The 5 A DAY programme is recognised as an important contribution to improving people’s health. Eating a variety of at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day can help reduce the risk of developing a range of chronic diseases including heart disease, some cancers and stroke. However, like many other companies, Weight Watchers is concerned that adults in England are not eating enough fruit and vegetables.
As the first, and only, weight management organisation to be awarded use of the 5 A DAY logo, Weight Watchers is delighted to be a part of the 5 A DAY programme and would encourage other organisations to get involved and do their bit to help improve the nation’s diet. In a climate of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, there has never been a better time to focus on stemming this tide and encouraging people to eat more fruit and vegetables. This has always been a focus at Weight Watchers, as part of our core principles, and we’re delighted to join forces with the department of health to make a bigger difference.
We have used the 5 A DAY logo to great effect in all our 6,500 weekly meetings. The logo and the 5 A DAY z-cards, which display the portion sizes of fruit and vegetables, act as a catalyst in starting discussions with Weight Watchers members about how they can make sure they get their five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and encourage them to think of new alternative recipe ideas.
Education about 5 A DAY has continued via the Weight Watchers magazine, which has a circulation of more than 250,000. Features on what a portion of fruit or vegetables actually looks like and how tinned and frozen vegetables count towards 5 A DAY proved hugely popular as our readers find this type of practical advice invaluable. The 5 A DAY logo has also been used within features on the Weight Watchers website.
The website draws not only Weight Watchers members but also consumers with an interest in eating healthily, who all have access to a database of articles. Features included information about the benefits of 5 A DAY, how eating fruit and veg keeps you full without eating many POINTS® values, and how eating a variety will provide vital vitamins and minerals which will add radiance to hair and skin.
In March 2006, Weight Watchers launched a new product, sold exclusively in meetings - called Simply Fruit. Made from 100 per cent natural ingredients, the Simply Fruit bar is a delicious orange and apricot flavour and counts as one portion, as the 5 A DAY logo on the packaging demonstrates. With such a low POINTS value, Weight Watchers members tell us it really hits the spot when they are sometimes struggling to eat that all important 5 A DAY.
Weight Watchers is proud to have been awarded a licence to use the 5 A DAY logo, and we believe we can continue to spread the department of health’s message to our 1 million members, via our Weight Watchers leaders, magazine and website, and to the wider community.
