A Healthy Boost to the Working Day

Media Release 16 November 2011

A Healthy Boost to the Working Day

A recently published Ministry of Health report* on nutrition brings good news for the nation’s health, showing an increase in the number of adults achieving two or more servings of fruit per day.

With approximately 66 per cent of adults currently eating three or more servings of vegetables each day and 60 per cent eating two or more servings of fruit, the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust is now on a mission to increase the number to 85 per cent of Kiwis eating five plus servings of fruit and vegetables a day by 2015.

“These results are very encouraging for us and have served as the impetus for a new focus this year,” says Paula Dudley General Manager of 5+ A Day. “While 90 per cent of our kids have the 5+ A Day message, we are now challenging adults to improve their intake of fruit and vegetables for better health.”

Throughout the month of November, the 5+ A Day team has been taking their message that fresh fruit and vegetables are real easy, real value and real fast to workplaces to encourage New Zealanders to eat more fruit and vegetables during the working day.

Claire Turnbull, who runs Mission Nutrition and is the Nutritionist for Healthy Food Guide Magazine and Newstalk ZB, says it’s worth bearing in mind that a third of the adult diet is consumed in the workplace and with a little forward planning it can go a long way to helping you be healthier and more productive.

“It can be as simple as packing some cherry tomatoes or a carrot in the morning for a healthy, tasty snack or keeping a fruit bowl on your desk for those afternoon cravings,” she says.

Claire has devised some practical lunch ideas that are healthy and cost-effective alternatives to takeaways, as well as being quick and easy to assemble.

Other recommendations include taking ingredients to work to assemble just before eating for quick fresh lunches, preparing veggies the night before while making dinner and packing leftovers for the next day.

“Varying the type of protein such as egg, chicken and falafel will add interest and variety to daily lunches,” says Claire. “An added tablespoon of hummus for some extra flavour and nutrition to a sandwich or alongside a salad will go down a treat; and instead of the pita try a wholemeal wrap as another healthy alternative.”

Evidence shows that a diet high in fruit and vegetables protects against cancer and cardiovascular disease, assists in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes and positively affects weight loss.

Claire adds, “These lunch ideas are not only good for your health, but they are also great for the waistline and the wallet.”

ENDS

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