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| Friday, June 19, 2009 |
| Ask the Experts |
Our team of health experts love to share information. Over the past few months we’ve received a lot of great questions related to weight loss, healthy nutrition and fitness from our community. We thought it would be fun to share some of these questions and answers with our readers.
I'm confused how healthy juicing and smoothies are. I read in a magazine that fruit can be high in sugar, but there are benefits like getting vitamins from the fruit. What do you think?
That’s a very good question! In our “carb-phobic” society, it’s important to understand the difference between healthy beneficial sources of carbohydrates and their empty-calorie counterparts. Fruit does contain naturally occurring sugar called fructose. Fructose is broken down at a slower rate in the body compared to regular table sugar. Fruits are also packed with vitamins, disease fighting antioxidants and fiber to help you feel full. Eating the whole fruit is preferred to get maximum health benefits, but juicing at home is a good option compared to buying sweetened fruit juice at the supermarket.
Smoothies can also be a healthy option as long as you watch what they’re made with. Avoid smoothies made with whole milk, high calorie powder mixes, sweet syrups or sauces, fruit in heavy syrup, sugar sweetened fruit juice, ice cream or sherbet. Instead use fresh or frozen fruit, a small amount of 100% fruit juice, low-fat milk, soy milk or low fat yogurt.
You should also consider what your weight goals are. If you’re at a healthy weight, juicing and smoothies can fit nicely into a well balanced diet. But if you’re trying to lose weight, the calories from juices and smoothies can add up quickly, so it’s best to choose the whole fruit instead. Also remember to eat a variety of colorful fruits to get the best compliment of healthy, disease fighting nutrients.
- Lauren
Have a burning question of your own? Contact our registered dietitians and fitness professionals at blogger@sensei.com for awesome advice and feedback.
Labels: Ask The Experts, fruits and vegetables, healthy eating, Lauren
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posted by My Sensei @ Friday, June 19, 2009   |
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| 2 Comments: |
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Hey guys! Love the site, and totally agree about smoothies - they are a good choice, but especially if you're watching your weight, eating the whole fruit it better.
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Hey guys! Love the site, and totally agree about smoothies - they are a good choice, but especially if you're watching your weight, eating the whole fruit it better.