Fruit.. Good or bad? to an extent

I think if you don't have any current problems with sugar levels (diabetes, hypoglycemia, etc.), then the naturally occurring sugar in fruit shouldn't be a problem, and the benefits of the nutrients outweigh the sugars. It's still important to watch any added sugars in your diet, though, 'cause if you're having those on top of the fruit, that's probably too much sugar in a day.

When I last went to the doctor, my blood sugar was one point short of pre-diabetic. That was kind of my wake-up call, and though I'm still not so good at controlling my sugar intake, it's gotten much better since logging on here. (:

Fruit needs to be eaten in moderation. No the Dole fruit cups are not good for you because most likely the fruit juice that is with the fruit has added sugar and there are chemicals added to the fruit to make it retain it color. My best suggestion is to eat an 1 apple everyday, studies have shown that women that consume an apple everyday as opposed to those who dont tend to lose more weight because the acids in the apple accelerate metabolism and fat loss. If you plan to consume fruit regularly opt for eating the highest in sugar fruits like bananas, grapes, or pineapple in the morning because that is when your metabolism is faster so you can burn the sugar quicker, for the rest of the day stick to low sugar fruits like raspberries and strawberries. I do not really recommend eating grapes because they have the highest amount of sugar. Kiwi is also okay to consume later in the day but after lunch do not consume any more fruit, stick to veggies. In the end vegetable intake should always out weigh your fruit intake, and be careful bananas make you constipated the only time they are really necessary to eat is after a workout because that is when you need the sugar. Keep fruits organic except for the ones with hard outer layers like watermelon and cantaloupe. Hope this helps!!

Sugar is just a carb. As long as you're eating enough fats and protein, your carbs/sugar aren't particularly important unless you have a medical issue that requires carbs/sugar to be monitored.

However, it should be noted that fructose and sucrose can only be stored as liver glycogen and not muscle glycogen. The liver can hold 100-120g glycogen so anything more than that will be converted to triglycerides. As long as you still have a calorie deficit this will even out. Just try to make most of your carbs glucose and not sucrose or fructose. Fructose in particular has been shown to decrease exercise performance, increased likelihood of gastrointestinal distress, and increase perception of exertion.

Here are some studies:
http://www.setantacollege.com/wp-content/uploads/Journal_db/the effects of glucose....pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3592616


As long as you're under your calorie goal, you'll lose weight. Some people find that sugar (even from fruit) causes them to have more sugar/carb cravings so keep that in mind.

For information on setting your macro target, read this: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/911011-calculating-calorie-macronutrient-needs?page=1#posts-13821336

classifying any food as good or bad (with the exception of hydrogenated trans fats) is not required.

context is required.

Having said that, unless you have diabetes, sugar shouldn't be an issue for you especially that from fruit.

Raw, fresh fruit is good. Yes it has calories, sugar, etc. but the benefits (vitamins, fiber. etc.) outweigh the detriments. I eat as much of it as I want with only positive effects. Processed fruit is the same as processed meat, grain, etc. - eat with caution and moderation. Additives are NOT NOT NOT good for you. If you are concerned about the raw fresh fruit you are eating, a few considerations do come to mind. Fruit that is sprayed with pesticides and then you eat the skin (apples, for example) you should go organic if possible to reduce the pesticide potential. Second, some fruit has a lot higher sugar content (pineapples, mangoes) than others (melons). Also some has a lot higher fiber content (apples) than others (grapes). And, the vitamin content varies quite a bit between fruits. So look at what you need to add to your diet and pick accordingly.

and most of the studies on excess fructose consumption are ridiculous amounts like 150g per day. That's about 25 bananas.