Plant foods should supply most of the variety in your diet. Vegetables and legumes are important sources of carbohydrate, dietary fibre, vitamins (especially vitamins A, C and folate) and minerals. Legumes such as dried peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas appear in both the vegetable and meat group as they are good sources of protein and iron.
How much should I eat?
Men need 6–8 serves of vegetables or legumes each day, and women 4–7 serves.
One serve of these foods is equivalent to:
- ½ cup (75g) cooked vegetables
- ½ cup (75g) cooked dried beans, peas or lentils
- 1 cup salad vegetables
- 1 small potato
These amounts supply approximately 75–250 kilojoules.