When I want something sweet (this seems to be a theme for me this month!), I try my best to have fruit. But what’s the best fruit to have? Real fruit, dried fruit, freeze-dried fruit, stewed fruit, canned fruit, frozen fruit or pureed fruit. Who knew there were so many options!
Fresh fruit- As a kid, I was told to eat fruit. But is it possible to eat too much fruit? I've worked with clients who have totally shunned fruit because they were told that fruits are high in carbs and sugars. And other people I have worked with have loaded up on fruit because it's rich in nutrients. I believe that the reality is, the ideal amount lies somewhere in between these two extremes, and it varies from person to person. Generally, your fruit needs are based on your level of activity. As fruits are a major source of carbs, you want to make sure that you have time to burn what you take in. Always, having a bowl of berries or a plate of fruit is better for you than a plate of cookies and cake. So please, enjoy fruit as part of a balanced diet as fruits are loaded with nutrients. If you’re strategic about the timing and amount, you won’t have to worry about weight gain or preventing weight loss, and at the same time you'll better protect your health.
Dried fruit can be a way to meet your fruit requirements for the day and also a healthy alternative when fresh fruit is not available. Dried fruit is packed with nutrients, since it contains all the nutrition of fresh fruit but in a compact form. For example,¼ cup of raisins, which are made from grapes dried in the sun, no sugar added, contain about 6 percent of your daily value of potassium, which is the same amount you'd get from one cup of fresh grapes. But, you should be aware, not all dried fruits are created equal. Some are loaded with sugar. Given that you know what you are eating, I think dried fruit can be a perfect pre-workout snack, goes great in a salad, and as long as you watch your portion size, it’s got many health benefits.
Frozen fruit- I think frozen fruit is a great healthy option. You can get fruits that are hard to get when they are not in season (like mango and pineapple). I love using frozen fruits in my smoothies or thawing out for oatmeal.
Here are some great websites to look at for fun healthy smoothies.
Have a great sweet day!