Fruits and Veggies

[Atheena]

So I was wondering what are the best fruits and veggies to be eating when you eat clean and are dieting? Right now I am not lifting, doing a lot of cardio to lean down and lose body fat then I am going to hit the weights.

[terracotta]

In my opinion, any of them!

[turtle_soup]

Fruits -= berries
Veggies - green ones

Rule of thumb.

Berries don't contain the "carbs" related to bananas and oranges and they contain vital Anti-oxidants
Veggies - same thing - don't contain a lot of the "carbs"...

BUT... an apple a day keeps the pipes clean .. No carbs after 3 pm.

Theres a whole "science" behind the amount of carbs you eat - good and bad - and fat storage.
Carbs in fruits and veggies are not bad carbs - but again = to much is never a good thing...

My "pre-workout" snack is supposed to be an apple with 2 tbs PB.. (Cardio and lifting).. 2 hours before hand -

if this helps any

[twinnett]

I'm just concerned that you're "cutting" at 124# and not lifting weights...lifting is what's going to help you lose FAT and gain MUSCLE, which is what you want!!

[kimm4]

Some fruit is ok for carbs...but watch the natural sugar. There are better carbs choices than fruit and I will take oatmeal, potatoes, yams or rice over fruit anyday...plus it's more filling.

As for this don't eat carbs after this time is a total myth. As long as you're getting your daily macros in...I don't care if you last meal (carbs included) is at midnight...you'll be fine.

What are you trying to lean down at 5'6" and 124 lbs? Get to the weights now! Eating clean, weights and cardio (In that order!)

[Atheena]

I am trying to lose body fat and my body responds very well to cardio. I have every intention on hitting the weights again. I took two weeks off from weights because I had pulled a muscle in my back so I figured that since I was resting with the weights I could use that time to do lots of cardio and try to lean down.

[NOVA888]

Fruits -= berries
Veggies - green ones

Yep, that about sums it up for me as well!

[kimm4]

I am trying to lose body fat and my body responds very well to cardio. I have every intention on hitting the weights again. I took two weeks off from weights because I had pulled a muscle in my back so I figured that since I was resting with the weights I could use that time to do lots of cardio and try to lean down.

How much cardio do you do? Too much cardio will cause muscle loss before fat loss.

[Atheena]

How much cardio do you do? Too much cardio will cause muscle loss before fat loss.

Lol I do alot of cardio. I've always been a runner so it's hard for me to cut cardio down let alone out. I generally do no less than five miles a day but no more than eleven a day. I generally do 2-4 in the morning and the rest in the evening.

And I know that women aren't genetically predisposed to get as big as men when lifting but it's still a fear of mine, even though I've read plenty of articles and such about it not being possible unless your taking something.

[Emma-Leigh]

In my opinion, any of them!

^^^
This is my sentiment too.

Honestly - unless you are 'competitioning' (and even IF you ARE competing) then you shouldn't sweat the exactness of 'which fruit/ vegetable is better'.... And if you start thinking that these small issues are what is 'stopping you from reaching your goal' - you'll cause yourself unnecessary angst and torment - and likely miss the big-old errors that are the ACTUAL cause.

[fitgirl_85]

also raw is better than cooked FOR MOST THINGs. see I said most that means not all before someone jumps my post.
Tomatoes you can actually benefit from cooking them since it makes the lycopene more readily available to your system.
Most things are better eaten raw or stir fried or steamed, so they dont loose their vitamin content.
Also leave off the salt and butter and sugar or whatever other condiments you like to use to cook with for flavoring.
Try Olive oil (a good fat) for a little added flavor or some garlic or onion or other non salt natural seasoning for added flavor or taste.
Also eat more vegetables than fruits.