Sweet Afternoon Indulgence

Are you one of those people who are too afraid to eat fruits because of all the sugar they contain? Do you think all sugars are created equal? Do you think eating fruit will make you fat? Well worry no more! I have the answers, and more, to all those questions you are just dying to find answers to. 

Fruits are packed with nutrients, and many contain up to 93% water and carbohydrates. Fruits contain some minerals, vitamins A, C and some B. Each type of fruit provides a different assortment of nutrients, that is why it's important to add a variety to your diet.

Incorporating fruits into your diet can help protect you from developing certain diseases. For example, heart disease, stroke and  type 2 diabetes. They contain an abundant amount of antioxidants, which help fight and keep your immune system strong. 

Due to the vast amount of nutrition information and the minute amount of people actually qualified to educate individuals, I am here to help clear the air. Below are some great questions that come along with the topic of fruits. 

Which fruit it the most important for weight loss?

I know it is tempting when you read about a new "miracle fruit" that WILL melt those pesky pounds right off. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but, there is no one fruit that has any health benefit if consumed in large quantities. Fruits are a great source of different nutrients and not all contain the same assortment. That is why it is important to include a variety of fruits to your diet. Make your plate colorful. 

Fruits contain a lot of sugar, isn't that bad for me?

Fruits contain a sugar known as fructose, that is NOT the same type you will find in your candy bar. Although it does contain sugar, fruit is jam packed with many nutrients- phytonutrients, fiber, water, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The reason fiber is important when talking about sugar is because it expands in the gut, causing you to feel fuller, longer. This expansion will prevent the sugars from being rapidly broken down and stored away as fat. Plus, the fuller you fell, the less you will consume. 

Can I get the same benefits from fruits by juicing?

If you are one of the many individuals watching what they eat, congrats! You are taking the first step to the healthiest version of yourself. As our society becomes more health conscience, it's important that we focus more on the quality of our foods.

Juicing is a great way to get your fruits and vegetables in, but are you really getting the same nutrients as the whole fruit? Most of the nutrients is found in the skin or fibers of the fruits. Take an orange for example. If you squeeze all the juice out and pour it into a glass, you are consuming more of its sugars than nutrients. The white part you see on the peel is LOADED with fiber and all those "strings'' in the middle as well. 

If you are against eating whole fruits or just think it's impossible for you to consume the daily recommendation, try this next tip. Instead of juicing, try blending the entire fruit. It's a great way to ensure you are getting all the nutrients because all the fruit's constituents are present.