When you focus on weight loss, it is important to make sure that you keep eating healthy. Although this may sound like an obvious thing, it is easy to focus on eating fewer calories without realizing that the nutritional values are insufficient.
Besides getting sufficient nutrients, keep an eye on your body’s antioxidant input. Eating fruits that have anti-inflammatory compounds can help protect your body against sickness. Studies have shown that eating anti-inflammatory food can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s.
And the great thing about eating fruit is that it is easy because so many are very tasty! My personal favorite? Berries! Berries are not only rich in vitamin C and fibers, but they also contain plant pigment phytochemicals. Those are known for their antioxidant functions and preventive medicinal benefits.
Of course, it is best to eat with the season, so get your berries fresh from the market or supermarket. Organic is best as nothing makes berries taste better when they have had actual sunlight! Seasonal fruits are generally also cheaper than out-of-season fruit. If you can even consider growing your fruit at home.
What Fruit to Eat
I grow strawberries and raspberries, both are easy to grow with a little sunshine during the summer and they don’t take up much space. But the berries I eat most are blueberries. They are one of the best sources of antioxidants, which help the body protect against damage from free radicals (a waste produced by body cells). Blueberries are delicious and easy to eat as a snack at breakfast or in yogurt.
Apart from berries, there are other fruits that are good choices. One of the best and most available everywhere is apples (and pears). The fibers are great for gut health.
Grapes are a good choice as well. The resveratrol present in grapes is seen as responsible for grapes’ cardioprotection. And considering the risks associated with alcohol, grapes are a better choice than red wine…
Purely for maximum vitamin C intake, citrus fruits are a good choice. Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and lime can also be ingredients in many dishes, as they are not everyone’s favorite to eat as-is. With oranges, make sure to brush your teeth properly afterwards, their acidity can harm your teeth!
Whatever your favorite fruit, make sure to include it in your regular eating routine. As with weight loss in general, it is important to develop healthy habits.
What Fruit Not to Eat
It is easy to think that all fruits and vegetables are healthy, but unfortunately, that is not the case. Some fruits are healthier than others, even all fruits have some good aspects.
The first thing to consider is the amount of sugar in many fruits. Fruits like cherries and mangos for example are high in relative sugar content.
A second consideration is the number of carbs. Bananas are a favorite for many athletes since they provide quick fuel. But if you want to focus on your weight, be considerate of how you eat them. A healthy option: the banana avocado smoothy!
Calory-rich fruits are the last category I mention here. Coconut and cranberries are an example of fruits that have such high calories, it is better to choose an alternative.