How To Avoid The Hidden Fats In Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is the perfect go-to snack when you’re in a rush and you want to put something in your belly. Not only is it easy but it’s also super tasty! It has the perfect amount of sweetness to satisfy your cravings and a great source of fiber. Hmm, it sounds fishy. How can something so tasty be healthy too? Well, maybe it’s not…
Added Sugar
The process of drying fruit involves removing water, which creates a concentration of natural sugars, like fructose. Fortunately, fructose does not cause a rise in blood sugar like other sweet snacks, but it is high in calories. However, don’t get too excited yet. The problem exists with commercial dried fruit. These products have tons of extra sugar and artificial sweetness. You should double-check the label to make sure no extra sweetness is sneaking up on you!
Serving Size
Dried fruit is an energy-dense food and sometimes you may find yourself eating more than you should. It can be so addicting that you can’t even stop. You say to yourself that it’s okay because it’s healthy, but remember too much of anything can be dangerous! One more piece of dried mango turns into another and another until you end up finishing the entire bag. Too much-dried fruit may lead to bloating and dehydration so just be careful with your intake. Also, keep in mind that half a cup of dried fruit equals one cup of fresh fruit!
What To Do
The best way to control this all together is too make little premade portion-sized dried fruit bags. This way you have an idea of how much to eat and won’t risk consuming too much sugar all at once. Also, make sure to drink a lot of liquids when consuming dried fruit so you don’t get dehydrated!
