Monday, March 21, 2011

Don't trust a diet that limits your daily intake of papaya

Recently, my dad came over for dinner and I served grapes as part of the meal.  During the course of dinner, my dad commented something to the effect of, "I love grapes, but I probably shouldn't eat them so much.  Aren't they one of the worst fruits for you?"  Without even thinking, I immediately quipped, "Yes, because the problem with America is that we eat too many grapes."

His comment brought up something that always makes me cringe when I'm counseling patients:  putting fruits or vegetables on the bad foods list.  Doesn't that just sound ridiculous?

I honestly do not think that obesity is on the rise because we are all sitting around eating too many blueberries.  Now, as with any other food, we can certainly overeat blueberries.  But when you villainize a fruit alongside a piece of candy, you are also discouraging a great source of vitamins, minerals, water, and fiber. 

Plus, when you start categorizing fruits as "bad" it just makes nutrition all the more confusing!

So rejoice grape-lovers.  Eat your heart out!

2 comments:

Sabrina Pate said...

love this! ha!

Unknown said...

Alex: It thrills me to see your interest in nutrition -- remember those "germ" stories -- and your dedication to the Lord. Grandma

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