The bulk of your food consumption each day is supposed to come from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The food pyramid directs you to eat 4-6 servings of fruit each day. Four to six servings may seem like an impossibly high number of servings to fit into one day, but the health benefits make it worth the effort. Fruit are high in nutrients and, in general, low in calories and fat.
Let’s face it, fruit isn’t chocolate. You’re not going to look forward to eating fruit with the same exuberance. But the benefits of fruit combined with their weight loss possibilities should be enough to make you at least try to meet the daily recommended servings. Many fruits are high in fiber, making you feel full and for longer periods of time. If you feel full, you won’t eat as many high calorie, high fat junk foods. Ultimately, eating fruit should reduce your cravings and, as a result, reduce the number of calories you eat in a day. Fewer calories equal less weight gain and more weight loss success.
Fruit has many health benefits and a variety of selections to choose from. There are many different fruits you could eat. There is a fruit for every taste and texture preference; sour, sweet, tart, soft, and even chewy. The list goes on. And if you are adamant that there isn’t a fruit that you can stomach, then add something to the fruit that would entice you. Melt peanutbutter in the microwave to dip the fruit in. Purchase a low fat caramel dip, fruit dip, chocolate dip, or even a low fat whipcream. Any of these dip options should make the fruit more appealing.
The health benefits of fruit are vast and diverse. Fruits are full of antioxidants which boost your immune system and help your body fight illness. Minerals like manganese are an essential part of energy production. Pineapples are a great source of manganese. Fiber keeps your digestive system healthy and moving as well as keeping your stomach full. Certain fruits protect your eyes from macular degeneration which causes loss of vision. The extensive nutrients present in fruit will keep your body healthy and functioning for many years. And substituting fruit for junk food will keep your stomach satisfied and your mind off of empty calories.