(Elizabeth Millard/ Everyday Health) — 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. (…)