"Eat to Live" ~ why so much fruit?

I was reading the review of the Mayo Clinic diet and saw the synopsis of the "Eat to Live" diet and almost got sick. FOUR servings of fruits a day. OMG that would kill me. I hate fruit and its effects on my body. Sweets are just nasty to me and fruit is sweet. I can't imagine 4 servings a day. It's really and truly unimaginable to me. I haven't had an apple in so long I can't remember when the last time was. I put banana in my cereal only to make it edible (I won't be buying the cereal again) and there's just no other fruit I could imagine eating let alone 4 servings in one day. Is this really possible for some people? Are there people doing this and it works for them?

Sun. Dec 27, 10:25am

I feel exactly the same way as you. I can't eat even 1 serving of fruit a day, let alone 4. I've always been a "salty" person and I can deal with the increase of vegetables but fruit? No way. I also would like to see people who do this with success.

Sunday, December 27, 2009, 10:54 AM

If I ate all the servings of fruits, vegies, grains, etc per day that the recommendations call for, Il'd be obese! I don't think the guidelines are realistic. I take a multivitamin pill every day. I figure that makes up for a lot of various deficiencies.

Something you always have to keep in mind is that these various recommendations are for something like a 200 pound man. So cut back on the recommendations by a quarter or a third or a half depending on your height and body frame size.

Sunday, December 27, 2009, 11:43 AM

I love fruit and often eat four servings by lunchtime... Vegetables I struggle with though. I would just try to find fruit that you like... and also maybe check out what they mean when they say fruit... tomatoes and avocados are classified as fruit

Sunday, December 27, 2009, 11:44 AM

There are several items that are technically a fruit (eggplant is one) that generally don't fall in the "fruit" guidelines for diets. It would be interesting to see if tomatoes counted because those I do like.

Sunday, December 27, 2009, 12:18 PM

I'm currently fighting candida. Fuhrman's focus on grains and fruits would make it worse.

But, I think Fuhrman is a quack in the first place...

Sunday, December 27, 2009, 12:52 PM

I know! This whole idea that eating a variety of nutrient dense foods can actually good for someone - it's crazy talk.

Sunday, December 27, 2009, 6:15 PM

Nutrient dense is one thing- vegetarian/vegan a whole different story. Fruit may be nutrient dense, but it's still high in sugar. For someone with diabetes, even with the fibre, sugar in fruit can spike insulin levels- which is very bad. For someone with candida, 4 fruit a day is going to aggravate the problem.

Grains are entirely unnecessary in ones diet, but Fuhrman seems to have missed that lesson.

Sunday, December 27, 2009, 6:44 PM

I agree with all of you. 4 servings of fruit a day is hard to do. My problem with fruit is my body burns through it at 900 miles an hour. I can eat a banana and my stomach starts growling again in under an hour. I feel for the calories I get much more bang for the buck so to speak with protein - like a hard boiled egg. Tummy is happy and occupied much longer!

Monday, December 28, 2009, 1:06 AM

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks all that fruit is way too much (and too expensive). I understand the "tearing through" too because I'm always hungry after I eat fruit. Looking over some of the other things I can't imagine what I would have for dinner if I had to cut out animal protein. I'm not a vegetarian/vegan, I never will be. I like my protein and there are people who live to be 100 without ever getting cancer that live off protein and grains.

I do find it interesting that Furhman has a deal with Whole Foods. I had to ask a friend who they were and she explained they were an upscale expensive organic food seller. Not a place I would ever shop that's for sure. My grocery money has to stretch doesn't sound possible at Whole Foods.

Monday, December 28, 2009, 8:36 AM

seriously?

4 servings of fruit a day is VERY doable. Try making a smoothie in the morning instead of eating a grainy cereal. You can easily get in 2 or more servings at that time, plus a few servings of veg, if you're game. Have a salad of leafy greens and add a handful of veg and fruit for lunch --- again, easy. Dinner of salad or soup (or both) and protein of your choice. I happen to be a Gluten Free Vegan, so I do this daily, without many grains (though I love quinoa and will eat rice on occasion). I maintain a very healthy weight, have no blood sugar problems and no carb, sugar or salt cravings. I've been following Dr. Fuhrman's Eat to Live for almost 3 years and I wouldn't go back. I will say that I don't eat as much as he recommends simply because I am not a hungry person. That said, I'm 5'5" and 129 pounds and I exercise daily and care for my 2 active kids... no protein issues, no lack of energy.
Good luck to all who haven't found their balance yet. Fuhrman's nutritarian approach works for me.

Monday, December 28, 2009, 8:06 PM

BTW

Dr. Fuhrman does tailor things to accomodate different diseases. For instance, his recommendations for my severe autoimmune disorder are a bit different than someone with heart disease, etc. If you like the idea of nutrient dense eating and Dr. Fuhrman's work intrugues you, call his office and set up an appointment either in person or by phone. Instead of passing judgement on the doctor by virtue of the summary you read, actually take the time to listen to his advice and honor his expertise. His approach may or may not help you, but to bash it here because of a summary or because the approach laid out in one of his books isn't a perfect match for you really belittles the man... many people on PT have found balance through Fuhrman's approach.

Monday, December 28, 2009, 8:13 PM

@8:06 ~ I'm glad you are happy as a Vegan and can do so many servings of fruit a day. Again, it makes me ill just thinking about it and makes me even sicker thinking about how much fruit costs. I don't have that kind of money for darn sure. But again, it's the fruit that makes me ill, I hate sweets and even a banana is too sweet sometimes. Apples just tear me apart and oranges give me a cold. Yes, I have issues with Vitamin C even in its most natural form. And let me assure you, apples, bananas, and oranges are about all my grocery has for fruit that isn't frozen and the frozen stuff runs $6 for two bags and those bags, well they say they are 2 servings. That's really expensive when you break it all down.

I would rather die before becoming a Vegan. I can't imagine for the life of me anything that would make me want to do that and I really can't imagine giving up gluten (beer is my one true vice).

Again, I'm glad you can do it, but I can't. And since you are on the diet, explain WHY so much fruit. That's the question I have yet to receive an answer to.

Thank you.

Monday, December 28, 2009, 10:19 PM

@8:13 ~ I asked a question, I did not bash. Making accusatory remarks only serves to hurt and does not help. I'm glad people can afford to talk to someone like him, I can't even afford his book let alone the cost of all that fruit. AND if he didnt want to be criticized for a summary of his work, he shouldn't have put it on the Mayo Clinic Diet article.

Monday, December 28, 2009, 10:22 PM

OP?

OP, 8:06/8:13 here.
Are you referring to the PT article that compares and contrasts the Mayo Clinic Diet book with Dr. Fuhrman's plan? If so, I just read that article and can respond. In general, the steps that Fuhrman outlined seem to be to show the differences between his approach and MC's approach. I now understand that you haven't had the opportunity to read Eat to Live or Eat for Health. No problem. What the summary misses is the emphasis on greens. I am not sure why Dr. Fuhrman wouldn't make that emphasis clearer than having it as #1 on the list "At least one large salad of raw vegetables every day." But, such is life. From the reading I've done and the consultations I've had with Dr. F, the emphasis is on greens because they are among the most nutrient dense foods sources available (kale and collards top the list).

Now, regarding fruits. Most major health org's, including US and Canada recommend 8-10 servings of fruits and veg daily. Furhman says specifically 4 or more fruits, I think because it is sweet and filling. Fruit is rich in fiber, high in vitamins and minerals, etc. I don't think we need to go in nutrition 101, but the health benefits of fruits are not in dispute unless you have an allergy or intolerance. Fuhrman is not alone in stating that 4 or more servings of fruits have siginfigant health benefits. You can check out associations that deal with the heart, diabetes, colon, autoimmune disorders... the list could go on and on.

Since I have been veg for about 20 years and vegan for 3, eating fruits and veg isn't hard for me. I understand that it is difficult for some people and I think that Fuhrman understands that too. Just like babies are more apt to accept fruits as their first foods, so are adults when transitioning to a new way of eating. Fruits seem to be more palatable to most people. Since they are not more palatable to you, you could try jumping in with the greens and veg instead. Having no sweet tooth, personally, I went for spinach and kale. I can whiz them up in a smoothie and get in half of my daily servings right there. Salads take care of the rest.

Plant based eating may not be for you. I'm not pushing it on you at all... just trying to give you the info you're seeking. Here's a little snip from a radio interview with Dr. Fuhrman, "The American diet gets about 35% of calories from animal products and, believe it or not, 60% of calories from processed foods and only 5% from fruits and vegetables. Because of that fruit and vegetable deficiency, we’re seeing an epidemic of heart disease and cancer... I tell people if you’re not going to be a vegetarian, don’t have more than 1 serving of an animal product per day. That means if you have eggs for breakfast, the rest of the day is vegetarian. If you have some turkey with your lunch, keep the rest of the day fruits and vegetables...."

There is a transcript of the radio interview that you might find interesting.
And, for the record, I am really trying to give you the info you're looking for --- I didn't understand your source in the beginning. Perhaps I've been able to give you something helpful this time around. If not, let me know and I can try again. As I ended before, wishing balance for all ---

Link

Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 9:54 AM

There is a perfect eating plan for every person and its a little different for every person. I can't tolerate proteins and fruit has been my sure thing for years. I do have blood sugar problems but I still do great with fruit. Now if I have a piece of gluten free bread, its another story.....

Fruit is pretty low calorie and has Life Force, which always is good for the bod. If you are a veggie person, more power to you.....

Tuesday, December 29, 2009, 2:30 PM

wow im surprised that so many ppl find eating fruit so difficult, i aim for 3 a day and 5 veg, but i always end up eating too much fruit and not enough veg! goes to show how different people's body's can be

Thursday, December 31, 2009, 1:22 AM

4 fruits a day

I enjoy fruits but find it difficult sometimes to eat 4 servings so I juice my fruits or make smoothies which are delicious

Thursday, December 31, 2009, 11:46 AM

4 fruits?

I'm not sure either why it is that hard to eat 4 servings of fruit a day. A serving isn't that much. Meat is a deck of cards, but people tend to get way more than that. Plus I don't find it all that expensive. Especially if you think of the health benefits. There are some many nutrients and vitamins in fruit and the added benefit of fiber. There are so many kinds of fruit so if you don't like one keep trying.

Thursday, December 31, 2009, 8:13 PM

PP ~ you say "there's so many kinds" but if you live where they don't import a lot of different kinds of fruit, there really aren't. Our frozen fruit "section" is one shelf at the bottom of a cooler, the Cool Whip gets more room on the shelves. That "selection" is strawberries, peaches, and blueberries ~ not much choice there. Not to mention $3 a package, certainly completely out of my price range. You can say "cost vs advantages" but that doesn't give someone more money to spend on food. For $3 I can buy enough food to feed me for three days or one bag of fruit. We're in a recession and money is tight, wasteful spending isn't an option. As for "fresh" ~ apples, bananas, oranges, and clementines are all the stores around me have right now. Seriously, you can say "it's so easy" but not for everyone.

Friday, January 1, 2010, 4:29 PM

eat to live why so much fruit

do you gag when you drink 4oz of orange juice, grapefruit juice, any kind of juice? I serving is a small amount. Maybe you are thinking of huge portions of that evil fruit you can't seem to like. My advice, don't eat what you can't get excited and happy about. Choose something that you like....

Friday, January 1, 2010, 4:49 PM

Just the thought of grapefruit juice makes me do more than gag and I'm allergic in an odd way to OJ. Where most people drink OJ to get rid of a cold, it actually gives me a cold.

I realize it's difficult to understand someone who hates sweets, including fruit.

Friday, January 1, 2010, 7:02 PM

Oranges can't give you a cold. A cold is caused by a virus. I'm not saying oranges aren't making you feel sick... but they can't give you a cold.

Friday, January 1, 2010, 9:25 PM

PP ~ Tell that to the three specialist I went to. I'm actually allergic to vitamin C. The effect is I end up with a wicked cold when I get too much.

Friday, January 1, 2010, 11:43 PM

^^^ to be precise, vitamin C likely diminishes your immune system, which results in you being susceptible and catching a virus quickly.

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 12:22 AM

Not according to my doctors. They can't understand it and I've been tested. Truth is, not everyone is the same and some people ARE, regardless of your un-education, lacking in medical knowledge, opinion, allergic to certain things and their body reacts in unexplainable ways.

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 11:39 AM

Whoa, 11:39! The pp was trying to help you out, not disagree with you. It's perfectly possible to be allergic to any one of a number of compounds in citrus fruit. And the histamine reaction that defines an allergy can definitely produce congestion and low fever -- just ask anyone who has pollen allergies (hay fever).

This is not, however, a cold.

It's a fine point, but a "cold" is a similar histamine reaction to a rhinovirus. Same symptoms, different causes, different terminology.

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 12:41 PM

a cold is also the result of bacteria instead of just a virus. Again, food intolerances can drastically weaken an immune system which means that essentially, the outcome of of consuming the trigger food invariably winds up in illness. It is NOT a histamine response in the classic sense of an allergy, but it is a food intolerance, and engages other arntibodies than the IgE ones commonly associated wtih food allergies.

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 1:47 PM

Hi 4:29, I do think if one shopes around you can find cheap fruit. It can depend on where you live. I would say I am on unemployment and don't have much extra money. I don't think fruit is a waste of money, and a priority for me. I would rather it help me stay healthy then eat white rice lacking nutrition and then get sick. I live in an area that we have lots of farmers markets that will be opening in the spring. Lots of good fresh fruits and veggies. I would hate to think I would live in an area where you can't buy something fresh for less than a buck. Trader Joes for instance sells bananas for 19 cents a piece. Of course those are not all over the place either, but seems that one could find something out there for a few cents.

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 1:55 PM

Tell you what 1:47 ~ you go to my doctors and you tell them that they are wrong and you're right and they know nothing. Vitamin C pills are not a food. It's either the foods or the vitamin pills so it's not a FOOD issue.

@12:41 ~ I've been dealing with my Vit C issues for 20 years, I don't need some person who can't understand that EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT and it is what it is. I'm allergic to Vitamin C. Do you want a note from my doctor? I'll be glad to fly to CA on your dime to get one.

I've been to doctors, they've diagnosed the issue. I don't need posters on the internet to argue with me over something I KNOW to be true regardless of what you think.

@1:56 ~ you obviously live in a populated area. Not everyone does, not everyone has Trader Joes or even Safeway or Harris Teeter or other grocery stores. Some of us are lucky to have Walmart and one Food Lion within a 10 mile radius. In regards to the Farmers Market, they don't take EBT cards, only cash and cash isn't an option to pay for my food with.

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 4:43 PM

Seriously PP, chill out. Vitamin C comes from plants, which are food, which makes it a food issue. The same way that yeast is a food and is a fungus. Even Synthetic Vitamin C is produced from glucose and or yeast. So even if it's in a pill, the fact is it's considered a food issue, on account of the fact that vitamin C is found in foods, not rocks.

So- while I was trying to point out the scientific explanation for your statement that vitamin C gives you a cold (which in it's literal translation is wrong), clearly, I shouldn't have wasted my time.

I'm sure if I went to your Doctors they'd tell me I'm right, as I know what I'm talking about, seeing as I've done the research on food allergies, intolerances, and immune reactions from a variety of anti-bodies. These all appear to be words that are beyond you.

So, vitamin C might make you ill, what is it that makes you such a b*tch?

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 7:51 PM

Seriously PP ~ don't tell others to chill out. It's 12 degrees here, I think I'm pretty damn chill enough. If you are so ignorant to not know that Vitamin C can be synthetically made, you should really not join in the discussion.

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 8:16 PM

As to "what makes me a bitch:" ~ that would be dealing with ignorant tweedles that think just because they found some information on the internet they know everything about everyone.

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 8:17 PM

Colds are not caused by bacteria. The definition of a cold is that it is the result of a rhinovirus infection. This is why antibiotics should NEVER be prescribed for a cold. Having a cold can increase the chances of getting a bacterial infection (like a sinus infection) but the bacterial infection is a separate thing from the cold.

12:41

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 8:18 PM

Does anybody else smell troll?

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 11:19 PM

12 degrees and you're cold? Puh-lease- it's -40 degrees where I am.

Again, if you were literate, you would have noticed that I said synthetic vitamin C is made from glucose- glucose being a sugar. It's still food derived. Citric acid, erythritol, and xanthum gum may not be "food" but they are derived from corn, and as a person with a corn intolerance, it means they make me ill.

I didn't just go "read some info" on the internet. I've read these things called books, in addition to articles on line, as well as having spoken to my doctors- both my gp, my homeopath, and the allergist. I was diagnosed with multiple food allergies 5 years ago, and made it a subject of interest for the sake of my health. I'm not the ignorant one.

And as per the dictionary cold, noun: Also called common cold. a respiratory disorder characterized by sneezing, sore throat, coughing, etc., caused by an allergic reaction or by a viral, bacterial, or mixed infection.

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 11:29 PM

It's always those that don't know the definition of internet troll that toss out the accusation. Why the heck can't someone be pissed that others are ignorant and don't know stuff without being accused of being a troll? Is it so unfathomable that someone would get pissed that people just DON'T GET IT? as opposed to "being a troll"? PP ~ try looking up the definition of a troll, you'd be surprised that you probably have no clue what it is.

It freakin amazes me that everyone thinks they know so much better than doctors because they have access to the internet. Sorry, but I trust people that spent eight years in school over someone who knows how to google. When it comes to my reaction to Vitamin C, I'm one in a million. I love it,. it makes me unique. Just because there's no article on the net about it doesn't mean it isn't true.

I learned a lesson in S&S class ~ not everything is available on the internet. We had an assignment to look up food borne illnesses and over half the class' illnesses WEREN'T on the internet. So guess what? Just because you've done some internet research doesn't mean you know everything about everyone. Get over yourselves. I made a simple statement that I know in my heart of hearts, soul of souls, and mind to be true. Just because you don't like it and I disagree doesn't mean I'm a troll.

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 11:34 PM

@11:29 ~ I'm literate alright, I just choose to stop listening / reading after the first comment of "chill out". I don't listen to anyone so immature to use that phrase. My 7 year old niece uses that so I stop the minute someone uses that particular phrase. Oh, and I don't believe it's 40 below where you are. I was born in the dark, but not last night. I was raised where the average temp was 74, damn fucking skippy I'm cold at 12 degrees. I'm not stupid, I know what cold is.

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 11:38 PM

This might actually make me read idiots a time or two ~ and I quote from 11:29's post:

And as per the dictionary cold, noun: Also called common cold. a respiratory disorder characterized by sneezing, sore throat, coughing, etc., caused by an allergic reaction or by a viral, bacterial, or mixed infection.

Oh ~ what does that say??????????????? ALLERGIC REACTION~!~ Oh, SNAP ~ I WIN. Allergic reaction. What was I saying??????? HA!!! Oh, I may be able to sleep now.

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 11:41 PM

Serious

Wow, really? It's just a thread. Not that big of a deal.

Sunday, January 3, 2010, 1:06 AM

Actually, the term would be "seriously" not just "serious" and while it may "just be a thread" my question was never really answered, which is to be expected when people are more concerned with telling you your doctors are wrong and they are right just because THEIR "research" doesn't support what you've been told. There are some people who don't believe man landed on the moon. They've done their "research" and are convinced but it doesn't mean they are right. If some people hadn't gotten so caught up in telling me that I can't possibly get a cold from Vitamin C, which is NOT true, then maybe the thread wouldn't have gone where it did.

Blame the people who would rather go by the internet and tell someone they don't know what they believe to be right without full proof than to just say "okay, so that's what her doctors told her and that's how her body reacts" and just leave it at that. Maybe they are the trolls because they were pushing their personal agenda on a stranger who they've never met or visited their doctor with them. Real doctors, one's with specialties and PHDs and MDs and real colleges behind their degrees, not homeopaths who don't have to do anything more than pick up a book and dream.

Sunday, January 3, 2010, 8:48 AM

It would be are you serious? Clearly a troll!

Sunday, January 3, 2010, 11:00 AM

Yes, it would be IT but there's no way to edit a post otherwise I would of. Next time I'll make a second post to correct a single letter.

And I suspect you are the troll, not me. I'm just passionate and you seem to be the one with the issue, PP. You don't even know the definition of a troll.

Sunday, January 3, 2010, 1:23 PM

@11:00 am ~ So people aren't allowed an opinion in your opinion? Doesn't that make you a troll?

Sunday, January 3, 2010, 1:24 PM

Bringing it back around...

OP, 8:06/8:13/9:54 here --- I just wanted to check back in and see if what I posted answered your original question. I am sorry that this thread has run away. If you are still looking for help with the question, post and I will try to be helpful.
I believe that you can be allergic to Vitamin C, for what it's worth! All bodies are different and react differently. It's unfortunate that this thread lost it's original intent.

Sunday, January 3, 2010, 1:33 PM

OP I don't get why you started this thread. Your original question was: are there actually people that eat four servings of fruit a day? And does this work for some people?

The answer is: Yes. Because for MOST people, this is healthy.

It comes down to whether or not you plan to eat four servings of fruit a day. But since you hate fruit and can't afford it and it makes you sick, obviously you never had any intention of doing it. And that's fine. Like you say, everybody's different. You need to find a plan that works for you and your body and your lifestyle. This plan is obviously not the plan for you.

I'm sorry you're having difficulty financially right now. I hope things improve for you. And I hope you find an eating plan that keeps you healthy and that you're content with.

p.s. It's 40 below where I live too!

Sunday, January 3, 2010, 2:39 PM

Actually, PP, the ORIGINAL question is in the title of the thread. WHY? No one has actually bothered to answer the question.

Oh, and I don't believe you about the temp either unless you live at the north pole. Wind chill doesn't count and since you fail to say where you are, it's impossible to blindly believe you.

Sunday, January 3, 2010, 2:58 PM

I live in Northwestern Ontario. Right now it's only -22 (to you that would be -8) but at the time of the other poster's post it was indeed -40.

The original question was "WHY is it part of the plan?" The answer is "because for most people it's healthy."
Why is it healthy for most people? Because fruits are full of vitamins, nutrients and fibre.

Sunday, January 3, 2010, 3:08 PM

The original question

2:58, 1:33 here -- I answered the original question. Not sure if you are the OP or what, but I think my post answered the question per Dr. Fuhrman's ETL.

Anyway, I was just checking back on the thread and notice the big mess here... I'm out. But for anyone interested,check back to the 8:06/8:13/9:54 replies.

Namaste.

Sunday, January 3, 2010, 7:36 PM

@3:08 ~ whatever on the temps. You're using metric semantics to try and say things are not what they really are.

Your smart ass answers aren't helping. No, the answer is not "because it's healthy" ~ that's not the answer. The why is WHY is it necessary/healthy? I don't see why fruit is necessary when there are other ways to get it. You're really just being a pain to be a pain. That would be a troll. Veggies have vitamins, nutrients, and fibre. As a matter of fact, most foods do. Beer does.

Sunday, January 3, 2010, 7:45 PM

3:08 here.

Veggies are great too. I'm out of here.
Good luck

Sunday, January 3, 2010, 7:53 PM

All right, OP, I'll answer your question. Why do i eat fruit? Simple: because I love the stuff. I think it's totally awesome. I sometimes have all four of my fruit servings before lunch -- and have to restrain myself from having more. Give me the sweet-tart crunch of a McIntosh, the juicy succulence of a good batch of strawberries, or the delightful, mushy goodness of a nice, ripe banana and I'm happy. And watermelons -- mmm. So sweet and refreshing. Oranges, tangerines, and the like are a pain in the neck to peel, but once you pull it off, they're totally worth it. I'm really sorry you're allergic to Vitamin C, because you're missing out where citrus is concerned.

It sure doesn't hurt that fruit is so good for you. It has all sorts of vitamins and minerals, not to mention fiber and antioxidants. I like vegetables too, but fruit is something else altogether. Fruit is practically the love of my life. Why wouldn't I eat fruit? It's oh-so-delicious and nutritious! That's definitely a win-win situation as far as I'm concerned.

So that's why I eat fruit: it *is* healthy and it tastes dang good to boot. Now would you mind telling me why exactly you care so much what I eat? Preferably without an antagonistic attitude?

Sunday, January 3, 2010, 10:42 PM

Thank you PP but that's not exactly the answer to the question because, you didn't exactly answer the question.

The true question is that there is a program called "Eat to Live" and in it you have to ~ note HAVE TO, not an option or choice ~ eat 4 servings of fruit a day. I want a scientific explanation or as per the book of why. I have yet to receive that. But thanks for trying.

Monday, January 4, 2010, 9:17 AM

Actually it was answered before. Fruits have different nutrients that are good for the body. There are lots of vitamins and minerals, some that are not always present in veggies. It is good to get your body a variety of different foods to be sure to get everything your body needs. Do you have to have the 4 to live, no I don't think one would die. Having lot's of fruits and veggies in the diet will help keep you healthy, and 4 fruits is just something to shoot for. Clearly if you don't want to eat them you don't have to. The science is based on Furhman's observations throughout the years. If you want to get into chemestry I can't help you. I have read the books and they make sense to me and I have never been healthier or felt better. That in itself is good enough for me, but maybe not for someone else.

Monday, January 4, 2010, 12:04 PM

To Answer the Question

Yes, it is very possible for some (most?) people to consume 4 servings of fruit a day! I have a hard time keeping it at 4!

In Eat to Live, Dr. Fuhrman addresses why so much fruit on page 30 (OP, you really should read it - I think it would answer a lot of your questions above!) He explains why primates (humans) are designed to eat fruit, explains that there are essential nutrients found only in fruit, and cites numerous studies to back this up.

I think what you addressed above is the Dr.'s main concern; that since is it momentarily cheaper to eat the SAD (Standard American Diet) is costs us physically and eventually financially die to illness and disease. Good luck to you, and again, I really recommend the book!

Saturday, January 9, 2010, 1:38 AM

Good lord, I was ignoring this thread because I think the idiocy of it is lowering my IQ.

So- for those who are so ignorant as to suggest "metric semantics" at -40 degrees celsius, it is -40 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check a converter online, or maybe ask your doctor, as he seems to be all knowing.

And I live in a charming little city called Winnipeg Manitoba, which is actually nicknamed Winterpeg on account of frequently have terrible winters. This year has been FANTASTIC, with only a few days where temperatures have sunk to the -35 or lower range with the windchill.

I'm sure though, that I'll be accused of using "Cdn semantics" in addressing windchill, as I'm sure the crazy one is going to deny it exists.

Saturday, January 9, 2010, 6:59 PM

Well, it appears the PP is the troll openly calling names and calling people out and tossing about insults to people. That's what a troll does. Good to meet you, Troll. Try defrosting and maybe you wouldn't be so nasty to people.

Saturday, January 9, 2010, 7:18 PM

I'll start out nice, but I see no need in continuing to be nice to people who so clearly don't know what they're talking about. It is one thing to ask questions, another thing to spread ignorance.

Saturday, January 9, 2010, 8:05 PM

Just wanted you crazy people to know I've thoroughly enjoyed reading your rantings. Gave me a good laugh!

BTW - I LOVE fruit and eat 4 servings a day at least!

Thursday, January 14, 2010, 3:28 PM

In the short time I've been here I can see there's far more "crazy" than there is actual information. I love having a place to log my food, but the "lounge" section is pathetic and lacks any actual information just a bunch of crazy people looking for a fight.

Thursday, January 14, 2010, 4:04 PM

beets_yum

This thread gave me a good laugh.

OP: Why do people have to eat fruit on Eat to LIve? I think it's disgusting and I hate it and I don't like it. And I can't afford it.

PP: Various answers, fruit is healthy, etc., etc., vitamins, fruit...Jenny "Got my degree from University of Google" McCarthy level discussion of vitamins and the immune system, blah blah, more nasty back and forth.

Poor, angry, OP. Maybe you would be a little less angry at the world if you ate a little more fruit.

Monday, February 21, 2011, 5:50 PM

And I completely agree about PEertrainer. There are some helpful articles but the forums are like most forums: a bunch of angry, lonely people trying to work out their disappointments and neuroses by telling other people how ignorant and stupid they are.

Fun times.

Monday, February 21, 2011, 5:55 PM

FRUIT OR NO FRUIT?

If your eating vegetables and a healthy diet, it wont matter if you disregard fruit as that is exactly what I do. I fdislike fruit, its boring and I get sick of eating it. Im fine, im healthy and good.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 4:52 AM

You understand that you need

How to harvest the durian fruit? The answer is waiting the ripen d24 durian fruit falls itself to ground. This is the best time to eat a delicious and tasteful as it is fresh enough with its origin favor.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020, 3:56 AM

Related Content: How To Lose Weight- The Basics Weight Watchers Points System The Fat Smash Diet The Eat To Live Diet The Beck Diet Solution How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight		How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer How To Burn Fat Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? Tips On Using PEERtrainer Visit The PEERtrainer Community Diet and Fitness Resources
Fitness Weight Watchers Meetings Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are Writing Down Your Daily Workouts Spending Money On A Personal Trainer? How I Became A Marathon Runner		Preventive Health How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot? Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer? Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy Reversing Disease Through Nutrition
New Diet and Fitness Articles: Weight Watchers Points Plus How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program		Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne: Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough How To Delay Short Term Gratification How To Stay Motivated How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule
Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight? Are Protein Drinks Safe? Nutrition As Medicine?		Everyday Weight Loss Tips How To Eat Healthy At A Party How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight The Three Bite Rule Tips On How To Stop A Binge