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Real Life Nutrition Questions Answered

Real Life Fitness Questions Answered

Emma Brown
Nutritionist

Janet Aylott
Nutritionist

Kelly Marshall
Fitness Consultant

Q.

Do microwave soups count towards my 5-a-day?

Hello, I have been wondering whether bought soups (microwaveable soups) can count towards my 5-a-day? For example, I've had an ASDA Spicy lentil and vegetable soup to GO and when I created the item (it wasn't in your database) I did not know whether to add portions of 5-a-day or not, and if so how much. Nothing is specified on the package but the ingredients are as follow: Chopped tomatoes, concentrated tomato paste, potatoes (5.8%), Onions (5%), Red Split lentils (4%), Carrots (3.9%), chick peas, cornflour, vegetable oil, garlic puree, spices, coriander leaf, sugar, Ginger puree, alt, Rosemary extract. I know they're not conserved in the best way to keep all the vitamins, etc, but surely with all these vegs, that would count towards some of the 5-a-day? Many thanks in anticipation for your answer.

A.

Our expert says...

Hello, And thank you for your question.

I'm afraid that vegetables in convenience foods can't really be counted as part of your 5-a-day, as these products are generally high in added salt, sugar and fat and, for this reason, should only be eaten in moderation.

The best fruit and veg to eat are either fresh or frozen, and the more the better! It is best to eat a variety of fruit and veg to maximise the nutritional benefits. This is because each type will contain different combinations of fibre, vitamins, mineral and other phytonutrients. I always recommend that you have a rainbow of different coloured vegetable on your plate!

Here are my tips to help achieve your 5-a-day:

* Start the day with a glass of 100% juice.

* If you have a blender, make a smoothie from combinations of fruit that you like. It's like a meal in a glass and tastes divine!

* Even better, buy a juicer and make your own vegetable and fruit juices.

* When you have a cooked breakfast, add grilled tomatoes and mushrooms.

* In winter, soups are a warming and nutritious way to eat several vegetables at once.

* Try out some new salad combinations. Most raw vegetables can be used in salads. Have you tried adding grated white cabbage or fennel?

* Make your casserole predominantly based on vegetables, not meat, and you will save calories too!

* Roast mixed vegetables using a mist of spray oil e.g. onion, peppers, courgettes and aubergine.

* Stir fry a variety of shredded vegetables in a mixture of olive oil and a dash of water.

I hope this helps.

Disclaimer
You are advised to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle with an aim of weight loss. This website and the content provided should not be used by persons under 18, by pregnant or nursing women, or individuals with any type of health condition, except under the direct supervision of a qualified medical professional. The information contained in these articles, and elsewhere on this website, is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to replace, and does not constitute legal, professional, medical or healthcare advice or diagnosis and may not be used for such purposes. Continue...

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