Fulfilled with Fruit, Nature’s Candy
I was teased today when I walked into work with what appeared to be a giant bag of fruit. Inside such bag were three baby bananas, 4 sugar plums, and about 15 bing cherries. They wondered whether I had a financial arrangement with my local CSA or if I obtained fruit through some bulk purchase agreement. One other co-worker speculated that I probably just went grocery shopping every day given my recent consumption.
It’s true – I love fruit. Particularly in the summer when there are so many different varieties available – beyond apples and oranges!
When it comes to snacking, I am on the record as being against snacking. In general, that’s still true though there is clearly an exception to fruit. I consider fruit an exception, as it comes completely guilt free, yet equally (or more) delicious as any candy bar. The nice part about fruit is that it’s nutritionally whole. That is, while there is a fair amount of sugar in any piece of fruit, it’s also full of vitamins, nutrients, phytochemicals, and of course fiber. Certain evolutionary theorists espouse that fruit is nature’s way of getting you to eat your fiber. The nice part of all that fiber in fruit is that it helps you feel full, without the fats, additives, and other fillers of most snacks.
My favorite part about fruit is trying new ones. I was fortunate to travel to Southeast Asia a few years ago, and upon my return, everyone asked me what my favorite part about Asia was. My answer – the fruit! It’s true. There are so many unique, flavorful and wonderful fruits there including rambutan, mangosteen, custard apple, and soursop, though I must say that durian wasn’t my cup of tea. Now whenever and wherever I travel, I seek out the local fruit – even if it means a different varietal of apple or the local crop of blueberries. You’ll be surprised how much better the local fruit tastes.
So while chocolate, cookies, pie, cake and ice cream are nice – I’ll take nature’s candy any day of the week.
Be well!
Daniel
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Aug 10, 2012 @ 13:25:00
I always bah-humbug low carbers who condemn fruit. It is the perfect food in my mind. I always feel amazing when I eat it. Thanks for reminding me that I need to pick up some plums while they’re in season!
Aug 13, 2012 @ 17:50:00
I am with Alyssa on the people who say you shouldn’t eat fruit because of the carbs! Gosh! It’s nature’s perfect dessert. I have gotten the best cantaloupes lately. There is something about Texas melons. Yum!