What about calorie counts? I’ve heard I should avoid bananas because they are high calorie and full of sugar.
Fruits are typically nutrient dense because they can be good sources of minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron low in calories as well as good sources of vitamins like Vitamin A, C and folic acid. Fruits also contain dietary fiber. Fresh is always best if possible but frozen is a great option, too. I often use frozen fruits (blueberries, blackberries or raspberries) to top my oatmeal in the morning. You can typically get them on sale. Choose the ones that are flash frozen without sugar. You can use these in smoothies and my grandkids like to eat them frozen, too. A great online resource for information about calories, nutrients, selection, preparation and cooking of fruits can be found at http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org. This website also contains some excellent recipes that are kid friendly (adults like them, too). In addition, there are many other resources for families that can help teach them about the health attributes of fruits (and also vegetables, too).
Image from: Brooklawn.org.
Barbara Day, M.S., R.D., C.N., is a registered dietitian with a Master’s Degree in clinical nutrition. The former publisher of Kentuckiana HealthFitness Magazine, Kentuckiana Healthy Woman magazine and radio show host of Health News You Can Use, Barbara has over 30 years of experience in promoting healthy lifestyles to consumers. Barbara has private practice, DayByDay Nutrition, www.DayByDayNutrition.com, where she counsels clients on weight loss, cholesterol management, performance nutrition and an array of other medical issues. Barbara writes nutrition and health columns for www.LiveStrong.com. She also designs and presents employee wellness programs to small and large businesses. Barbara is a runner, cyclist, hiker and a mother and grandmother to 9 grandchildren.
