While many of us would like to include more fresh fruit and vegetables in our diet, it can be difficult at times to fit naturally healthy meals into our busy lives.

Fresh produce contains an abundance of phytochemicals that can prevent and fight a wide range of diseases and degenerative conditions and help maintain the health of a number of our body systems including the heart, digestive system and bones.

Incorporating more fresh foods in your diet and reducing your intake of processed foods means your body will be getting more of the vitamins and minerals it needs each day. Just making a few small changes to your usual intake can make a big difference. Start by watching your kilojoules intake more closely and putting more vegetables and legumes into your meals and see how it can make a big difference to your well being.

A healthy diet coupled with an active lifestyle can quickly improve your quality of life. Make healthy living and a ‘return to natural’ part of your daily habit.

Tips to get more fruit and vegetables into your day

Try to fit at least 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables into your diet everyday.

• Put cooked mushrooms, tomatoes or sweet corn on your toast instead of jam.
• Pack fresh fruit and vegetables to snack on anytime.
• Add extra chopped or grated vegetables to your pasta, casserole, stir-fry and rice dishes.
• Serve all meals with cooked vegetables or salad. Add flavour with a dash of olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice.