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3 Capitol Hill, Rm 408
Providence, RI 02908
Phone:(401) 222-7621
Fax: (401) 222-4415
Contact:
Ann Thacher |
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Nutrition Program
5 A Day for Better Health
What is meant by 5 A Day?
The Food Guide Pyramid and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans tell us to eat 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Another way of saying this is 'eat at least 5 servings per day' or . . . eat "5 A Day!" But the more the better! It is not as hard as it may sound.
One serving equals:
- a piece of fruit (ex., apple, banana, orange, peach, pear)
- ½ cup of fruit or vegetable (raw, cooked, canned, or frozen)
- 1/4 cup of dried fruit
- 1 cup of leafy salad greens
- 3/4 cup (6 fluid oz.) of 100% fruit or vegetable juice
- ½ cup of dried peas or beans (cooked or canned)
Why eat 5 A Day?
People who eat 5 A Day are less likely to get some types of cancer and other diseases. This is because fruits and vegetables contain Vitamins A and C, fiber, and other things that are good for us. They taste great and are also low in fat and calories. This helps a person keep off those unwanted pounds. Fruits and vegetables also easily add color, crunch, and great taste to snacks and meals!
Who started 5 A Day?
The 5 A Day for Better Health Program is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Produce for Better Health Foundation. Since Americans eat only about 3 ½ servings per day, this program was started in 1991 to tell the public about the importance of fruits and vegetables in their diet.
To get the job done, they have worked with thousands of businesses and health experts across the nation, including the Rhode Island Department of Health. The 5 A Day for Better Health Program provides materials and programs on how to reach the goal of 5 A Day.
5 A Day in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Department of Health is trying to increase the number of people in the State who eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. A survey found that only 24% of Rhode Islanders reported eating at least 5 servings a day, and about 20% of the state's population is obese. To help improve these figures, the Department offers information to the public and educators. This is done through many channels, such as the Internet, the media, schools, worksites, food assistance programs, and health care settings.
5 A Day for You
If you need to make changes to reach 5 A Day, take it one step at a time. You don't have to change everything overnight. Make small changes that work for you.
To learn more on how you can eat at least 5 A Day, click on one of the topics below. A good place to start is by looking at the 'Advice on How to eat 5 A Day' tips. It gives you ideas on how to add fruits and vegetables into your diet.
The Rhode Island Department of Health has a limited supply of 5 A Day materials. They are free of charge to the public and are available on a 'first come, first serve basis.' To get a copy for yourself or several copies for an educational setting, please contact the office listed in the column to the left.
How easy is it?
- Visit the web site of the National Cancer Institute to see how easy it is to add 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day to your diet!
What about kids?
Kids are also encouraged to eat 5 servings per day. But, a serving size for a small child (age 2 – 3 years) is about one-half the size of an adult's. It is best for them to eat these small portions throughout the day, and not all at once.
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