and how about making soup?
Yes I realise that portion size is an issue, but you dont have to have whole portions in one sitting - 10 half portions is the same as 5 full ones, and probably better for as there's more variety.
If you'd like to have a nose through my diary send me friend request, I'm not vegetarian but you might get some ideas0 -
You can have tomato as a side to a sandwich
like you said, you need a lot of tomato to make 1 a day,
I cut it in pieces (same for cucumber, or baby carrot) and have it as a side to my regular sandwich.
I medium tomato and half of cucumber should be around 3 of the 5 a day.
Also eat salads - 1 salad every day, can be simple, just lettuce, some olives and tomato,
and if you like spinach then maybe try cooked spinach - once cooked 100g grams is less then a handful
(I cook mine for 5 min, add some garlic and a bit of butter)0 -
My lunch is Sticky chilli quorn fillets, couscous and roasted Mediterranean veg, could you do something like that.
Vegetable curry, loads of veg, lentils and curry powder, easy peasy. Veggie chilli, stuff like that. You don't have to eat veg, boiled, on a plate, dress it up.0 -
Do you eat seafood, as well as fish? If you do, you can get some marinara mix and make a curry with that and lots of veggies - I like onion, carrot, tomato, pumpkin, and either frozen spinach or peas, beans are nice too. Get a small can of low-fat coconut milk or some powdered coconut milk - the fat is good for you anyway.0
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Since potatoes don't count, then no. 3 a day is better than the 0 a day was getting last year. :laugh:0
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Might be a good idea to try to pin point what it is that you don't like about fruits and vegetables, and try to work around that. For a lot of people, it seems to come down to texture. Specifically, not liking the crunch and texture of raw vegetables or fruits. Is it something like that? Or certain tastes? Or the acid in fruit?
I agree with previous suggestions that you can 'sneak' veggies into a lot of meals. Grated carrots, zucchinis, sweetcorn, tomatoes and onions into pasta sauce or veggie chilli. Roasting vegetables does wonders if you don't like the texture or raw taste. Soups are a great idea. Blend them up so that there is no chunkiness, just creamy goodness. Add a bit of lemon juice to make them super yummy.
Also, in my experience, people who don't like a particular thing haven't tried it in years. You might want to revisit a few things, just in case your taste buds have changed. Mine certainly have, I discovered a love for papaya a year ago after thinking it tasted like feet for five years.0 -
I love vegetables but 5 a day is hard. I prefer fresh, and they're expensive. I'm a really big fan of the Green Monster smoothie.
http://greenmonstermovement.com/
I also add protein powder.
Sometimes our tastes change or we've just never had foods cooked in the ways we'd prefer. I grew up thinking I hated spinach because my parents only ever served it canned, cold, covered with white vinegar. When I had fresh/frozen spinach that was cooked and seasoned, I realized that it was something I enjoyed eating.0 -
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/5ADAY/Pages/Whatcounts.aspx might help and has an enquiry email at the bottom.
5 a day is mainly about getting a range of micronutrients and chemicals that help your health - the sugar in fruit is no more helpful than the starch in a potato (which doesn't count in 5 a day) but it's the "other stuff" in the fruit that works. Berries are low sugar / calorie and in general eat things of different colours.
I am wondering what you do actually eat :-)
Potato counts if you eat the skin as well.0 -
The biggest change I've made recently is eating more veg. I always thought I was a healthy eater, but when I actually looked at it I realised that some days I didn't have any vegetables at all! I was quite shocked with myself.
Now I'm bringing a salad to work for lunch everyday, and I'm eating mainly veg at my evening meal.
Some of my favourites are:
- Roasted squash - peel, chop, spread on a baking tray with olive oil and spices, roast till caramelized
- Grilled Portobello mushrooms - place upside down on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, add lots of black pepper, cook under the grill. Add a poached egg and it's a whole meal.
- Avocado - recently I've started having avocado with anything and everything! Just chopped on the side of my plate.
- Sugarsnap peas and cherry tomatoes - buy a bag and just snack on them raw (better for you than popcorn!)
- Soup. You can make soup out of any veg you like - at this time of year I like thick spicy ones like parsnip or pumpkin.
- Cheesy mashed potato - make mash, melt grated cheese in, eat with big serving of peas. Best comfort food ever.
- Black bean salad - tin of black beans, chopped red bell pepper, chopped red onion, some frozen sweetcorn, lots of fresh coriander and lime juice to dress. Stir, let sit for a bit, ENJOY!
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I throw a big plate full of frozen, mixed veggies into the oven, covered, (toaster oven actually haha) and douse them in garlic powder, onion power, chilli powder, a little bit of olive oil, and depending on what I'm eating them with (alone/rice/noodles), other misc spices. No salt! After 30 minutes at 400 degrees they just taste like flavorful pieces of garlicy, oniony, spicy deliciousness, instead of frozen vegetables.
Also, just add stuff to your sandwiches. Add some sprouts and avocado, easy enough. Personally I'm not a huge fan of avocado, but I just eat it anyway.0 -
You've mentioned the portion size of spinach a couple of times - from my understanding it's 2 tablespoons of cooked, or a cup full of raw. Is that incorrect?0
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I am a vegetarian, but don't like many vegetables. I love fruit and eat a ton of that, but I don't like the taste of most vegetables. So I find things I do like - sweetcorn is ok, and I quite like squashes and sweet potatoes and sorrel, and eat them, and things which I don't actively like but I can cope with like courgettes, spinach, broccoli and cauliflower and beans, and have them in things like stir fry, or curry where you can't taste them much. Some days, though, the sheer thought of eating a vegetable makes me wretch. It varies from day to day.0
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'5 a day' is just some bullcrap government scheme to try to get people to eat more healthy foods. Trying to eat 5 fruit or veg can be quite expensive. As long as you incorporate fruit and veg into your diet on a regular basis, you're good.0
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I call the days where I don't eat enough veg as a vegetarian my 'dairytarian' days. The reason they want you to eat a variety of different veg is that different things have different micronutrients- vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, etc. I would suggest taking a multivitamin if you don't already to cover your bases.
The other posters have made some really good suggestions- salsa on eggs is great, beans are great but I tend to count most of them as starches rather than veg, baby carrots make a great snack, v8 I think is delicious- particularly spicy v8, you could ribbon zucchini in with your pasta, I like your olive idea, onion is easy to sneak in to a lot of food as its great flavor, and I know this isn't really what you're looking for, but frozen unseasoned stir fry mixes are great- you can stir fry the veg with soy or teriyaki sauce, ot whatever you like really, and get a variety of veg with no prep work and like 5 minutes of cooking. Green giant also makes these healthy colors steamers that are an easy side dish that you just pop the whole bag in the microwave for 5 or 6 minutes and are pretty low cal but very tasty. Aiming to get a good variety of color tends to mean that you get a good variety of nutrients, as many similar color veg have similar nutrients.
Eta: I just want to clarify- I wouldn't stress out too much about the 5 a day bit, just try to get some where you can, and mix it up with different veg, preferably some different colors. Eating 5 serving a day of broccoli wouldn't be 'bad' for you, but it won't help balance your nutrient profile much- broccoli just being an example.0
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