The Low-Hanging Fruit
| The Low-Hanging Fruit is, Literally, Fruit! |
| While fruit is often criticized for its sugar content, for most people, the benefits of fruit far outweigh the costs! Fruits: |
| + Support good gut health + Help reduce inflammation + Are high in antioxidants to keep you healthy & support quick recovery + Aid hydration + Taste amazing! |
| Let’s dig in: Fruits are packed with fiber that fosters a healthy gut by feeding good bacteria, promoting digestion, and reducing inflammation. They’re also rich in phytonutrients, which have powerful antioxidant properties that protect cells, support heart health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Plus, many fruits are naturally high in water content—like cantaloupe, strawberries, and watermelon (all over 90% water!)—which boosts hydration for those who may struggle with drinking enough water but know it’s essential for overall health and peak athletic performance. |
| "Too much sugar?" |
| When it comes to sugar, the natural sugars in fruits are balanced with fiber and vital nutrients, making them a much smarter choice than the empty calories in processed foods. So you’re way better off getting your sweetness from fruit than soda, hard candy, or cereals like Fruit Loops! |
|
|
| Trying to bump up your fruit & veggie intake? |
| If you’re aiming to increase your fruit and veggie intake but find it challenging, start with the easiest option: fruit! It’s literally the low-hanging fruit! Many teenagers (and adults) have successfully boosted their nutrition by beginning with a simple fruit-and-veggie smoothie. A great starter? Try one with pineapple, green grapes, and just three spinach leaves—yes, only 3! Your taste buds and mindset can be retrained to first accept, then enjoy, and eventually love healthier choices. But you’ve got to start with what’s simple and approachable... and that’s often fruit! |
| Listen up, athletes! |
| Depending on many, many factors, competitive athletes can benefit from 3-7 servings of fruit daily! And don’t worry; that’s not as much as it sounds: one serving is a small banana, a small apple, a cup of watermelon, or about 15 grapes. Fruits provide essential nutrients to fuel performance, enhance recovery, and strengthen immune function.
Unfortunately, I meet many athletes who shy away from fruit (and sometimes food in general 😔) due to misconceptions about calories, how energy works in the body, and weight gain. I can’t tell you how many times I've meet an athlete who trains 20+ hours a week and tells me "I don't want to eat bananas because I could get fat". Are you KIDDING me?! (Please book a 15-minute call with me ASAP if you are thinking along those lines!) |
|
|
| So, get movin'. Go shopping for fruit today and get started! 🍉🍑🍇 |
|
|
| P.S. If you're enjoying this newsletter, please shoot me an email and tell me! And share your questions/special topics you want me to cover! |
|
I boost young athletes' health, performance, and confidence to help them succeed in sports... and in life. María Inés Flores, OLY 832.403.8525 Instagram @Maria_thepowerfulathlete |
|
|
|
|
|
|
