Looking around at various other personal finance blogs I’ve seen many entries about food which is, although sometimes taken for granted, something that we all spend a lot of money on during our lives.

Food is also not only fundamental for survival but it is also responsible for the way we feel. A good healthy balanced diet is not only good for the body but also for the mind.

As TV documentaries have shown, junk food can lead to depression, illness and weight problems.

The most prominent campaign to encourage healthy eating at the moment is the ‘5 a day’ campaign because fruit and vegetables contain most of the essential ingredients that our bodies need to function and regenerate.

How much is ‘5 a day’?

5 a day relates to 5 portions of fruit or veg per day. 

1 portion is approximately 80g, e.g. one medium apple or two medium plums. (source: http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/healthy_eating/5_a_day.htm).

So one portion is approximately an average sized handful or a heaped tablespoon.

Putting it in perspective like that makes it seem like a much more achievable goal, especially if you factor in two square meals a day (and maybe a banana for a snack)!

Now all you need to do is decide which vegetables you like and go and buy some!

Because supermarkets are constantly competing for business, most offer a wide selection of fruit and veg at reasonable prices. The secret is to buy the fresh, unpacked products.

Anything that is wrapped has had to travel from the grower, to a factory where it is sorted, packed and sent to the shop. You as the consumer have to pay for the extra transport and packaging. Whatsmore, pre-packed products have been out of the ground or off the tree for longer and may ultimately not keep as long.

If you are fortunate enough to live near the site of a local market they can not only be even cheaper than supermarkets but the produce is usually fresher.

Furthermore, markets these days often offer an even more diverse selection of exotic fruit and vegetables from around the world to try.