Despite the rising trend of healthy eating of late - sales in sweet potatoes have doubled and sales of mangos have more than quadrupled in Centra stores in the last year - research shows that Irish people are only getting half of their 5-a-day. Whilst three quarters of Irish people are aware of 5-a-day, only just over a third(36%) of them actually consume it.*
On the back of these findings, Centra has today launched its 5-a-day challenge in stores nationwide. The challenge, which was launched by Brand Ambassador Pippa O'Connor, encourages Irish people to increase their intake of fruit and vegetables over the next 21 days.
Speaking about her involvement, O'Connor, who will be blogging her progress over the 21 days, said, “I’m conscious that I need to get into the habit of getting my 5-a-day as I’m definitely guilty of getting less than five every day because I’m constantly on-the go. For me, with a growing family, I need to get the right balance in my diet and this challenge gives me all the tips and hacks to help me on my way."
Centra and consultant dietician Sarah Keogh of eatwell.ie has created a week-by-week guide offering tips on ways to increase daily intake of fruit and veg which will be available on Centra.ie.
Speaking at the launch, Keogh said “Too many people are confused about healthy eating with many caught up in the idea of the perfect diet, the 'all-or-nothing' approach which is hard to sustain. This applies to getting your 5-a-day. It doesn’t have to be complicated and the tips I’ve drawn up are easy to follow."
*Research compiled from the National Adult Nutrition Survey and Safefood; A Consumer Review of the Fruit and Vegetable Food Chain.
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Niall Swan
