Hey Lykkers, are we really eating fruits the right way? We all hear it—“Eat at least two servings of fruit a day.” Sounds simple, right? But in reality, a lot of us might be eating fruits the wrong way without realizing it. That doesn't mean fruits are bad—far from it.
But certain habits or misunderstandings can actually mess with the health benefits we think we're getting. So today, let's sit down like we're chatting over a smoothie and clear up these fruity misunderstandings one by one!
Misunderstanding #1: Eating fruits always helps with weight loss
It's easy to think that all fruits help us lose weight. They're natural, they're full of fiber, and many are low in calories. That full feeling we get after eating fruit? That's thanks to the fiber. It can keep us from overeating, which is great for weight control.
But here's the thing: not all fruits are low in sugar or rich nutrients. For example, durians, avocados, and coconuts are all higher in natural oils and calories. And fruits like lychees, mangoes, grapes, and canned fruits pack in more sugar than we might expect. These aren't “bad” fruits, but we should enjoy them in moderation. If we're eating them all day thinking they're helping us slim down, we might be surprised when the scale doesn't agree.
Misunderstanding #2: Fruit juice is better than eating actual fruits
A lot of us love grabbing a bottle of juice, thinking it's just as healthy as eating fresh fruit. But juice actually falls short—especially when it comes to fiber. Take an orange as an example. A single orange gives us about 3.1 grams of fiber. But a 240ml glass of orange juice? Even though it takes two oranges to make that much juice, it only gives us about 0.5 grams of fiber.
Not to mention, juices are often more concentrated in sugar. Even without adding extra sugar, just the fruit sugar in a glass of juice can add up quickly. Drinking too much juice can sneak in more calories than we think—especially if we're sipping on it like water throughout the day.
Misunderstanding #3: There's a “perfect” time to eat fruit
You've probably heard people say “eat fruit after meals,” while others swear by eating it before meals. So…which is it?
Here's the truth: there's no hard rule. You can enjoy fruit whenever it fits into your routine. If you like it before meals, it can help you feel a bit fuller and prevent overeating. If you like it after meals, that's totally fine too. The vitamins in fruits, like vitamin C, even help your body absorb iron better from other foods.
Eating fruit between lunch and dinner is another great idea—it can keep us from reaching for chips or sweets during the afternoon slump. No matter the time, it's about what works best for your body and your day.
Fruits are still a must for our health
Even with some common misunderstandings, one thing is absolutely true—fruits are good for us. They're packed with vitamins like A and C, minerals like potassium and magnesium, plus water, fiber, and plant-based compounds that keep our bodies running strong.
And because each fruit offers its own set of nutrients, it's smart to mix things up. Don't stick to just apples or bananas. Try berries, papayas, kiwis, melons, and more. A colorful fruit bowl usually means a more balanced nutrient intake.
But are we eating enough fruits?
Sadly, studies in Hong Kong have shown that over 80% of people don't get enough fruits and vegetables in their daily meals. This is especially common among younger adults, unmarried folks, office workers, and men in general. If we're honest, a lot of us might fall into that category.
So how do we bring more fruit into our lives, even when we're busy? Here are some easy tips to help:
6 Easy Tips to Eat More Fruit Every Day
- Pack fruit for work: Choose ones that are easy to peel and eat—like bananas, plums, or pears. They're perfect for a snack break.
- Order meals that include fruit: Some restaurant sets come with a fruit side—go for those when you can.
- Make it a habit: Whether it's before or after a meal, try to eat at least one fruit portion daily. It becomes easier with routine.
- Fresh juice over sugary drinks: Choose freshly squeezed juice when possible—but keep an eye on portion size if you're watching calories.
- Add fruit to breakfast: Mix dried fruits into your cereal, yogurt, or salads to make meals tastier and healthier.
- Snack smart: Go for dried fruits like apricots or raisins instead of chips or candy.
Let's enjoy fruits the smart way
So Lykkers, now that we've cleared up these common fruit myths, how's your daily fruit habit looking? Maybe it's time to shake things up a little—try a fruit you haven't had in a while, or sneak more into your lunchbox. Eating fruit shouldn't be complicated or stressful. Just like us, fruits come in all shapes, sizes, and sweetness levels—and there's room for all of them on our plates.
Let's eat better together, one juicy bite at a time! 🍓🍊🥝 What's your go-to fruit lately? Tell us—we'd love to hear it!
