In spite of all the education that has been done on this subject, most Americans still are not getting enough fresh fruit in their diets. One simple solution to this problem is to consume fresh fruits for lunch, as they are easy to prepare and quick to eat even during a busy day at the office. Below are seven reasons why fruit for lunch is such a healthy choice.
Takes the Edge off the Appetite
A serving of fruit at lunchtime has been shown to take the edge off of the appetite when it comes down to eating the actual meal. Because fruit contains sugar and fiber, it gives a quick boost to the energy levels and at the same time creates a feeling of fullness, causing most people to eat less of the rest of the meal.
Promotes Weight Loss
The sweetness of fruit helps to satisfy sugar cravings in the healthy way, while the high amount of fiber helps to suppress the appetite and provide a feeling of fullness. This causes less of a sense of deprivation and makes it more likely that someone will stay on their diet to achieve their weight goals.
Makes a Great Late Lunch
If the workday gets crazy and lunch is late, a fruit makes a great late meal. Quartered oranges or fresh pineapple chunks are loaded with potassium, vitamins and fiber to satisfy hunger and keep someone going until dinner time.
Helps Prevent Unhealthy Choices
If a guest in someone’s home and it is likely that the lunch might not be healthy, snack on any fruit-based appetizers on offer is a good idea. It will help curb cravings for the meal itself and be a polite way to avoid more high-calorie foods.
Fulfills Daily Requirements
It is not recommended that, in order to follow a truly healthy and balanced diet, that people “Strive for Five”, in other words, consume 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. A fresh fruit salad –especially if it a mixture of fruits – can help achieve this goal even when life gets busy.
Boosts Energy Levels
Heavy, carb-loaded Mexican- or Italian-style lunches, for instance, can leave a feeling of sluggishness that lasts all afternoon and can make getting work done a lot more difficult. A light lunch of fruit, on the other hand, can boost the energy levels with its sugars while its fiber helps to prevent any blood sugar slumps that can leave someone fatigued.
Promotes an Overall Healthy Diet
Make the fresh fruit part of an overall healthy diet, to be consumed at lunch but also throughout the day along with other high-nutrient, low-calorie foods. Fresh vegetables, lean dairy products and nuts or seeds also fit into this category and promote overall health.
So consider fresh fruit for lunch. Aside from being easy to prepare and transport, it will also provide vitamins, minerals and fiber that the body needs and promote generally health and well-being.
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