British Teacher in LA Discovers Common UK Phrase 'Five a Day' Doesn't Translate to Americans
Moving to a foreign country often involves navigating a maze of cultural nuances and unexpected challenges. For one British woman who relocated to the United States, a simple phrase she assumed was universal turned into a moment of confusion among her American friends.
Lucy's Awkward Moment at an Oscars Watch Party
Lucy, a teacher from the UK now residing in Los Angeles, California, regularly shares insights on cultural contrasts between Britain and America on her TikTok account, lucy_inlalaland. In a recent video, she recounted an incident where she used the phrase "five a day" during an Oscars watch party, only to be met with blank stares.
"I made a salsa for an Oscars watch party thing, and it had loads of vegetables in it," Lucy explained. "So I said, 'Ah ha ha, enjoy that, it's got all of your five a day in it,' and everyone was like, 'What?' I was like, 'Your five a day?' And my husband looked at me and he goes, 'I think that's only a thing in England.'"
She added, "We all know what that is Brits, but the rest of the world, they don't know. But you need your five a day."
What Is the 'Five a Day' Guideline?
The five-a-day recommendation is a health initiative promoted by the UK Government and the NHS, advising individuals to consume at least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients and vitamins. Originally developed by the World Health Organisation, it was officially adopted in the UK in 2003 and has since become ingrained in everyday British vernacular.
According to the NHS, the following items count as one portion towards your five a day:
- 80g of fresh, canned, or frozen fruit or vegetables
- 30g of dried fruit
Multiple servings can be combined to meet the target, such as three helpings of fresh fruit and two of dried fruit. These portions are counted even when incorporated into dishes like stews, soups, or pasta sauces.
However, certain items only count as one portion per day, regardless of quantity:
- 150ml of fruit juice, vegetable juice, or smoothies, due to their high sugar content
- 80g of beans and pulses, which are fiber-rich but lower in nutrients compared to fruits and vegetables
Notably, potatoes do not contribute to the five a day count, as they are typically used as a starch source similar to bread, pasta, and rice. Yams, plantain, and cassava are also excluded, while sweet potatoes, parsnips, swedes, and turnips do count.
Mixed Reactions from the Online Community
The comments section on Lucy's video revealed a spectrum of responses. One user noted, "Brit who lives in the States, and yeah, that one is not known at all! That said... I'm a little interested (read worried) about lots of vegetables in salsa... I mean, aside from onions, what other veg are you putting in there?!?"
Another shared a similar experience: "I work for a US firm and I'm constantly saying things I panic the US guys won't know. Today it was 'had my fingers in so many pies,' but thank God they knew what I meant."
However, some countered this perspective. A commenter stated, "I'm in NY (New York) and I would definitely have got it. I feel like it's a fairly common saying. I thought it was based on the US food pyramid." Another added, "It translates just fine... I get it, just wouldn't ever say it."
This incident underscores how even seemingly straightforward phrases can highlight deep-seated cultural divides, reminding us that language and health messaging are often shaped by local contexts and national policies.
