Eating too much of even a healthy food is not good

“I will need to reschedule my appointment today,” a pained voice knowledgeable my answering machine.

“I’m not feeling so excellent … it’s possible I shouldn’t have eaten that complete bag of grapes.”

When I termed this patient – who is operating challenging to switch contemporary fruit for her standard sweet bar treats – she defined even further.

“I was actively playing on the personal computer and prior to I knew what was taking place, the total two-pound bag of grapes was empty.”

I’ve been there … like when a huge box of popcorn quickly disappears for the duration of a good motion picture.

It’s identified as “mindless ingesting” i.e. not becoming aware of what, why or how considerably we eat.

It generally takes place when we’re distracted. And it can come about with healthful food items as nicely as all those we operate to for comfort.

To her credit score, this woman ingested a superior dose of nutritional fibre that promotes intestine well being.

She also obtained just about half her every day have to have for potassium – a nutrient that assists continue to keep blood stress below command.

Grapes of all colors are also brimming with anti-oxidants and other substances that might profit our hearts, brains and joints, according to the California Table Grape Commission. (99% of the table grapes in the United States are developed in the Golden Condition.)

Regretably, in comparison to just 90 calories in an typical serving of grapes, this woman’s grape binge charge her extra than 600 energy.

There are two troubles right here: 1st, when we take in, we need to have to pay out awareness – what some call “mindful eating.”

Love just about every bite. Consider the time to respect food’s style and texture. When I do this, I’m stunned that a smaller box of popcorn can be just as enjoyable as a complete tub.

Bear in mind far too, that irrespective of whether it’s grapes or olive oil or a superior steak, we truly can get way too a great deal of a excellent matter.

Like the ah-ha I heard from a affected person decades in the past: “I get it! It’s all about part dimensions!”

For case in point, 3/4 cup (about 17 grapes) is thought of a serving.

Nourishment specialists advise most of us to consume two to a few servings of fruit just about every working day for fantastic wellness.

Two kilos of grapes might be a acceptable serving for a bear, but for individuals, it translates to 7 servings of fruit – a bit too much.

Grapes are nonetheless a great snack, on the other hand.

Look for bunches with inexperienced, pliable stems and plump berries.

Pick out all colors!

And don’t be worried if you see a powdery-white coating on your grapes.

That is “bloom” – a normal compound that shields grapes from dampness and decay.

Retailer unwashed grapes in the refrigerator and they really should preserve for up to two weeks. Rinse in advance of feeding on, of course.

And here’s the rule for grapes and other fruit if you have diabetes: A single serving at a time.

That’s almost certainly a fantastic rule for all of us. – Monterey Herald/Tribune Information Provider

Barbara Intermill (nee Quinn) is a registered dietitian in the US.