Featured |Health & Exercise

The Truth About Fruit

By Jessica Escalante | bio | contact

Diets low in fat have become so brilliantly branded, we are often misled to believing that by eating unlimited amounts of natural foods, such as whole grains and fruit, it is impossible to gain weight. The truth is, fruit can make you fat.

When people start their mornings with a high-sugar intake such as fruit and granola, while it may seem like a smart option, eating meals high in sugar is actually counterproductive to the body’s function. “While yes, fruits are very high in insoluble fiber, which help regulate digestion, they also contain a lot of sugar—they have sugars that break down very quickly, which means a very quick response in insulin. Insulin is the main player in the battle of obesity and diabetes. [Consuming] a lot of fruits can lead to a lot of hyper-secretion of insulin—which in turn, makes you fat,” stated Zacariah Hildenbrand, Bio-chemist and Fitfood.tv creator.

“Everyone believes it’s OK to implement fruit into [their] diet because it’s natural. The main thing to keep in mind is that moderation is the key,” stated Hildenbrand. Through his program, Fitfood.tv, Zacariah raises awareness about healthy eating. So are all fruits completely off limits? “Unless you’re going to eat fruits high in sugar immediately after your work out, when you need to replenish your body, it is important to avoid fruits, especially those in the tropical families,” claims Zacariah. Avoiding fruits such as, mangoes, figs, dates, bananas and pineapples prevents those unwanted insulin spikes. Fruits such as melons, apples, pears and berries are bit more sensible and lower in sugar.

Nutrition plays a major role in your body’s performance. So whether you want to participate in a triathlon or you just want to feel steady levels of energy throughout the day, maintaining a healthy balance of lean proteins, healthy fats and good carbohydrates will enhance your overall life.

If you’re craving something sweet and fresh, here are some healthy and refreshing options, courtesy of Fitfood.tv.

1. Cut a honeydew melon in half, clean out the seeds and fill with cottage cheese. Sprinkle slivered almonds & a bit of sugar-free sweetener.

2. Fruit salad. Take a canned fruit cocktail in low-sugar syrup, drain syrup, and add sugar-free whipped cream, sprinkle shredded coconut and enjoy.