Most people don’t need much convincing in the way of the many health benefits of produce. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, you know a wide array of goods are delivered more times than not. But few things in life can be 100% perfect, 100% of the time, and fruits and veggies are no different. While upping your intake of fresh, whole foods is certainly recommended, there are a few you may want to steer clear of, or at least not overindulge in too often. While we’re not recommending you cross these seven fruits and veggies off your grocery list, we’re simply suggesting keeping an eye out for times you’re tempted to finish an entire bowl.
1. Pineapple
The relaxing sounds of Hawaiian music begin to lull in the back of your mind every time you take a bite of this sweet, succulent fruit. The sweetness can be chalked up to its sugar content — one cup of solid chunks contains 16.2 grams of sugar. Available year-round, pineapples can be tough to stay away from (pineapple pizza, anyone?). Thankfully, they’re only ripest during a few months a year. Phew. After all, there’s a reason pineapple upside-down cake is a thing.
2. Cherries
Cherries might be the perfect accompaniment to your cocktail, but we recommend you don’t eat too many. While a bag of cherries definitely makes for a great midday snack, just keep in mind that their addicting nature exists for good reason. In just one cup of cherries with pits, you’re getting 17 grams of sugar.
3. Pomegranate
Figuring out the best way to crack open a pomegranate is hard enough, so once you’re in there, it’s likely you’ll want to fully enjoy the fruits of your labor (pun very much intended). But did you know that a whole pomegranate has 39 grams of sugar? This is why it’s sometimes better to retrieve the seeds and eat them as is, or as a topping in your yogurt.
4. Mango
A common ingredient in smoothies, sushi rolls, and guacamole (and pretty much anything else you’d want to eat), this juicy fruit sure is tough to stay away from. Mangoes are full of sweet, sweet goodness, so it’s no surprise one cup of sliced mango has 23 grams of sugar, making them the perfect addition to most tasty things in life.
5. Potato
You guessed it — potatoes are probably the most cautioned of all veggies. While they’re an absolute necessity (in any form) on Thanksgiving, the starchy vegetable isn’t exactly the most revered when it comes to your choice of a healthy side. The main deterrent is the 36 grams of carbs that are packed into one potato. So, eat these starchy veggies in moderation.
6. Winter squash
Winter squash, which includes butternut, acorn, and spaghetti, comes with its fair share of health benefits, but in the grand scheme of the vegetable world, it might not top the charts. Averaging around 21 grams of carbs per cup of winter squash, the entire veggie packs a seriously carb-heavy punch.
7. Jicama
A farmer’s market favorite, jicama is a sometimes undiscovered root vegetable. But in the overall scheme of things, it’s also one that ranks high in the carbohydrate department: One cup of slices has 10.6 grams of carbs. Its crunch is alluring, and its juicy consistency is similar to that of a savory apple. It’s yummy, but also worth noting it’s not the best veggie to go overboard on if you’re counting carbs.
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