What's our excuse?

We all know about getting 5 A Day and what counts as a portion has been drummed in too. However, are we putting this into practice on our plates? It would seem not. A review recently published by the European Food Information Council on consumption of fruit and veg in 19 European countries, leaves the UK tailing behind in 15th place - on average we have 258g of fruit and veg daily. Only 4 countries - Poland, Italy, Germany and Austria - managed to achieve the recommended 400g daily.

The review suggests a number of factors that influence fruit and veg intake based on previous studies. Higher intakes tend to be seen:

• in women
• when men are married
• in children whose parents eat more fruit and veg and they eat meals as a family
• in children offered a greater variety of foods and who are repeatedly offered fruit and veg, even if they have previously rejected it
• with increasing age in adults
• when income is higher
• in people educated to a higher level
• when nutritional knowledge is higher, but also in terms of knowing how to prepare and use fruit and veg in meals

Although we don't have much control over a number of the factors listed above, increasing awareness can potentially have an impact. With the big 5 A Day drive, there is plenty in place to encourage increased consumption - not just why you should eat more, but how you can incorporate more fruit and veg into meals. Parents who are perhaps struggling with feeding their children can receive valuable advice and support from health visitors, Sure Start and other local schemes aimed at those with young children.


What other things might be getting in the way of our fruit and veg intake and how might we be able to change them?

• Lack of time - we're all so busy, but that's no excuse to let healthy eating slip. Planning your meals for the week will help ensure that you can make a list to buy all the items you'll need. When you're in a hurry tinned and frozen fruit and veg, as well as fruit juice and dried fruit are a good option. Making up batches of meals packed with veg to freeze in portions also makes sense so that you have something nutritious to reheat when you perhaps don't feel like cooking.
• Limited availability for some - anyone relying on a corner shop will likely find there is little choice when it comes to fruit and veg. If you can't get to a supermarket, are there any local markets or greengrocers that are more accessible? Might you be able to share a lift to the shops with someone or get them to bring you your fruit and veg? Some areas also have fruit and veg schemes to widen access to all.
• We think we're eating better than we are - we therefore see no need to increase our fruit and veg intake. Reinforcing the messages and encouraging us to honestly reassess what we are eating may help.

There are no doubt many more reasons why individuals struggle to eat sufficient fruit and veg. With the evidence that higher intakes are associated with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain cancers, eating more of our greens is as important as ever. Whilst campaigns and schemes to help us along our way are useful, they can only take us so far, ultimately it's our responsibility.