Ever heard the myth that fruit makes you gain weight? Has it kept you away from eating fruit?
Trust me when I tell you, fruit is not your enemy.
A bowl of fresh fruit in your home is not only a nice decorative touch to your kitchen counter, but it also keeps good, healthy choices at your fingertips.
For the sake of your health, don’t forgo fruit. To prove that fruit is your friend (and bust the myth that fruit makes you gain weight), here are four big reasons why fruit should be a part of your regular diet.
Fruit Boosts Your Health
Fruits are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, and they’re high in fiber. They also provide a wide range of health-boosting antioxidants, including flavonoids.
Many fruits contain phytochemicals that protect our bodies from disease. Eating fruits regularly can reduce your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, inflammation, and diabetes.
Fruit Promotes Weight Loss
These fresh and tasty treats can help you lose weight and prevent weight gain. Fruit is naturally low in calories and high in fiber. Even better, pair your fruit with a high protein food like yogurt or peanut butter and these fiber-rich, protein packed snacks will keep you full for many hours.This combo also keeps your insulin from spiking, making weight management easier.
But what about the large amount of simple sugars found in fruit? Don’t those cause weight gain? While reasonable, this conclusion is actually wrong. Study after study has consistently found that most types of fruit have anti-obesity effects!
Fruit Pumps Up Your Strength
Certain fruits can promote healthy bones. Dried plums, in particular, can even prevent osteoporosis. Other bone-boosters include avocados, cranberries, and tomatoes (yes, they’re all technically fruit).
Bananas, berries, figs, and grapefruit are rich in magnesium, This mineral will help your body absorb more calcium—the go-to bone builder.
Want stronger, toned muscles? One recent study found that vitamin C can help you build and retain muscle mass. So grab a slice of cantaloupe, kiwi, mango, or orange and give those muscles a lift.
Fruit Gives You Glowing Skin
Getting clear, beautiful skin isn’t easy. Whatever products you layer on, that glow won’t shine through unless you’re healthy from the inside out. Eating the right nutrients through your diet is a must for flawless skin.
Fruits offer an abundance of nutrients and essential vitamins. Ones rich in vitamin C and A can help reduce acne marks and brighten your skin. Fruit with B vitamins can boost your skin’s overall health. Antioxidants prevalent in fruit can help stave off oxidative damage and signs of aging.
Oranges, papaya, lemons, and watermelon are particularly good at giving us that gorgeous glow. So munch away on some fresh fruit next time you need a facial.
Fruit Decreases Sugar Cravings
I love to encourage my clients to munch on fruit if they struggle with sugar cravings. You’re doing your body a much bigger favor eating 2-3 pieces of fruit a day than candy, cookies, and cakes when the sweet cravings strike.
Sugar cravings are actually a tell-tale sign that your micronutrients are depleted. Your body is sending you signals to eat foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Instinctually, our bodies associate the sweet taste of fruit with these needed nutrients. Today, our processed, sugar-loaded, and nutritionally empty snacks end up being what we grab instead.
Eating a few servings of fruit for a few days in a row will load up your body with whatever micronutrients it needs, dramatically reducing your sweet tooth.
Boost Your Beauty and Get Fruity
Fruit makes you trim, gives you glowing skin, and helps you win in the fight against cravings. Plus, it tastes too delicious to kick off the menu. This week, savor your sweet, juicy fruits and know you’re benefiting your body too.
If you’re ready to feel your best physically, learn how to make lifelong healthy choices that work for you, and make friends along the way, join LEAN.
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