Is It Possible to Eat too Much Fruit?
What do you think of as your go-to foods in the morning? Do you grab a banana on your way out the door to work? Sit down for a longer, more nutrient-rich meal? Fruit is certainly a simple choice for many people, whether it’s the main food they eat in the morning, or just one component of their breakfast.
And for good reason.
Each fruit has its own unique nutritional profile, bringing something different to the table. Typically, fruits are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The sweetness that fruit contains comes from naturally occurring sugars – but are these different from the sugars that are eaten in foods like candies and chocolate?
Some say no…while others say yes.
The Benefits of Eating Fruit
Studies show that plenty of people around the country and even the world aren’t getting the recommended servings of fruit. Fruits are free of cholesterol, low in sodium and fat, and tend to be lower in calories, too. They contain fiber and water, which will help with digestion and satiety.
The drawback of fruit intake lies in those naturally occurring sugars. If you’re a person that is concerned with consuming too much sugar, you may want to watch your fruit consumption. The sugars present in fruit will cause your blood glucose to increase. Most fruits, however, have a low or medium glycemic index, which means that your blood glucose levels won’t spike as they would for certain other foods.
Some also notice that there are negative effects of eating too much fruit, such as heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, and diarrhea.
If you have any underlying condition that affects your metabolism or digestion, you will want to be aware of how much fruit you’re eating. Those who are uncertain as to whether they’re eating too much (or not enough) fruit would be well-advised to speak with us, their medical doctor, or naturopath.
Tips for Better Nutrient Density
So, what’s the bottom line? It’s a good idea to be aware of your fruit intake so that you don’t overdo it – everything in moderation. Keep in mind that certain fruits are lower in sugars if you are concerned about your sugar intake. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all lower in sugar than other fruits, so they’re a good one to reach for when you want a sweet treat or a boost to your smoothie.
And having a smoothie is always a better choice than a fruit juice. When you drink a fruit juice, you don’t get the benefit of the fiber and solids along with the naturally occurring sugars in the fruit. That makes them less nutritious as well as less filling, so you may find yourself drinking far more than you need to!
When shopping for your fruits, it’s a good idea to look for seasonal produce. That ensures what you’re buying is fresh and hasn’t been sitting on the store shelves for too long. Additionally, keep in mind that frozen is always a great choice, especially for berries – using frozen fruit is ideal for smoothies, which will help keep them cool without watering them down!
The Top 5 Tips For Better Sleep
Fatigue is becoming something of an epidemic in today’s modern world. With all the hustle, bustle, and stress involved in everyday life, it’s no wonder: people are exhausted, now more than ever.
And the worst part is, they’re finding it tougher and tougher to recover from that feeling of exhaustion! Far too many are struggling with their sleep. Are you one of them?
Why Does Sleep Matter So Much?
You know how great it feels to wake up refreshed in the morning. Did you also know it’s vital to your brain? For example, during the hours you’re sleeping, your brain sorts, stores, consolidates, and learns from the experiences you’ve had throughout your day. So, if you want to be able to retain information and learn well, you must get adequate sleep.
Plus, have you ever noticed how you’re quick to lose your temper when you’re tired? That’s because when you’re well-rested, you can better manage your emotions and stress levels.
Sleep even plays a role in the immune system, as well as the functions of your heart, lungs, metabolism and more. It’s the time when your body can get rid of waste products, so it’s important to your natural detoxification processes.
What You Can Do to Boost Your Sleep
It’s been established that good sleep is essential. If you’re tossing and turning at night, wake up and are unable to return to sleep, or find yourself pulling all-nighters, then you want to know what you can do about it.
Here are 5 tips for better sleep:
- Create a routine. Some people find it tough to stick to a schedule, but it’s a key to getting good sleep. Our brains and bodies love routines! Even on the weekends, try to resist the urge to stay up late and sleep in, because it will throw off the rest of your week. The same goes for napping – though tempting, know it will affect your ability to sleep that night and subsequent nights!
- Change your evening habits. Refrain from heavy eating, caffeine and alcohol as your bedtime nears. Though exercise is recommended to get good sleep, don’t do it too close to your bedtime. All these factors can affect your body’s ability to be in a state of rest.
- Sleep in the dark. Most people have a nightlight of some sort in their room or leave a light on in the bathroom that gives some ambient light in their bedroom. Though this seems practical in case you have to get up, it can actually signal to your body and brain that it is waking hours.
- Set up relaxing habits. As your bedtime nears, think about what you can do to set yourself up for sleep success. Reading, meditating, and taking a warm bubble bath are all popular options.
- Put down the devices. Leave your phone plugged in away from your bedroom to charge overnight. Don’t watch TV in your bedroom. Put your laptop or tablet away. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that you don’t use these devices 30 minutes before you try to sleep, as it will help you fall asleep quickly.
Try some tips and see if they can help you feel more rested.