Fruits For Diet Healthy are Fruits with excellent source of fiber and good carbohydrates. Fruits like banana contain good amount of Vitamin B6, vitamin C and potassium. 100 grams of banana contains 78% RDA of vitamin C. Similarly, in one cup of orange juice there are about 61% RDA of vitamin C.
7 Top Fruits to Support Weight Loss (and How to Enjoy Them)
Skip the cake, cookies, and candy. Going au naturale with your treats boosts fiber intake, supporting weight loss, and gives you additional health benefits.
Fruit tends to be high in fiber and low in calories, making it a great food for weight loss or maintenance.
When it comes to losing weight, a big challenge for many people is giving up dessert, which is seemingly ubiquitous. Maybe your coworker brought donuts in for the team or candy bars seem to beckon you from the grocery checkout aisle. And, well, when the holidays roll around, all bets are off. It’s like an obstacle course for your goal setting.
Meet your weight loss training buddy: fruit. Not only does fruit have the sweetness you’re craving, but unlike processed treats, it boasts plenty of nutrients as well. No wonder some people call it Mother Nature’s candy.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that you fill half of your plate with fruit and veggies for optimal health. Yet while whole fruits are healthy, all food has calories, and you’ll want to keep that in mind when losing weight. If you’re on the popular ketogenic diet, some fruits are also better than others on this plan, due to the tight carbohydrate restrictions. Also, for people with type 2 diabetes, while it’s a myth that fruit is unhealthy, you’ll still want to monitor your intake due to their carb count, or else risk a blood sugar spike.
The amount that’s right for you may differ, but the fact remains: Fruit is a healthy addition for your weight loss plan. “When you’re trying to lose weight, an important aspect is feeling full for longer, but also enjoying what you eat — that’s a huge part of sustainable, healthy weight loss,” says Martha Lawder, RDN, president of the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who is based in Roseville, California. “Fruit can give you that fullness because of the fiber, but also it’s delicious. That makes it a great go-to option.”
Here’s a look at some top choices, along with ideas on how to enjoy them if you’re looking to maintain your weight or simply do your body some good.
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High-Fiber Apples Allow You to Get Your Sweet Fix on the Go
Atlanta-based Kristen Smith, RDN, spokesperson for Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and registered dietitian for Piedmont Healthcare, says apples are high in fiber but low in calories, which, like many fruits, makes them a wise food choice if you’re trying to lose weight.
“Foods with increased fiber can help slow digestion and keep you feeling satiated for longer periods of time,” Smith says. “For optimal satiety and fiber intake, keep the skin on.”
One medium-sized apple provides 4.37 grams (g) of fiber, which offers 16 percent of the daily value (DV), along with 96.4 calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Past research established the connection between consuming fiber-rich foods and managing weight.
How to Enjoy
Smith recommends topping your favorite salad with apple slices, dipping them in Greek yogurt as a snack, or adding them to oatmeal for natural sweetness.
Protein-rich Greek yogurt provides a whopping 14.9 g in each 150-g container of the plain, low-fat variety, according to the USDA. What’s more, thanks in part to its protein, Greek yogurt can make for a good weight loss companion, noted a review published in July 2015 in Nutrition Reviews. And pairing your apple with oats is also smart for your waistline, considering they offer an extra helping of fiber. According to the USDA, each ½ cup of oats serving provides 4 g, which is 14 percent of the DV.
If you prefer a no-frills snack, simply grab an apple and go. Their portability is part of their appeal.
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Raspberries Are One of the Best Sources of Fiber
Because of their sweetness, raspberries can help satisfy a sugar craving, Smith says. These offer fiber as well as antioxidants, which combat harmful substances called free radicals in the body, research has shown. According to the USDA, 1 cup of raspberries has 8 g of fiber, offering 28 percent of the DV and making them an excellent source.
Berries, in particular, are often categorized as superfoods because their high levels of vitamin C and vitamin E, which are antioxidants that help fend off chronic disease, according to a March 2018 article in Frontiers in Pharmacology. A cup of raspberries gives you 32 mg of vitamin C — 35 percent of your DV — and 1.07 mg of vitamin E, 7 percent of your DV, according to the USDA.
How to Enjoy
Though raspberries make good additions to salads and yogurts, too, Smith points out that these make a great snack on their own. Take a break, have a handful, and eat them slowly. You’ll boost your mindful eating, plus get your sweetness.
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Whole Oranges, Not Juice, Are Weight Loss-Friendly
A medium-sized orange provides 3.14 g of fiber, or 11 percent of your DV, per the USDA. But that only applies if you’re eating the fruit itself, so keep this in mind if you’re eating to trim your waistline.
“Avoid orange juice and eat a whole or cut-up orange instead,” she says. “Also, oranges are packed with vitamin C, which offer several health benefits, like boosting your immune system, helping your body make collagen, and aiding with iron absorption.” According to the USDA, a medium-sized orange has 69.7 mg of vitamin C, 77 percent of your DV.
How to Enjoy
Whip up an orange salsa, Smith suggests, and use it to top chicken breast or fish to get your vitamin C and protein fix. Making sure you keep up on your protein requirements is a good strategy for weight loss, according to a June 2015 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, because it helps you feel full for longer. Harvard University notes you need 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, so a 150-pound person would need 54 g of protein daily.
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Mangoes Are a Metabolism-Boosting Treat
Talk about a major sweetness superhero — mangoes offer that no-sugar fix you want, and they can even help improve your metabolism and lower inflammation, says Lawder. A small, short-term study published in April 2017 in The FASEB Journal found that mango lowered blood pressure and helped with blood sugar regulation, both of which play a role in metabolism. It also improved inflammation markers, the research noted.
And of course, they offer a nice helping of weight-supportive fiber. In one mango, you get 3.31 g of fiber, which is about 12 percent of the DV, per the USDA.
How to Enjoy
After cutting into slices or pieces, sprinkle a little chili powder and lime juice on top, Lawder says. This will provide a flavorful snack; plus, the kick may boost this snack’s weight loss potential. A review published in June 2017 in the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition found that the active ingredient in chile peppers, capsaicin, may accelerate weight loss efforts.
How To Cut It: Mango
Mangos are full of key nutrients including vitamin C, but do you know how to cut them? The Millennial Chef shows you how in this video.
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Avocados Have Good Fats to Help You Feel Full Longer
Like tomatoes, you may not think of avocados as a fruit. But while they may look odd in a fruit bowl, avocados can be a top addition when it comes to weight loss goals, says Lawder. That’s because they’re one of the fattiest plant foods available, and the USDA notes that about 77 percent of an avocado’s calories come from fat — the good kind.
“The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in avocados have been linked to better heart health, and they increase your satiation level by a large degree,” Lawder says. Fiber also contributes to avocados’ satiating effect: One-half an avocado provides 4.55 g fiber, or nearly 16 percent of the DV, notes the USDA.
A study published in April 2019 in Nutrients showed that overweight and obese participants who ate avocados as part of a meal felt less hungry after six hours compared with those who’d eaten a low-fat, high-carb meal.
How to Enjoy
After cutting a ripe fruit carefully, throw the pieces into a blender for a green smoothie, Lawder suggests, The texture of the avocado creates a creamy, thicker drink, like a milkshake, and you can add in all sorts of nutritious standouts, like banana, kale, chard, and Greek yogurt.
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Bananas Also Help You Feel Full Longer, Thanks to Their Resistant Starch
“Bananas often get badmouthed for being ‘too high’ in carbs,” says Saginaw, Michigan–based dietitian Kelsey Lorencz, RDN. Because fruit is full of natural sugar, which translates into carbs, it’s a common myth that it can contribute to weight gain, she adds. People on a low-carb diet like keto are often advised to avoid fruits like bananas.
“In reality, part of the carbohydrates from bananas are in the form of the fibers pectin and resistant starch. Both of these can actually help regulate blood sugars, not spike it,” says Lorencz. This type of starch earns that label because it is resistant to digestion, previous research notes, and that’s a good thing, because it functions like fiber and slows digestion — which keeps you full for longer, and also keeps blood sugar steady so you maintain energy. That can keep you from a blood sugar slump that has you reaching for a sweet treat to perk back up.
How to Enjoy
There’s a reason these are a such a go-to ingredient for smoothies. They blend well and add that tropical flavor to any mix. For added weight loss clout, throw in a small handful of nuts. Research has found that nuts can aid in weight loss, mainly because they help keep you full for longer thanks to their healthy fat and protein content.
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Pineapple Boosts Hydration and Satiety
In addition to another big burst of vitamin C — one cup of chunks provides 78.9 mg, or about 88 percent of the DV, notes the USDA— pineapple has a high water content and hydration has been shown in numerous studies to help with weight loss, says Lorencz.
For example, a prior review noted that several clinical trials have shown that adding water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables to your diet is associated with weight loss, even when participants were not instructed to restrict calories.
How to Enjoy
Even if you’re a firm no to the “pineapple on pizza” question, pineapple does pair well with savory foods and dairy, says Lorencz. For example, blend some crushed pineapple into cottage cheese for snack. Cottage cheese is a top choice because it’s high in protein—the amount depends on brand, but the USDA notes that 1 cup of the low-fat variety provides 23.6 grams.
With so many different options when it comes to fruit, it’s easy to play around with flavor combinations, creating a sweet treat when you need it, and enjoying all the fiber and nutrients that make this an ideal addition to your weight loss efforts.
11 Best Fruits For Weight Loss, According To A Nutritionist
Calling all people with a sweet tooth! One of the hardest parts of any diet is fighting back against cravings for sweet, sugary foods, amiright? But when it comes to dieting, not all sugar is created equal. While your diet may have strict rules against the refined sugars found in treats like cupcakes and cookies, natural sugars (like the ones found in fruits) usually aren’t off limits.
“[Fruit] is a nutritious item to enjoy during a weight-loss journey as a treat and to decrease your cravings for other less healthy sweet foods,” says Amy Shapiro, RD, founder of Real Nutrition. Fruit can also help you feel fuller for longer, due to the fiber content in many kinds. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t track your sugar intake when eating fruit. Too much sugar of any kind could still thwart your weight-loss goals, and lots of fruits pack a ton of it.
If you’re trying to lose weight, Shapiro recommends having no more than two servings of fruit a day, or three if you’re active. One serving of fruit can either be a whole fruit that fits in your hand, like an apple or orange, or one cup of cut fruit, like a fruit salad. You should stick to eating fresh fruit; Shapiro advises against eating a ton of dried fruit if you’re trying to lose weight, as the dried fruit’s sugar becomes more concentrated as it loses volume. “The servings of dried fruit are very small, very sweet, and very high in sugar,” she says. “For example, dried mango contains 29 grams of sugar for four slices.” Shapiro also says that people tend to typically overeat dried fruit because of the small serving sizes.
But if you eat fresh fruit, and you take stock of your servings, fruits can keep you on track for your weight-loss goals. If you’re curious which fruits are the best when it comes to weight loss, try this list of 11 recommendations from Shapiro. They have the highest fiber content, the lowest sugar, and are the healthiest options for weight loss.
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Berries
RICHARD BOLL
Shapiro says she loves recommending berries because they have such high fiber content. “Berries are my favorite fruit to recommend since they are the highest in fiber and lowest in sugar and are packed with antioxidants so they are optimal for health.” Raspberries, blueberries and strawberries all make great weight-loss fruit options.
Per serving:
Strawberries: 46 cal, 11.1g carbs, 7g sugar, 1g protein, 0.4g fat, 1.4g sodium, 2.9g fiber
Blueberries: 84 cals, 21g carbs, 14.7g sugar, 1g protein, 0.5g fat, 1.5g sodium, 3.6g fiber
Raspberries: 64 cals, 14.7g carbs, 5.4g sugar, 1.5g protein, 0.8g fat, 1.2g sodium, 8g fiber
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Kiwi
DAVID MARSDEN
If you enjoy something sweet, yet equally tart, consider kiwi. “It’s loaded with vitamin C and not too sweet, but still juicy and refreshing,” says Shapiro.
Per serving: 108 cals, 26g carbs, 16g sugar, 2g protein, 0.9g fat, 5.3g sodium, 5.3g fiber
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Watermelon
KURTWILSON
Watermelon is about 9o percent water, so not only does it help you stay hydrated, but it also aids in helping you feel fuller for longer too.
Per serving: 46 cals, 11.5g carbs, 9.4g sugar, 0.9 protein, 0.2g fat, 1.5g sodium, 0.6g fiber
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Apples
PHILIPPE DESNERCK
Apples high in fiber, making your belly feel full, and they leave you mentally satisfied too, says Shapiro. “Apples have a great crunch and texture so they satisfy your craving to chew.” If you’re looking for a yummy and healthy dessert, Shapiro recommends throwing your apples in the oven and baking them.
Per serving: 65 cals, 17.3 carbs, 13g sugar, 0.3g protein, 0.2g fat, 1.2g sodium, 3g fiber
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Papaya
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Shapiro says papaya is rich in enzymes that can ease distress in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce bloating. The fruit is also low-calorie and full of fiber. It’s tasty on its own, but she says it also pairs well with some fresh lime juice and a little sea salt.
Per serving: 60.2 cals, 15.1g carbs, 10.9g sugar, 0.7g protein, 0.4g fat, 11.2g sodium, 2.4g fiber
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Lemons
DAVID MARSDEN
Getting enough water is crucial to any diet, and adding lemon to water makes it tastier, so you’re bound to drink more of it, says Shapiro.
Per serving: 61.5 cals, 19.8g carbs, 5.3g sugar, 2.3g protein, 0.6g fat, 4.2g sodium, 5.9g fiber
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Grapefruit
DAVID MARSDEN
Grapefruit is low in sugar and high in fiber, and one serving size is pretty large, so chances are you’ll feel satisfied for a while after eating it. People reported losing 7.1 percent of their body weight on average after eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice before their meals for 12 weeks, according to a study in Nutrition & Metabolism.
Per serving: 73.6 cals, 18.6g carbs, 16.1 sugar, 1.5g protein, 0.2g fat, 0g sodium, 2.5g fiber
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Acai
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It may be hard to find the actual fruit, but Shapiro says frozen acai packets or powder—that can easily be added to a smoothie or bowl—can be just as healthy, as long as you get the unsweetened kind. Acai is super high in antioxidants, low in sugar and high in fiber—a magic combo.
Per serving: 70 cals, 4g carbs, 2g sugar, 1g protein, 5g fat, 10mg sodium, 2g fiber
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Pineapple
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“It’s juicy, tangy, and filled with bromelain, which helps with digestion by breaking down protein,” says Shapiro. Heads up, pineapple skews higher in sugar, so keep track of your serving size with this one.
Per serving: 82.5 cals, 21.6g carbs, 16.3g sugar, 0.9g protein,0.2g fat, 1.7g sodium, 2.3g fiber
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Avocados
ROB WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
Avocado is way higher in calories that most other fruit (yes, avo is a fruit!). But eaten in moderation it can help promote weight loss, as it may help squash your appetite, according to a study published in Nutrition Journal. The study determined that overweight individuals who ate half a Hass avocado with their lunch reported satiety for up to five hours after lunch. Win!
Per serving: 218 cals, 11.6g carbs, 0.9g sugar, 2.7g protein, 19.9g fat, 9.5g sodium, 9.1g fiber
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Pears
PHILIPPE DESNERCK
Another fruit high in fiber, pears can help keep your satiety high and your digestive system operating smoothly, says Shapiro.
Per serving: 85.5 cals, 22.8g carbs, 14.6g sugar, 0.5g protein, 0.2g fat, 1.5g sodium, 4.7g fiber
Fruits Can Help You Lose Weight
Fruits are juicy, refreshing and delicious. They are also high in fiber, contain natural sugars and help keep unwanted cravings away. But can eating fruits really help you lose weight?
Daily intake of fruit can prevent weight gain
- Fruits add bulk to our diets and do not provide many calories
- Eat five serving of fruits every day and opt for different colours
- Increasing daily intake of fruits can prevent weight-gain
Fruits are juicy, refreshing and delicious. They are also high in fiber, contain natural sugars and help keep unwanted cravings away. You may already know that you should include a variety of them in your diet, but not every fruit is equal when it comes to the nutritional value. There are certain fruits that are higher in fiber and pectin. Both work as natural fat burners that can help boost your metabolism and aid weight loss. Additionally, they are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and are also low in fat and calories. But, can eating fruits really help you lose weight?
“To lose weight you need to take less calories but that doesn’t mean that you have to eat less. Fruits add bulk to our diets and do not provide many calories. They can be used as a substitute for high calories foods in our diet, making you feeling full and satisfied with an intake of fewer calories. For example, if we add fruits like peaches, strawberries and apple to our breakfast cereals then we can cut down the cereal portion size, thereby reducing calories without starving ourselves. Fruits can be also used as a substitute for high glycemic index foods in our diet and thus can help in weight loss. You should aim for eating five serving of fruits every day and opt for different colours,” explains Dr. Gargi Sharma, Weight Loss Consultant, New Delhi.Recently, scientists at Harvard University found that increasing the daily intake of fruit can prevent weight gain, even if you continue consuming the same amount of calories. Researchers suggest that all the benefits of eating fruits come from the flavonoids they contain. Flavonoids are a group of phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables that impart colour. They are powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Fruits get a bad reputation because of their sugar content but they are actually great for weight loss as they can help in controlling your calorie intake. Dr. Gargi Sharma suggests some that you must include in your diet if you’re looking to lose weight.
Watermelon: This juicy fruit provides only 30 calories per 100 grams and keeps you hydrated. It is rich in amino acid arginine which helps in burning fat.
Guava: They are rich in fiber, have low glycemic index and prevent constipation. They also activate the metabolic rate which helps in weight loss.
Pear: A great source of Vitamin C, pear is the perfect fruit for weight loss. It is packed with fiber which keeps you full for longer as it gets digested slowly. Pears are also known to keep your cholesterol levels in check.
Oranges: Add some tang to your diet with this nutrient-dense, low-calorie fruit. Oranges provide only 47 calories per 100 grams. Orange is considered to be a negative calorie fruit which means that it contains less calories than what your body requires to burn it. Simply put, you burn more than you eat.
Blueberries: Popularly known as a superfood, blueberries are rich in antioxidants and help in boosting metabolic rate. Regular consumption is also known to reduce insulin resistance, hypertension and cholesterol.
Strawberries: These beautiful looking berries help in the production of fat burning hormones adiponectin and leptin resulting in higher metabolism.
Peaches: They are very filling as water composes 89 percent of their weight. Being rich in fiber, they help in reducing hunger.
You may also consider several other fruits which help in losing weight.
Apples:Apples are considered to be low in calories and high in fiber. They are considered to be good for weight loss, Apples are also very filling; hence we eat fewer amounts of other foods during the course of the day. It is also said that apples should be consumed whole, instead of juice, for better result.
Plums: Plums are low in calories, but have good amount of minerals (Potassium, Manganese) and vitamins like A, C and K. Plums contain phenols, a type of phytonutrient, which are strong antioxidants.
Kiwi: Highly nutrient-dense, kiwis are highly nutritious and their high fiber and low calorie content work as magic for weight loss. Kiwis are excellent source of vitamin C, E, folate and fiber. Studies note that kiwi can help in the additional weight loss benefits, like controlling blood sugar, improving cholesterol and others.
Avocados: Avocados are calorie-dense fruits grown in warm climates. The fat content in avocados is considered healthy, which helps in promoting weight loss. Avocados are a great source of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and fiber. Some studies have found that eating avocados can increase feelings of fullness and decrease appetite.
Apricots:Apricots are rich in nutrients like vitamin A and C, as per USDA. They are also enriched with calcium, magnesium and potassium. This fuzzy and furry fruit contains very less amount of calories, which make them excellent addition to one’s weight loss diet. It can fill one’s appetite for several hours that helps in keeping check on hunger and cravings.