Obesity and The Top Five Fruits To Add To Your Water

Over the years the alarm has been sounded in regard to increased obesity rates that are truly crippling society in every age range. It is actually one of the primary reasons a member of our advisory board, Mackie Shilstone , wrote his book Body Plan for Kids. Both adults and children alike are compromising their health and future because of what they put in their body and because of a sedentary lifestyle.

There is no single reason that researchers, physicians and fitness experts can point to as the primary culprit of obesity. Rather, it is a number of factors. For today, we would like to focus on one of the biggest factors in plain sight — soft drinks. Next time you pick up that can of soda or two liter, read the nutritional information (or lack of). On one of the leading brands, eight ounces of the soft drink had 27 grams of sugar! How often do you pour a much larger glass or have your favorite fast food place super size it to the 32 once size? Before justifying the fact that you drink diet sodas, know that they are equally as bad for you.

So what should you drink, especially as you are outdoors more in spring and summer months? Water is always your best bet. A common complaint in regard to drinking water is the fact that…well…it’s flavorless. If you need to spice up your water try adding some of your favorite fruit as a healthy and flavorful addition.

Our top five fruits to add to your water are:

1. Strawberries — Can be a good source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, iodine and manganese. It is also a great locally grown fruit.
2. Watermelon – Rich in vitamin C, beta carotene and lycopene.
3. Oranges — Contains thiamin and potassium in addition to the vitamin C it is well known for.
4. Mango — Source of daily fiber, vitamin B6, as well as vitamin A and vitamin C.
5. Lemon — Adds riboflavin, iron, magnesium, calcium and thiamin.