| Is organic dried fruit the perfect healthy snack? It may | | | | fruit often has added sugar, which you really don't |
| well be. If you are trying to lose weight, feel better, eat | | | | need and counteracts the health benefits of natural |
| more foods that are highly nutritious and rich in | | | | fruit. Non-organic dried fruits may also contain |
| antioxidants, fruit is one of the keys. There are several | | | | chemicals and artificial ingredients. |
| reasons why eating dried fruit is a great idea. | | | | You can find almost any variety of dried fruit. You |
| One thing many people don't pay enough attention to is | | | | may want to look for a mix that also contains nuts, |
| their snacking habits. What you consume in between | | | | which are a great source of protein and healthy fats. |
| meals can be just as important as your main meals. It's | | | | Or you can buy your favorite dried nuts and fruits |
| all too easy to get in the habit of munching on fattening | | | | separately and create your own mix. These can be |
| and unhealthy 'foods" like chips, pretzels, candy bars | | | | conveniently carried to work, school or in the car, train, |
| and donuts during the day. These snacks are usually | | | | bus or plane. |
| very easy to find, whether from stores or vending | | | | Children can also learn to love dried fruit, though if they |
| machines at your place of work. These snacks are | | | | are accustomed to candy it may take some |
| usually high in sugar, sodium, artificial ingredients and | | | | reconditioning! If you have kids, this may be a project |
| unhealthy fats. | | | | worth getting started on, however. Too much sugar |
| Fruit makes an excellent substitute for such | | | | has been linked to many problems with children, such |
| non-nutritious snacks. They are high in natural sugar, as | | | | as hyperactivity and difficulty in concentration. If your |
| well as antioxidants, which have been shown to be | | | | kids are hooked on sugar, don't try to get them to quit |
| good for overall health and the prevention of many | | | | cold turkey. Introduce healthier snacks into their diet |
| diseases. While fresh fruit is nutritious and refreshing, | | | | and gradually get them to think of sweeter things like |
| it's not always practical. Your favorite fruits are not | | | | candy bars as special treats rather than something |
| always in season. Fruit can be either under or overripe. | | | | they eat throughout the day. |
| If you like bananas, for example, you've probably had | | | | Introducing something like organic dried fruit into your |
| the experience of a forgotten banana turning mushy | | | | diet may seem like a small step, but it's something that |
| and leaking into your car seat, pocketbook, backpack | | | | can make a real difference in your health and well |
| or carrying case! | | | | being. For you are not only getting the many benefits |
| Dried fruit is always in season and is convenient to | | | | of fruit in your diet, you are losing the many unhealthy |
| carry. If you are going to start eating more dried fruit, | | | | substances that you can cut back on as you make |
| it's good to look for the organic variety. Regular dried | | | | this healthy switch. |