So I have been a slacker supreme... This week at school and work has kicked my ass! Getting to the lab at 6:30am does not bode well for a run at the end of the day. Tomorrow is a new day!! I have to really kick it into gear if I plan on not finishing dead last in 3 weeks haha
Today I wanted to talk about sugars and more specifically sugars in fruit juices. Ever turned that bottle of pomegranate juice over and wanted to cry? I have! The sugar content in fruit juices can be off the charts. Even the ones with "no sugar added" can be scary. For someone like me, I am not as concerned with caloric intake as I am with sugars and saturated fat. Some will argue that natural sugars are different, and they are. But either way.. it's still sugar!
Now don't get me wrong, I love juice. Most natural fruit juices are packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and even potassium. What most people don't know though, is that over time as a result of being processed, a lot of store bought juices loose their nutrients over time, even before the "best if used by" date. Also, fruit juices can be great, but they lack the natural fiber of whole fruits.
Home juicing is something I considered at one time to replace store bought juices but then a realized... I have a life. It's minimal these days, but still. Juicing at home as an ENHANCEMENT to your diet is wonderful if you have the time.. not only to make the juice every morning, but also to be at the grocery store every 2 days for supplies. However, I absolutely do not endorse juice-only based diets. Juice fasts are not only bad for you, but they are extremely isolating and practically debilitating for the duration of the "fast". Plus, they are NOT a way of life. Living a healthy, constant lifestyle is far more gratifying and sustainable than any "30 day fast"
So now what?!? I recommend as many fresh, whole fruits and veggies as possible. Obviously for those of us in the real world, going to the grocery 3 times per week is such a pain! But it's worth it! And look for no sugar added juices. They are still packed with sugar, but they are natural fruit sugars. Also, I know they are more expensive, but try to find juices that are actually juice!! Labels that read "contains 10% juice" are like a bright, blinking, warning label. That means that they are full of water and processed sugar to make they taste good. Plus, if they are watered down, then the nutrients you are looking for aren't there!
Another benefit from eating whole fruits and veggies is the psychological concept of eating!! Haha Sounds simple I know, but the time it takes to eat an apple is lifetimes compared to the time it takes to drink the same number of calories in an 8oz glass of juice! Plus then you have eaten! People are very attached to the concept of chewing, so drinking away half of the calories you take in every day leaves you with the misconception that you are hungry. Not true! Chewing is the key!
Have a great Friday! Happy running :) xo
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