I could probably write several pages about processed and unprocessed sugars, natural and unnatural sweeteners. But what I’d like to talk to you about instead is how a natural, seemingly healthy product can actually be anything but healthy.
You could go as far as to say, I’m going to show you how easily fat burning foods can be transformed into a stomach-bloating time bomb! So let’s do this…
You might have guessed it from the title! I’m going to be talking about fruit juice.
Natural, Unprocessed and Wholesome Foods Are King
Fruit juice has been touted as a true health food (yes I know it’s a drink…). In fact you can get anywhere from 1 to all 5 of your recommended 5 a day in one hit, and with no added sweeteners or preservatives! Win-Win it sounds, not so…
As natural as fruit juice sounds, it has actually been processed and altered. But this time it’s not about what has been added, but what has been taken away.
The clue is in the name. Just juice, no skin, no flesh. But so what? Those are just the nasty bits any way, aren’t they? Not so I’m afraid. This is where you will find all of the fruit’s dietary fiber. Dietary fibre is what slows the absorption of natural sugar into your bloodstream. That is why raw fruit won’t spike your blood sugar levels. Without this fiber, your fruit juice is spiking blood sugar and telling your body to store fat.
What’s more, the packet might say you are consuming 2 of your 5-a-day. But in reality it took about 8 pieces of fruit to produce that much juice. That means your getting the sugar from 8 pieces of fruit all at once, and with no fiber to slow the flow! This is a surefire way to sabotage your weight loss efforts.
Stick to eating organic, whole fruit for a healthy dose of natural sugar, antioxidants and fibre.
Raw Fruit Rules
My regular readers will know that I’m always telling them to avoid processed sugars no matter what.
But please pay particular attention to the word “processed”. While processed sugar is junk, natural sugar, found in unprocessed foods, is key to your nutritional program and your ability to lose tummy fat.
Here’s a little tip to control your sugar cravings: eat a piece of fruit with every meal. I have an insanely sweet tooth and this tip works for me. Use fruit to spice up even the most boring meals. And you get a great energy boost (that’s non fattening) to boot!
Just remember the golden rule: raw fruit only to avoid spiking our blood sugar!
Portion Control
The best way to convert your body into a fat burning furnace is to eat 5 or 6 smaller meals, spread out evenly throughout the day. So the idea is 1-2 pieces of fruit (1 apple, 1 pear, or a hand full of berries) is all you need. Going crazy at eating 6 bananas in one sitting is not such a great idea!
TIP: The best way to keep yourself in the fat burning zone throughout the day is to eat a balanced meal at every opportunity. Try to include natural sugars, protein, essential fats and fibre at every opportunity.
Fat Burning Secret – Natural Foods Are Best
If you remember just one paragraph from this article, please make it this one. Natural, organic, unprocessed and unaltered fruit is one of the very best fat burning foods. No matter what the advertisements tell you, fruit juice is NOT a health food.
Fruit juice isn’t the only fake ‘health food’ out there. Discover which Fat Burning Foods you can trust, and all about Weight Loss Recipes on my website.