At Willowbrook Foods, we’re passionate about promoting the benefits of fresh food and eating healthily. The World Health Organisation continues to recommend that we should all aim to eat at least five portions of a wide variety of fruit and vegetables a day – just over a third of the food we eat each day. Here are five easy and enjoyable ways to make sure you’re incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your daily routine.
1. Smoothie Time
Smoothies are an easy way to get a variety of fruits and vegetables in one go. Start with your favourite juice or milk, then add fruits like bananas, berries, and mangoes. Toss in some spinach or kale for extra nutrition. Blend and enjoy!
Recipe Idea: Berry Green Smoothie
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 banana
- 1 cup mixed berries
- 1/2 cup Greek yoghurt
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Veggie-Packed Pasta
Add more vegetables to your pasta dishes. Whether it’s spaghetti, lasagna, or gnocchi, include bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. For a twist, try egg noodles or cauliflower rice.
Recipe Idea: Rainbow Veggie Pasta
- Whole grain pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 courgette, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Olive oil, garlic, and basil for seasoning Cook pasta, sauté veggies in olive oil with garlic and basil, then toss together.
3. Fruit and Veggie Skewers
Make colourful fruit and veggie skewers for a fun snack. Use pineapple, strawberries, grapes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers. Add cheese cubes or pieces of chicken for variety.
Recipe Idea: Colourful Skewers
- Pineapple chunks
- Strawberries
- Grapes
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber slices
- Cheese cubes
Alternate ingredients on skewers.
4. Homemade Veggie Chips
Make your own veggie chips using sweet potatoes, beets, and kale. Slice, toss in olive oil and seasonings, then bake until crispy.
Recipe Idea: Crispy Veggie Chips
- Sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
- Beets, thinly sliced
- Kale leaves, torn into pieces
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and paprika
Toss veggies in olive oil and seasonings. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes.
5. Frozen Fruit Pops
Create frozen fruit pops for a refreshing treat. Puree your favourite fruits with juice or yoghurt, pour into moulds, and freeze.
Recipe Idea: Tropical Fruit Pops
- 1 cup mango chunks
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup coconut milk Blend ingredients, pour into moulds, and freeze for at least 4 hours.
These five fun ideas make it easy to enjoy your five-a-day. Try them out and make your meals more colourful and nutritious! Check out Willowbrook Foods fresh vegetables and salad ranges today!