Nutritional Advice from Fitness Experts

Q: I've become much more aware of my carbohydrate intake, specifically focusing on sugars. I watch sweets and limit refined grains, but what about fruit? It obviously has a lot of sugar, so should I limit that too?

A: Fruit is essentially all sugar, but it also has lots of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Because of tis, there is no reason to limit or avoid fruit. In fact, most people could probably use an extra serving or two each day. The only individuals that may need to moderate their intake a bit are those dealing with diabetes, but even they can still have a few servings daily, as long as they're spaced well throughout the day. Generally, when we talk about limiting sugar, we're focusing on the added sugars that seem to appear in so many foods. Added sugars contribute significantly to overall carbohydrate and calorie intake, and are one of the many reasons for the nation's expanding waistline. Unfortunately, it's very easy for an avoidance of sugars to become an avoidance of all sugars, and even carbohydrates in general. Let's not forget - carbohydrates are an important energy source for the brain, the red blood cells, and our muscles. And carbohydrate-heavy foods are not just empty calories; they contain a variety of other healthful nutrients as well. It is important to find a happy balance for that works for you.

Submitted by David Tenner of AnyTime Fitness on Suburban Ave.