Fruits / Vegetables and calories

crjohnston12

Hi. I used to do Jenny Craig where I would stick to the foods they provided and snacked on fruits and vegetables as I wished. I see that when I log fruits and veggies on MFP, I notice the amount of calories it costs me and it makes me not want to eat these things (like, I cannot afford to eat a fruit or veggie because I need to save calories for more filling foods, sort of thing). How do you log fruits and veggies- or do you consider them a "free food" (I think WW considers these items no points - not certain about that, though).

What is your philosophy on fruits and veggies?

azalea617

I count them, because that's the majority of my diet and people would think I wasn't eating if I didn't. I know some people follow the "up to 1.5 cups of green veggies doesn't count" per meal thing, so that could be an option for you. I would say you should still count fruit though, because the sugar in them makes them have more calories (and makes me over my sugar every day!).

If it really bothers you that much, I guess just pick fruits/veggies with the lowest cal counts so that it doesn't affect you that much. Celery, for example, only has 22 cals for 4 stalks and it takes a lot of effort to chew, so some people consider it a "negative calorie" food. You just have to find the right balance!

drmerc

The only fruit I avoid is apples. They are the devils food

BCSMama

Yeah, I used to do weight watchers and liked that I could have as much fruit and veggies as I wanted and they didn't "count". Using MFP though, I do log everything and make sure it fits in my goals. It has taught me that there are better fruits/veggies than others (some are lower in sugar and calories than others). However, I do still eat fruit and veggies everyday and I wouldn't say it has hindered me from eating them in favor of other foods. Apples, bananas and grapes have a lot of calories, but things like berries, melons and citrus have fewer. I still eat an apple a day though, lol.

All that being said, I don't really worry too much about the sugar or carbs from fruits and veggies. I try to limit carbs and sugar from other sources though. I know there are those that say that the sugar and carbs from fruit/veggies is the same as other forms of carbs/sugar, but I personally believe that the health benefits of fruits/veggies outweigh the negatives, so I don't worry about it as much.

firstsip

The only fruit I avoid is apples. They are the devils food

The last time I picked an apple from a tree, I got all of humanity banished from paradise.

Chief_Rocka

I'd like to know which foods you prioritize over fruit and veggies

lasmit4477

I'd like to know which foods you prioritize over fruit and veggies

I would like to know the same!

taso42

Yes, food has calories. Fruits and vegetables are food. We log them here in our food diaries to keep track of calories.

thecanface

The only fruit I avoid is apples. They are the devils food

The last time I picked an apple from a tree, I got all of humanity banished from paradise.

b*tch.

dahkneeka

I log them, although sometimes not accurately (i am not getting out a measuring cup to measure my lettuce).The small difference in low calorie veges doesnt make or break me.

Fruit though.. more sugar/carbs/calories. I'd recommend being more strict there.

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

I try to stick to grapefruit or berries when I'm eating fruit because they're lower sugar and filling. Sometimes I'll have other fruits but it always put me over my limit on sugar so I consider it a once in a while treat. For vegetables, I usually eat cucumbers, lettuce, turnips, and green beans. Those are all low calorie and filling.

crjohnston12

So, is it true (or not) that sugars that come from raw or whole foods are better metabolized than refined sugar? And if it's better metabolized, should it then be treated somewhat differently? I totally get the natural sugar / carb thing. I do tend to agree that eating a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables is important.

I appreciate the opinions and thoughts here!

P.S. I eat an apple every single day...just love them and I think I will continue to eat them : -)

MinnieInMaine

I mostly eat green veg (lettuces, broccoli, green beans) and avoid the starchy ones (potatoes, squash, corn, peas) so the calories don't add up very quickly. It does stink that fruits can be so high in calories but they're still very good for you and most of them are filling so I still try to have two a day. One banana per day is a must for me and I usually also have a small apple or some strawberries or a clementine. Log everything - it all counts.

sunsnstatheart

food has calories. fruit and veggies are good for you so fit them in to your calorie allowance, lots of them.

Chief_Rocka

So, is it true (or not) that sugars that come from raw or whole foods are better metabolized than refined sugar? And if it's better metabolized, should it then be treated somewhat differently? I totally get the natural sugar / carb thing. I do tend to agree that eating a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables is important.

I appreciate the opinions and thoughts here!

P.S. I eat an apple every single day...just love them and I think I will continue to eat them : -)

Sugar from any source, and every other digestible carb, is converted into glucose to be used for energy.

This is not to say that sugar from fruit is unhealthy, or that apples are equivalent to doughnuts. But the chemical structure of the sugars these items contain is essentially the same. The amount of sugar they contain is different.

Unless you have impaired glucose metabolism, sugar intake isn't really something you need to worry about. Focus on the big picture of hitting your calorie amount, balancing your macros, and not eating too much junk, and the rest will fall into place.

crjohnston12

Thanks Fire-Rock (and everyone!)