Truth be known, the food groups that are the most important to consume in a weight control journey are proteins and vegetables. For years, we have always been told that “FRUITS and vegetables” are the food we need to consume for health and vitality. However, when we are focusing on fruits, the “healthy” components of this food group are vitamins and fiber. BUT, we can all obtain vitamins and fiber by ingesting vitamins/supplements that essentially contain zero calories. Fruit, along with the vitamins and fiber, contain sugars and that translates into calorie intake that can negatively impact weight control.
So, let’s discuss the fruits that are probably best suited for weight control as opposed to harming our efforts to shed weight:
- Grapefruit is very low in calories and high in vitamin C. It may be a healthy snack before main meals to help reduce your overall food intake.
- Apples are low in calories, high in fiber, and very filling. Studies indicate that they may support weight loss.
- Berries are low in calories and contain many important vitamins. They also may have positive effects on cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and inflammation.
- Passion fruit is a low calorie, high fiber fruit that may benefit blood pressure and insulin sensitivity, potentially making it ideal for weight loss.
- Kiwifruits are highly nutritious and provide a range of health benefits. Their high fiber and low calorie content make them ideal for weight loss.
- Melons are very low in calories and have a high water content, which may help support weight loss and keep you hydrated.
- Oranges are high in vitamin C and fiber. They can help keep you feeling full, which may support weight loss.
When it comes to small fruits such as grapes and berries, portion control is very important. Eating those fruits is akin to our behavior when we eat popcorn…hand to mouth repetitively until we realize that the entire bag is gone!
Fruits can certainly be a part of your strategy for weight control but be very cognizant about the amounts and the types.
And here is O.C. Smith signing about apples (Little Green Ones!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTzF6SebFNI
