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Flavour: Increase your 5 + a day

Need to increase your fruit and vege intake? Never fear Albie is back and has five tips for summer.

1. Include an extra serving of fruit with breakfast. For breakfast I usually enjoy a big bowl of creamy porridge or muesli.

Summer pick: Fresh/frozen blueberries, fresh is always better but not available all year round.

2. Including an extra serving of vegetables at dinner. If you’re anything like my family we love our cooking but at times forget to have a complete meal with lots of different vegetable choices. Make an effort to include a lovely side of vegetables with whatever meal you are cooking.

Summer pick: Asparagus. Heat up a pan with a table spoon of olive oil, cook asparagus on all sides for around 8 mins, remove from heat and sprinkle with some lemon juice and sea salt – delicious!

3. Pack a healthy snack for lunch. It is always easier to organise this either the night or couple of days before.

Summer pick: Carrot batons. Make an effort to slice some up on a Sunday night before the school/work week beginnings – store them in a Tupperware container covered with a moist paper towel to keep them fresh for the week. If you have room in your lunch bag also pack some humus/low fat dip to go with them.

4. If eating out make sure that you choose something that is boosted with vegetables. If your meal is served with mash/fries ask for some steamed vegetables or a side salad (dressing/sauce on the side!) as an alternative accompaniment. Alternatively you could just order a delicious side of vegetables!

My pick: Edamame. These beans are a very popular Japanese dish. You eat them by popping the beans from the pod. They are so delish and a MUST HAVE when having lunch at our favourite Japanese restaurant – Wagamama.

5. If you’re like me then dessert is a must have! However ensure that if you do decide to end your dinner with a treat, take advantage of all the amazing array of fruit that are currently in season.

My pick: Watermelon, no fuss and absolutely delicious on a hot summer evening!

ADDED BONUS: I was doing some holiday reading yesterday and discovered that the nutrients in carrots can help you to maintain a gorgeous tan over summer! How cool is that?!