WORKOUT -
Ran outside
13.5 miles/1:50
hot, couple hills
Walked dog – 3.5 miles
I got nothing, kids. nothing.
I woke up early to run before it reaches a boiling 212 degrees today. I know you Southerners and Floridians and Arizonans are silently saying, Shut the front door. You don’t even know what hot is.
True, but I still know how to complain with the best of them.
While out running, I passed McDonalds and saw that all iced drinks are $1 regardless of size.
Game on.
I went home, grabbed the dog because she wanted a Diet Coke too, and got a Large only because they didn’t the 5 gallon size.
My husband quit drinking Diet Coke months and months ago and I don’t really drink it that much anymore because I feel like I’m cheating on him, but man, this was righteous.
We can’t all be healthy living bloggers all the time. or ever.
My friend Katie texted me during the middle of my love affair and asked if I wanted to go for a walk. I was actually headed to the park to walk the dog before I got all belly up in aspartame and caramel flavoring.
So we met and walked for 3.5 miles while I made her vow to never speak a word of my Diet Coke indiscretion. Or that time I wore my streaked granny panties as swimsuit bottoms.
Marni was pretty wiped by then and laid under another car for shade. I think she might have been sick… of hearing about my skidmark chonies.
GOOD FRUIT, BAD FRUIT
Celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak writes a weekly health column on People.com and I read this one this morning and thought it was interesting about fruit and if some fruit is “bad” for you.
{An older pic of Harley with Jessica Simpson}
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
But does a melon a day do the same? The truth is, fruit is healthy. But some fruits are healthier than other fruits.
Let’s examine what a fruit is made up of: water, fiber, minerals, vitamins and sugar.
Almost all of the fruit’s fiber – the stuff that makes you feel full, reduces your chance of getting many cancers and keeps your blood sugar in check – is in its skin or seeds. In fact, one may say that without fiber, fruits really aren’t that healthful of a snack. Moreover, most of the minerals and vitamins also lie in the skin and/or seeds of a fruit.
{Harley with singer/actress Hillary Duff}
That’s why my golden rule with fruits is to choose the ones that have either edible skin or edible seeds. Fruits like apples, peaches, plums, apricots, cherries and pears are just a few great examples of fruits with edible skin. Raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and kiwis are example of fruits with edible seeds.
The one exception to the rule is citrus fruit. While you may not eat the skin or seeds of an orange, clementine or grapefruit, these fruits are still on my list of favorites. These fruits have good fiber to calorie ratios, are loaded with vitamin C (among other nutrients), and have a low glycemic index (i.e. They don’t make your blood sugar surge too high).
{With actress Sohpia Bush working the glutes}
The fruits that I prefer to minimize (not eliminate – there are no “bad fruits”), are primarily tropical fruits like bananas, mango, papaya and pineapple. These fruits, not surprisingly, are higher in calories and sugar, and are lower in fiber than ones with edible skin and/or seeds or citrus fruits.
{Running with singer John Mayer}
So, that being said, one of my favorite smoothies to make in the morning is a peach lassi smoothie. Super-creamy, it is a lightly spiced morning mixture based on the classic Indian treat. It has two of my favorite fruits, is high in fiber, protein, calcium, vitamin D, and is delicious! Garnish with crushed pistachios for extra fiber and a satisfying crunch.”
Peach Lassi Smoothie
Peaches (frozen slices or chunks)
Nonfat Greek yogurt
Fresh lime juice
Dash of ground cinnamon
Fresh raspberries
Directions: Pulse first four ingredients in a blender. Stir in berries and enjoy.
So I want to know, are there any fruits you avoid or don’t eat? For health reasons or you just don’t like that fruit?
I’ve always thought that all fruit was good fruit and equal. I usually eat whatever fruit is on hand; there isn’t any that I don’t really like except oranges.
But I rarely ever drink juice. ok, in a mimosa, you got me.
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{ 67 comments… read them below or add one }
Ah…I’ve tried to give up Diet Coke SO MANY times.
I prefer the liquid form of fruit-specifically grapes-specifically as wine. That’s ‘good fruit’ right….?
I read somewhere that grapes are really high in sugar so I don’t eat them very often – but I gotta say, I love bananas whether they are good for me or not
I eat an entire pineapple a week… sh*t!
I only eat apples and not that often I just really don’t like fruits. I’m a vegetarian too so my diet is 80% veggies and 20% peanut butter and other. I feel really healthy though even with my lack of fruit intake
If Diet Coke is wrong, I never want to be right.
I absolutely hate bananas. I can’t even touch them, I freak the flip out. Seriously. I prefer grapes, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. In the winter I end up having mostly frozen fruit, as Scotland isn’t the haven of fresh fruit.
I don’t like when people discriminate against bananas…sometimes this girl cannot afford a $4 pack of raspberries and only bananas will fit in the budget. I figure a banana is better than a chocolate bar. Plus apples get boring uless I cover them in peantbutter.
I am not too much of a sweets person, so fruit is not my thing and I notice that it makes my blood sugar sort of wonky and does not really satisfy me. I eat a ton of veggies though, so I do not worry a bit about my lack of fruit intake. Veggies have plenty of fiber and antioxidants. Foods that are “technically” fruits (tomatoes, avocados, bell peppers and cucumbers) that I do eat taste more savory than sweet to me.
I actually don’t eat fruit right now….sad face. I’ve found that I’m super sensitive to all sorts of sugars, especially in fruits. Even the “healthier” ones. & lots of different veggies too. Bum deal when you eat healthy & still get sick. I never thought I would miss apples so much!
I learned a few years ago I like blueberries. I guess I had only tried them mushy in baked goods. I also just learned I like fresh cherries too. Oranges I don’t like the pulp, I just suck out the juice.
I actually don’t like melons. My faves are raspberries and pineapple.
I always used to buy a certain magazine and then read an article where they said to never eat bananas because of the sugar. I haven’t bought another magazine from them since! Although some fruits have more sugar, I think it’s wrong to tell people to not eat fruit because of it!
I like the way he has his statements worded.
I’m a Registered Dietitian so I have to speak up. 1 cup of sliced banana has 3.9 grams fiber, one apple 2.6 and pineapple 2.6. Find a Registered Dietitian at eatright.org.
Very interesting! This is a great way to explain the fiber benefits to people that think it is ok to drink fruit juice instead of eating the actual fruit. I have gone round and round with some friends on this topic!
Thanks for the great info!
I have been eating lots more fruit lately since my daughter is obsessed with it. She would eat nothing but fruit if I let her, it is good for you but I figure we need some other things in there too. We love apples, cherries, grapes, strawberries and melon. I have never cared for grapefruit so I don’t eat that. Bananas or ok but mostly just in a shake. My daughter would eat them all day every day though.
Ok gotta go snack on some fruit now, yum.
I am a lover of nearly all fruits, since I was a child. The only fruit I have met but do not like is durian (read all about it, very interesting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durian). Luckily, it is not common outside of SE Asia, so I don’t have too many opportunities to turn it down.
Good post.
I live by the principle that all things are good in moderation. I eat a frozen banana in my smoothie 4-5 times per week. I mainly eat bananas, watermelon, blueberries and cantelope. You have to be careful of the fruits that are high on the glycemic index.
hahaha, out of the 4 pictures you chose, 3 of the celebs are now “fat”. Great advertizing for the trainer!
A little harsh seeing as 2 of the 4 pictures are of woman that recently gave birth. Cut them a little slack!
I eat an apple almost daily and avoid too many peaches due to pesticides on skin. I’m too lazy to peel peaches to eat them. I want to try Click please!
Now I want mimosas and diet coke… Damn you skinny runner!
Bananas disgust me, so I don’t eat them unless it’s in banana bread. Pretty much any natural food is on my list of “eat as much as you want” (and yeah, that includes butter) just because I think it beats cupcakes and Doritos.
I love fruit !!
I wish I could eat all the fruit and veggies I want, but I’m actually allergic to most of them. Weird, right? My body can’t process citris, juices, or fiber rich veggies. For example, if I eat more than 3 strawberries I get severe, stabbing pains in my stomach for about 4 hours. Same thing with a glass of OJ, spinach salad, or side of broccoli.
Thankfully I’ve figured out which fruits and veggies I can eat, and how much of them. I eat a banana almost every day and I can eat corn or peas for veggies.
me too!!
Wow, really!? I’ve never met anyone that has the same issue! Thought I was alone with my stomach pains. Do you take any medication for it or just avoid the trigger foods?
I actually eat a banana everyday. Harley would be mad at me.
I know what he’s saying, but in my opinion, any fruits and veggies should be free reign. I mean, have you ever heard of someone getting fat from eating too much pineapple?
I eat tonnes of fruit, I love it and I figure I’d rather eat ‘too much’ of the ‘bad fruit’ than get stuck into other sweet stuff that is truly bad for me. I love pretty much everything except mango, paw paw and papaya. My faves are grapes, cherries, nectarines, oranges and pineapple. I used to avoid bananas as they are high calorie and low fibre, but I’ve realised they are a good filling snack that keeps me away from truly crappy snacks, so I’ve embraced them lately. Plus they are my go to fuel before a long run/race. Easy on my sensitive stomach.
While we’re at it telling SR secrets to the blog world, I might as well mention she likes her fruit more than she lets on… as in TOOTIE fruitie all on our walk. All 3.5 miles of it. Poor Marni, taking all the blame…
and my beans, dont forget about my beans the magical fruit.
Hahaha!!! Lots of fiber!
I was really impressed with Jessica’s weight loss … until I realized it was an old picture.
I’m in love with diet pop, particularly Diet Dr. Pepper. I’m trying to give it up, but I’m thinking a once-in-awhile approach is more doable. I love it too much.
Yum on the diet coke. I don’t keep it in the house but HAVE indulged in that McDonalds special. Also our local gas station, Kum and Go (yep – that’s a chain in Iowa) always has a cheap fountain drink special in the summer. I think like 68cents for 32 ounces or something.
Fruits I avoid – generally bananas. I sometimes put 1/2 a frozen one in my post run smoothie just for the potassium but I’d rather get more bang for my calories. I don’t usually drink juice – ever – but with this stupid flu I’ve had it the last few days. I figure I need some calories to heal:)
Whatever is local and seasonal.
I always thought bananas were a lesser fruit…now I know! Super interesting article. Thanks for sharing!
I would totally go to McDonalds for a $1 drink of anything in this heat right now.
I have a banana everyday and I stay away from fruit juices. Way too many calories!!! Best thing I could have done for my body is to give up diet coke 3 years ago!!
I’m pretty partial to most all fruits and have many each day, except oranges too. I don’t know why. I’m big on avocados too.
Oh no! I love mangoes! Love durians as well but I know that’s probably on the prohibited list.
I keep wanting to get one of those ginormous diet cokes from McDonalds. I wish they had Coke Zero. Ha. I tend to stay away from the same fruits as you. That smoothie sounds delicious though. Mmm.. Did you find a bib yet for AFC?
I’m doing AFC! Super excited!
i think so, yes.
I’d rather die of hunger than eat a grapefruit. YUK!!
i’m trying to give up diet coke and man is it hard! I’m ok until I see deals on the stuff or I’m hot and in need of my diet coke fix. I’m taking it one day at time and almost getting there : )
Amen to the $1 diet cokes from McDonalds in this 1 billion degree heat!
PS. I’m from So. Cal as well!
I love all fruit except raspberries – the seeds kill me. And grapefruit is only good when it’s covered in brown sugar, which I’m pretty sure defeats the purpose. I’ve been drinking $1 Diet Cokes like it’s my job this summer.
I feel like saying some fruits are “bad” is just another thing to worry about. I’m not that concerned about what I eat, because, in general, I eat healthy. So, if I want fruit, I’ll eat whatever sounds good. I think it’s strange that he says bananas are in the bad category. Pretty much everyone seems to agree that bananas are amazing for runners.
I don’t purposely eliminate (or minimize) any fruits, but I also don’t specifically eat certain fruits. I typically eat what’s on sale that I know I like. On my list of favorites are grapes, bananas, strawberries, any berries actually, pineapple, pears, oranges, and peaches. I tend to buy what’s in season and, if it’s freezable, freeze it for when it’s not in season and then I can make smoothies with it.
But, I’ve also never thought about the fact that certain fruits might be better than others. I do know that if you are going to buy organic, you are best off buying organic exposed fruits (like peaches, pears, basically anything on his list) because you CAN eat the skins and know you are not eating whatever chemicals they might put on non-organic fruits. The ones that have peels and rinds are OK to get non-organic because you peel that outer layer off and don’t eat it.
I got a DC like that from 7-11 last night. SO wonderful.
I don’t like bananas or watermelon. Lucky for me those aren’t the best of the best fruits anyways. I usually wouldn’t choose grapes either. I actually don’t eat a ton of fruit. I prefer vegetables. I do like peaches though this time of year.
I’m allergic to bananas so I definitely skip those. I don’t think there’s anything else I won’t eat if it’s offered, but about the only things I buy even remotely routinely are Pink Lady apples and raspberries. I’m more of a veggie girl.
I have also reduced my diet soda intake thanks to work not subsidizing it (it used to be 25 cents a can – that’s enabling right there). But I still love a huge fountain Diet Coke (or Pepsi) with a shload of ice.
I think it’ll be less than eleventy million degrees today – I’m pretty stoked about that.
That’s an interesting fruit talk from Harley. My nutrition professor, who did not train Jessica Simpson, but she did create ice cream for NASA listed the tropical fruits as the #1 fruits to eat. They have enzymes that help digestion. I really think you can’t knock any fruit or vegetable. Silly Harley…or Harvey…whatever his name is.
Bananas make me feel sick to my stomach, so I avoid those. I’m good with just about all other fruits. Oranges, pineapple and cherries are among my favorites. Yum!
Great article and very good for starting discussions! My advice regarding fruit juices is always to skip the juice and go for the fruit. If you want that sweet taste, you will get the most benefit from the actual fruit – that good fiber and all. As for skipping fruits….well, I think it depends on what else you might grab in place of a piece of fruit. Veggies are a healthier lower-calorie choice. But certainly a piece of fruit is going to beat a bag of chips! Right?
I think “improve” first. Then “perfect” and worry about the type of fruit you are eating. The fruits I eat the most are berries, apples, bananas, peaches, and nectarines. Love them!
i like the way you say that – improve first, perfect later.
Um, yeah, don’t move to Florida or you may never run again! It’s “hot” here at least 8, if not 10, months of the year so we always have to run in miserable conditions.
I like all fruits! And with a history in dietetics I have to say that I LOVE that the trainer said there are no bad fruits, just ones to minimize consumption of. So often people giving diet advice want to eliminate entire groups of foods. I hate that.
I used to love diet coke, it had to be REALLY cold though!
Interesting about the fruits. I never have heard about skinned fruits being better.
I have some strawberries & blueberries almost every day.
Bravo to Jaymo for kicking the D.C. habit and to you for controlling your diet coke intake! I have tried to do the quit my D.C. addiction like a million times but somehow that shiny silver & red can sucks me right back in. Maybe someday I will be successful or maybe not.
‘Tis true that it’s best to eat higher-sugary /carby fruits after a workout (banana) versus just any old time during the day.
But I don’t even like bananas., hah. I tend to eat apples, oranges, and such more than tropical fruits anyways, so I guess I don’t really care? And my all time fav?? BERRIES. YUMM
I’m a big fruit fan. I’ve been all about the cherries this summer and always big on apples. Not so much for mango or watermelon. I try to stay away from grapes as much as I love them for my bloodsugars. I pay more attention to the glycemic index when it comes to fruit and oddly bananas give me heart burn.
Hahaha girl, you crack me up!
I saw this quote yesterday and it made me laugh:
“Beer before liquor, never sicker. Toothpaste before orange juice, dead.”
I don’t eat bananas…I’m allergic. But all other fruit, it’s game on! I love fresh fruit.
Years ago at a Weight Watchers meeting, my leader said, “no one ever got fat by eating too many carrots!” That little sentence has stuck with me. Good fruit? Bad fruit? Good veggie? Bad veggie? There are no bad ones in my opinion. If some pinepple, banana or mango is going to keep you away from chocolate, chips or whatever other junk your craving then, eat away.
As for the heat, I’m in the NW and melt at temps above 75. I’m a big baby!
I basically eat the fruit that’s in season. I’m currently loving the Summer with it’s peaches, nectarines, apricots, and berries. Bananas and apples we have all year round. And though it might not be the fruitiest fruit (if that’s a thing), a banana with peanut butter still makes a killer snack!
All fruit is amazing and I may or may not have killed someone for a pint of blueberries once.
I think all fruit is good for you, but you can make a scale of #10 and #1 fruits health-wise. It’s kind of like protein– all protein is good for you; some is just better/easier to digest/healthier/your room mate hasn’t already eaten.
I don’t usually discriminate against fruit, except for pineapple. I love it, but it’s too acidic for me and makes my mouth burn.
When I was in first year university I drank about a litre of diet coke a day. I figure as long as I don’t do that again, the occasional can won’t hurt.
I don’t try to avoid any fruit, because I figure the sugar there is better than sugar in a candy bar. And no one can ever take my bananas away from me.
“We can’t all be healthy living bloggers all the time. or ever.” Love it.
That some fruit is better for you than others goes without saying, though frankly the difference is marginal in my book. What also goes without saying is that all fruit is good for you. To me, a fruit is a fruit is a fruit.