Let's all take a moment to appreciate the astounding beautifying and health benefits of nature's sweetener: FRUIT.
Fruits are, undoubtedly, one of nature's most perfect foods.
I'm a huge proponent of all fruit - both fresh and frozen. Each kind of fruit has a unique health benefit that helps protect our bodies against everything from cancer to heart disease.
Many times, I hear healthcare practitioners advise their clients to drastically limit and even avoid fruit. Most clients with whom I initially meet ask, “Won’t fruit make me gain weight?” My answer remains the same: NO! I have never in my life known anyone who's gained weight from eating fruit.
When you have fruit in conjunction with other nutritionally-void, low-fiber foods, like cereals, crackers, pastries, "healthy" granola bars, etc. - then, yes, you can prevent yourself from losing weight in this sense. But the culprit is not the fruit. It's the other unhealthy, toxic junk that prevents you from losing weight. If you simply use fruit to satisfy carbohydrate cravings, you will see for yourself that weight loss ensues.
In fact, fruit has been shown to have anti-obesity effects!
All of the fruit-bashing makes me want to cry. Much of this mentality stems from the various low-carbohydrate diets that have emerged over the years as a quick means to lose weight. In the interest of time, I will give my 2 cents on the low-carb lifestyle at another time.
Having thyroid cancer, I make a point to consume lots of deeply-pigmented fruits in my diet. These are concentrated in antioxidants that have anti-cancer effects. Fruit is absolutely loaded with these protective compounds, and we should all be eating them daily!
Health Benefits of Including Fruits In Your Diet
Here Are Some Of My Favourite Fruity-Good Benefits:
● Fiber: Fruit is packed with gut-filling fiber. The more fiber-rich foods you consume, the less you eat overall. If you need to lose weight, start adding fruit in place of other sweets and I'm willing to bet you lose weight, if you need to.
● Vitamins, Minerals, Phytonutrients: Fruit contains high levels of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that satisfy your body on a biochemical level. Once you satisfy your body on a biochemical level, your junk cravings significantly decrease.
The phytonutrients in fruit also help arm our bodies for protection against chronic disease. The different colors found in fruit indicate the particular phytonutrient contained. Here a few examples:
-Red, Orange, Yellow: Carotenoids (function as antioxidants that fight free radical damage in your body)
-Red or Pink: Lycopene (protects against prostate cancer)
-Green: Lutein & Zeaxanthin (protect your eyes)
● Water: Fruits contain water, which helps you feel more full when eating. Pair this high water content with fruits' fiber content, and voila! You end up eating less.
● Enzymes: Some refer to the naturally-occurring digestive enzymes in fruit as a "life force." These enzymes help facilitate digestion, leaving us feeling lighter and less bloated. Take my favorite fruit, pineapple, for example. It contains the enzyme "Bromelain" which helps digest protein & acts as an anti-inflammatory compound in our bodies. I feel super energized and lighter, overall, after eating my daily 1/2 pineapple!
Bottom Line:
Eat various colorful fruits, every single day, to lose excess weight, flood your body with cancer-fighting nutrients, and get glowing skin!
Until next time...
XoXo, Rachelle
To read more, go to Rachelle Cave's website.
Disclaimer: The content in this article/blog post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician before starting a diet, exercise, or lifestyle regimen. This content is intended for educational purposes only.
About Rachelle Caves: Rachelle Caves is a well-experienced Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer. Her passion in life is helping individuals cultivate a life of health and wellness, in an encouraging and uplifting manner. Rachelle’s nutrition philosophy revolves around the health-promoting effects of a plant-based, phytonutrient-rich diet. With the goal of ultimate health and wellness, Rachelle emphasizes the protective benefits of a predominantly plant-based diet that excludes calorie-counting, while incorporating effective exercise and positive mind-body techniques. You can read more from her on her website.
She has ample experience coaching clients in-person, virtually, and in groups, both in renowned medical centers and private settings. She has taught individuals and groups on topics including attaining high levels of health, weight management, fitness techniques, heart health, and diabetes, all while helping clients achieve a healthy weight without counting carbohydrates or calories. She enjoys writing and reviewing articles on all topics pertaining to health and wellness. She currently offers virtual nutrition appointments, and written nutrition, exercise, and wellness plans. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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