| Q&A: Too Sweet A Treat? |
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| Written by Diet Detective Editorial Staff | |
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Q: I'm trying to lose weight. I've heard that I should avoid
fruits and vegetables because they are high in sugar - what do you say?
A: There is a misconception regarding many foods, and this is one of them. The sugar in fruits and vegetables is naturally-occurring and paired with many beneficial vitamins, minerals and other disease-fighting compounds. So fruits and vegetables are not likely to prevent weight loss - but just the opposite. They're nutrient-dense, meaning they are low in calories but high in nutrients. They are also rich in fiber, adding bulk to the diet without adding loads of calories. Since weight loss requires you to take in fewer calories than you expend, fruits and vegetables are a perfect way to stay satisfied while adhering to a weight loss plan.On the other hand, foods high in added sugar are often a poor source of nutrients and should be limited for weight loss and general health. Cookies, cakes, candies, sugary drinks and even fruit juice tend to be high in calories and sugar with little nutritional benefit. Those "empty calories" increase the total calorie intake of a person's diet without providing lasting satisfaction. Whole fruit is always preferable to juice, as fruit juice is lacking the fiber that makes whole fruit lower in calories and more filling. So, to sum it up, fruit and vegetables should play an important part of any healthy plan - weight loss or otherwise. |
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| Last Updated ( Saturday, 08 July 2006 ) |
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