Fruits are essential to everyone’s diet because they provide important nutrients that can boost your overall health. Additionally, fruits can also aid in your weight loss and weight management. So, if you want to achieve your weight and wellness goals, here’s why you should increase your fruit consumption—and which fruits you should try including in your diet:
Why Fruits Should Be Included In Your Diet
You may have heard it many times before, but the British Nutrition Foundation recommends that you consume at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day. While this may seem like basic knowledge, the foundation revealed that most individuals in the UK don’t actually include the recommended servings of fruit in their diets. This prevents people from maintaining a healthy weight because they fail to eat food sources that are high in fibre, low in calories, and low in fat.
On top of this, because fruits come in a wide variety of sweetness levels, flavour profiles, and textures, they can easily take the place of overly processed desserts. This healthy substitution is especially valuable for those who want to lose weight without depriving themselves. After all, WeightWatchers notes how a proper weight loss plan should include one’s favourite treats as a reward for healthy habits, such as exercising more or staying hydrated. With this type of balanced approach, experts explain that diets can be much more sustainable and enjoyable. Thus, by balancing your dietary wants and needs with the help of fruits, you'll get to achieve your target weight and enjoy a more delicious and fulfilling diet.
Summer Fruits That You Should Try
Apples
An apple a day really does keep the doctor away because this summer fruit is packed with lots of nutrients and fibre, which aid in weight loss. On top of that, apples are low-calorie fruits that are very filling, so you’ll be less tempted to eat other foods after eating them.
Melons
Melons are often recommended for people who want to reduce their belly fat because they're low in calories and high in water content, making you feel satiated for longer. Our article on ‘Foods You Can Freeze to Prevent Food Waste’ even notes that you can freeze ripe melon varieties to enjoy them all year long. Simply cut them into chunks and bag them up before freezing, so that they’re ready whenever you want a smoothie or a snack.
Plums
Plums only contain 30 calories per 100 grams, making them a good weight loss substitute for your favourite sweets. These are also quite low in fat and high in fibre, so you can enjoy these summer fruits without worrying much about your weight.
Strawberries
Strawberries are the sweetest during summer, and registered nutritionist Jo Lewin states that you can consume about seven fresh berries to meet one of the portions of your five-a-day. As a bonus, this sweet fruit can help manage your weight due to its low glycaemic index and low-calorie content.
Lemon
Try swapping your calorie-rich drinks for a glass of lemon water to lose weight. Lemon is rich in a soluble fibre that aids in satiety, so it can help you feel full for a longer period. Many also believe that since lemons can help the body expend heat, they can also improve metabolisms for further weight loss.
Peaches
Peaches are packed with tons of antioxidants, and the best part is that they have few calories and no saturated fats. These fruits can also aid digestion because they contain both insoluble and soluble fibre. This will help reduce bloating and hasten the breakdown of food.
Eating the recommended amount of fruits can help you achieve your health and nutrition goals in no time. Plus, since fresh fruits are also sweet and delicious, your health journey can be that much more delightful.
Article written by Rose Joseph
