Hello Loyal Soup People!

Let’s talk fruit. I’m disheartened to learn that certain popular diets recommend that you steer clear of fruits because of their sugar content. Argh! Fruits are so healthy! Let’s discuss…

First, about the sugar. Fruits contain fructose, a naturally occurring type of sugar. The fructose found in fruit is accompanied by fiber, healthful nutrients, and anti-oxidants. The fructose in fruit shouldn’t be compared to high-fructose corn syrup found in store-bought donuts!

Plus – the health benefits of fruit consumption are endless! Eating fruits can help lower risks of hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and cancer, and more. Certain fruits have been shown to aid in fighting cancer and to promote muscle health and longevity!

Yes, fruit should be eaten in moderation. First – avoid fruit juice. When you drink a cup of fruit juice, you are consuming several servings of fruit at once, without the naturally occurring fiber that fills you up and slows the digestion process. It takes four whole apples to produce one eight ounce serving of apple juice. That’s a lot of apples! The same is true for orange juice (four oranges for one cup of juice).

Second, aim for fresh fruit that is in season or frozen fruit. A lot of the fruit found in the supermarket is picked before it is ripe and tends to be flavorless and hard. Try to purchase local fruits in season when they are fresh and ripe! Or, choose frozen fruit which is picked at peak ripeness and flash frozen to preserve the nutrients.

Aim for about two to three servings of fruit a day (and another five or more of vegetables!). Sprinkle fruit on your salads, eat them as a snack or dessert, or put them in your morning cereal. However, you do it, embrace fruit!!

Love,

Soupermom

*NOTE – Soupermom is not a licensed dietitian, doctor, personal trainer, or anything like that. She’s just extremely knowledgeable about healthy living!! But if you slip and fall while taking her advice, it is not her fault!