Olympic athlete, world champion and Halberg athlete of the decade, Dame Lisa Carrington, is using her star power to encourage New Zealand families to make healthy choices by partnering with the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust.
Carrington will be sharing her passion for healthy nutrition with whānau throughout Aotearoa throughout the year with some of her favorite recipes and tips for making the most of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Carmel Ireland, Project Manager for 5+ A Day Charitable Trust, is very excited about the partnership.
“Dame Lisa is an ideal ambassador for healthy lifestyle choices – not only is she an incredible sports superstar, but she is also an excellent role model for the tamariki and their families. Her genuine love for supporting the health and wellness of whānau shines through.”
Partnering with 5+ A Day fits right in with Carrington’s healthy lifestyle philosophy.
“I am so excited to partner with 5+ A Day because I love fruits and vegetables! There are so many amazing things to share, from my journey to master recipes with high nutritional benefits, to understanding what’s in season and knowing how to get the most out of produce. I can’t wait to learn more and share my passion for eating well with others,” says Carrington.
Carrington’s experience as a professional athlete on the world stage means that nutrition has played a critical role in her daily routine.
“Fruit and vegetables are very important: they help fuel my days from start to finish. I have always grown up making sure my plate is colorful. The more color on my plate, the more I feel like I’m getting the nutrients I need from my meals,” he says.
Ireland says that including at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day is even more important this year as we face the ongoing challenge of the pandemic.
“Good nutrition plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being, even more so in these uncertain times. Maintaining a diet rich in fresh produce that boosts natural immunity is one of the best things you can do for your whānau.
“Eating produce that is grown locally and in season is not only better for your health, it’s also more affordable,” says Ireland.
“We can’t wait to see some of Dame Lisa’s recipes, especially those that use her favorite fruit: plums, nectarines and berries; and her favorite vegetables: kūmara, broccoli and corn.
Dame Lisa will be sharing her best fruit and veggie tips and favorites on her own social media channels as well as ours @5adaynz. You will also find many tasty recipes and nutritional information on our website, www.5aday.co.nzsays Ireland.
