As we step into 2025, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on my grocery habits from the past year. Luckily for me, Nectar sends a yearly breakdown, which I LOVE! Now please keep in mind, this is only one of the three shops I go to regularly, and doesn’t include the organic fruit and veg box we have delivered regularly… BUT: in 2024, I purchased a whopping 2,022 portions of fruit and vegetables. That’s enough to make even the most ardent health enthusiasts proud!
Breaking it down, 1,553 portions were vegetables, while 469 portions were fruit. It’s fascinating to see how much these numbers reveal about my diet and lifestyle. But more importantly, they made me stop and think: what do these figures really say about the choices I’ve made, the meals I’ve cooked, and the values I hold?
The Veggie Powerhouse
With over 1,500 portions of vegetables, it’s clear they’ve been the backbone of my meals. From fresh salads to brighten up most meals to hearty roots like sweet potatoes in comforting stews, vegetables have undoubtedly been the star of my kitchen.
A Sweet Spot for Fruit
While my fruit intake was less than my vegetable intake, 469 portions still add up to more than one portion a day. Whether it was a juicy apple on a busy afternoon or a handful of berries to top my yoghurt, fruit brought sweetness and variety to my diet.
Why This Matters
Reflecting on these numbers isn’t just about patting myself on the back for eating my five-a-day (or more!). It’s about recognising the effort it takes to prioritise health in a world full of convenience foods. Every portion represents a choice to nourish my body and stay aligned with my goals.
What’s Next?
This year, I’m inspired to take my fruit and vegetable game to the next level.
As this year bring more exciting changes in my life, I plan on doubling down on growing my own vegetables and herbs, from the lessons I’ve hopefully learned from the successes and failures of my gardening attempts in 2024. 2025 is about ensuring my family stay healthy as we grow.
Your Turn! What Does a Healthy Meal Look Like?
A balanced meal should ideally include:
- A third of your plate as vegetables or salad.
- A good source of protein like beans, lentils, fish, eggs or lean meat.
- A starchy carbohydrate like rice, or cooked root vegetables.
- A small amount of healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, or nuts.
By ensuring that fruit and veg make up a significant part of each meal, we’re setting the foundation for good health, stable energy levels, and a strong immune system.
Practical Tips for Adding More Fruit and Veg to Your Diet
If you’re looking to boost your intake of fruit and vegetables, here are a few simple and effective strategies:
Start with Breakfast
Add spinach or mushrooms to your morning omelette, add a handful of berries into your porridge, or just have an apple and some nuts if you’re short on time.Snack Smart
Swap crisps and biscuits for carrot sticks with hummus, apple slices with peanut butter, or a handful of cherry tomatoes.Double Up at Dinner
Serve two types of veg with your main meal. For example, pair roasted broccoli with a vibrant salad or sautéed courgettes with steamed carrots. Soups and stews in the winter are great warming meals, and it’s so easy to add lots of veg in there!Sneak It In
Boost your favourite dishes by sneaking in extra veg. Grate courgette into pasta sauce, blend cauliflower into mashed potatoes, or add diced peppers to chilli or curry.Make It Convenient
Keep frozen or pre-prepped veg handy for busy days. They’re just as nutritious and save time in the kitchen.Experiment with Flavours
Try roasting vegetables with herbs and spices for a burst of flavour, or experiment with exotic fruits like dragon fruit or papaya for something new.
Reflecting on My 2024 Habits
It’s incredibly satisfying to know that such a significant portion of my diet is dedicated to nourishing, whole foods. These numbers – 36% of my shopping and 2,022 portions of fruit and veg – aren’t just statistics; they represent a commitment to my health and wellbeing.
If you’ve ever tracked your eating habits or received similar insights, I’d love to hear about it. How do fruit and vegetables feature in your diet? Have you discovered any creative ways to include more of them in your meals? Let’s swap ideas and inspire each other to keep making healthy choices.
Here’s to a vibrant, veggie-filled 2025! 🥦🍓
