I've said this numerous times, but why buy a supplement when you can get those same nutrients by enjoying a real apple, a real banana, and a cup of real yogurt?!
Similarly, like the article says, why give your kids (or buy for yourself) a bag of fruit snacks, which claim to provide "2 whole servings of fruit", when you can enjoy an actual bowl of fruit?!
This bowl of fruit may have a bit more calories than some of the popular fruit snacks, fruit leathers, and fruit bars, but there are many things that you will get from the real fruit that you will not get from the "processed fruit that's disguised as real";
1) Certain antioxidants and phytonutrients (plant nutrients)
2) FIBER!
3) ZERO added maltodextrin, corn syrup, and sugar
4) More water to keep you hydrated, and full
Bottom Line: Buy the fruit snacks, fruit bars, etc. as a quick snack for when you're in a hurry, but don't use them for your, or your children's, daily fruit consumption. Explore the delicious world of real fruit, and enjoy.
Check out this article about how studies have shown that bottled teas have less polyphenols than real tea. Once again, real comes out ahead!
2) FIBER!
3) ZERO added maltodextrin, corn syrup, and sugar
4) More water to keep you hydrated, and full
Bottom Line: Buy the fruit snacks, fruit bars, etc. as a quick snack for when you're in a hurry, but don't use them for your, or your children's, daily fruit consumption. Explore the delicious world of real fruit, and enjoy.
Check out this article about how studies have shown that bottled teas have less polyphenols than real tea. Once again, real comes out ahead!
lol I went to the movies the other day, and I actually had fruit snacks instead of candy so I think in that situation, that was my best option =)
ReplyDeleteI'm still perplexed how people prefer the processed stuff over fresh! Hopefully this post will encourage more people to make the healthiest choice!
ReplyDeleteAs always, GREAT post! Wanted to say a "here here" a couple times because it is so true. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! ~Kati
ReplyDeleteYeah, those fruit snacks are like glorified gummy bears, imho. :-)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely agree with this!! Also, we don't know the synergistic effects of eating a whole apple versus an apple that has been processed into juice...they aren't equal, and it's annoying that companies are using that "2 servings of fruit and veg/day in this product" scam.
ReplyDeleteI like you "bottom line." Couldn't agree more. My little boy will get lots of fruit and only the ocassional fruit snack.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your blog comment :) Glad to know I am following your baby plan!
any time i eat fruit leathers or snacks i usually get a tummy ache and i feel hungry. only fresh fruit fills me up and hydrates me at the same time <3
ReplyDeleteI can't agree more!!!! Now that I don't snack much, the only thing I snack are fruits. they're loaded with vitamins and not fill me too much for main meals~ :)
ReplyDeleteHi Gina
ReplyDeleteSo agree with you. Because of the added sugar, etc., I never drink bottled iced tea and hardly ever eat fruit that isn't fresh and whole.
Just tried this fantastic iced tea recipe I found online. It's amazing.
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/3-super-healing-summer-iced-teas.html?page=3
I'm a new reader, and I LOVE your blog. Thanks for all the tips!
I haven't had fruit snacks in years, my mom didn't let us have them as kids because they were bad for your teeth haha- another pro of real fruit, which still has sugar but isn't so sticky. You can sort of see though how parents would go for it for their kids snacks- I'm not sure I can picture myself as a parent shopping up a few different fruits to give my kid a fruit salad for snack at school haha. Which is why my kids are getting carrots and yogurt, much easier haha.
ReplyDeleteI honestly wouldn't even consider a fruit supplement and I even have a hard time with veggie supplements, too. I'd much rather eat a piece of fruit or eat a salad than take a pill...any day!
ReplyDeleteFantastic points. Just because the label says it counts as a fruit serving, does not mean it should be used in place of real fruit. Not a bad idea to make your own fruit leather at home, at least it is better than store bought fruit roll ups.
ReplyDeleteMy father in law is a dentist and says that the fruit snacks/fruit roll ups are one of the worst things that you can give your children as far as dental health is concerned too.
ReplyDeletehahaha i used to be ALL about the fruit snacks when i was a kid. like fruit by the foot and fruit rollups and fruit chews. i was a fruit snack monster for real and my fav thing to do was roll fruit roll up around my finger and suck on it that way. hahahahahaha i can't BELIEVE i just told you that hahahahahaha
ReplyDeleteI actually think fruit snacks tend to have more calories anyways. And loads more sugar, and like you say, less nutrients. Usually less taste too. And definitely less freshness. Obviously I'm with you...Fresh fruit beats fruit leathers any day!
ReplyDeleteI actually think fruit snacks tend to have more calories anyways. And loads more sugar, and like you say, less nutrients. Usually less taste too. And definitely less freshness. Obviously I'm with you...Fresh fruit beats fruit leathers any day!
ReplyDeleteMy initial professional and personal response just to your tag line
ReplyDeleteNO! NEVER! Even a handful of cereal and dried fruit or nuts for an on the go snacks are better than those suckers...they are just like gummies. They aren't even popular here in Europe at all.
The only way we are going to change how people treat themselves is by saying: Don't buy that! IT DOESN'T COUNT AS FOOD! You know how long those suckers can last? YEARS! That is saying something.
i do NOT get those juice drinks that say "its just like having 3 servings of fruts and veggies in a glass" ummm, no its not, its juice! nothing beats the real thing!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog and I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteThe kids in my school believe juice is a fruit, fruit roll-ups are fruit..etc...
So frustrating!
So I'm finally going to come out of my lurking shell to tell you that I love your blog and read it every day :)
ReplyDeleteAs for this post- I agree that eating whole fruits is so much better not to mention more delicious! I never drink juices or eat fruit leathers etc because i love the fruits themselves and pack them in during breakfast and snacks. Besides, the peaches out this season are to die for (it almost sounds like i'm talking about a fashion trend...haha)
Sara
Hey!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I really liked the fruit leathers and snacks at first because it was on-the-go, same cost, and simple to eat ( no juice running down my chin, no core to deal with).
However, I noticed that almost all fruit products such as leathers, snacks etc. are made primarily with apples or apple juice.
Even thought I thought I was getting variety, I really was just getting apples- which are easy enough to grab on the go.
Great post!
I like this idea and always I prefer that it is the best policy to take fruits and green vegetables so you need not to take any type of medicine and thus the body will remain fit and fine.
ReplyDeleteI like this idea and always I prefer that it is the best policy to take fruits and green vegetables so you need not to take any type of medicine and thus the body will remain fit and fine.
ReplyDelete