Healthy Snacks: Citrus Fruit
Americans didn’t pay much mind to their waistlines until the 1970s. This was the decade that introduced us to health clubs, diets, and morning exercise routines. It is surprising then that the obesity epidemic began shortly thereafter. Between 1980 and 1990, the number of obese Americans skyrocketed, doubling in adults and nearly tripling in children. There are many explanations as to why we packed on the pounds after weight loss solutions were made readily available.
First and most important, most people don’t enjoy working out. According to a recent study, four out of five Americans that have them don’t use their gym memberships. Sure, they might go a few times before beach season or after the holidays, but the average member is far from a gym rat. As a result, they do not burn many calories at all from exercise alone. At the end of the day, it is diet that determines whether or not you will be overweight or obese. Yes, our genes play a part, but morbidly obese people are almost always in that unfortunate state because they consume too many calories.
The obesity problem in America has reached epidemic proportions. According to a recent report, all 50 states have an obesity prevalence of over 20 percent, which means that one in five of their citizens are officially obese. In 1960, not a single U.S. state was over 20 percent. Our ever-expanding national waistline has put enormous stress on the health care system in America.
Contrary to popular belief, the government cannot control the cost of health insurance. Costs rise based on the laws of supply and demand, and consumption, of course. Those folks we might define as heavy users are people who have chronic illnesses that require lifetime care. One of these illnesses is Type 2 diabetes, which is the fastest growing chronic condition on Earth. Did we also mention that it is strongly linked to obesity?
About 90 percent of the people who are diagnosed with the disorder are overweight or obese. This increasingly common disease can be treated but it costs a lot of money, and these costs must be shared, i.e., everyone will experience rising health care costs as the number of Type 2 diabetes patients grows. What can we do to fight this modern plague?
Eat more citrus fruit!
It might seem strange, since it is so obvious, but fruits really can cure what ails us. Naturally fat and cholesterol free, citrus fruit makes for the perfect snack. It is affordable, low in calories, and highly portable. You can enjoy an orange or a grapefruit at home, school, or work. Although it is not as healthy as whole fruit, it is also beneficial to enjoy oranges in liquid form. But if you have the time, we strongly suggest that you peel an orange, slice a grapefruit, or make a nice fruit salad for breakfast or lunch.
Taste the Sunshine with Hale Groves
At Hale Groves, we believe the best gifts come from the land, not a factory. For generations, our fruit has been grown slowly under the Florida sun, picked at its peak, and delivered fresh to your door. From sweet Navel Oranges to rare Honeybells, every gift shares the simple joy of real flavor—perfect for holidays, milestones, or everyday moments worth celebrating.
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