Ok, so we all know we are supposed to be eating our fruits and veggies. But, I’m constantly asked about fruit consumption. People have gotten afraid to eat fruit because of the popularity of low carb diets, like Atkins. Some so-called health experts warn that fruit as just as bad as sugar when it comes to overall health and weight maintenance.

Why the stigma? Most of the calories in fruit come from carbohydrates, and most of those carbs are sugar, and most of that sugar is fructose. Recent studies suggest that fructose, in the large quantities most Americans consume, can have adverse effects on blood sugar levels and promote weight gain along with many other health risks.

But, it’s more complicated than that. First, fresh fruit really only account for a very small amount of the fructose most Americans consume. You’d have to eat several servings of fresh fruit to equal the equivalent amount in a soda. And, fruits are also high in fiber, which slows the absorption of sugar in the blood stream.

So what’s the verdict? Fruit is naturally sweet, healthy and delicious. The more you eat, the less you’ll crave sugar. Fruit is rich in vitamins, minerals (like potassium) and antioxidants. Thanks to their fiber and high water content, eating fruit is very satiating. And, it’s the ultimate travel and fast food snack.

Your homework: You guessed it – eat more fruit!