The most serious health issues facing the nation today can be tied to bad diets. The risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain kinds of cancer all increase when we eat irresponsibly. Of course, it isn’t entirely our fault. Cheap, nutrient-deprived foods are available at every supermarket, convenience store, and fast food restaurant in the nation.
These ‘junk’ foods are invariably high in calories, fats, sugars, and carbohydrates. In other words, they do not give our bodies what they need to satisfy them on a cellular level. As a result, we do not feel full or sated when we eat them. In fact, most people feel hungry again shortly after consuming a bag of potato chips or pretzels, which forces them to eat again. Why is this?
Because junk foods contain empty calories! They are cheap, calorie-dense foods that do not contain the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients our bodies need to maintain a healthy weight or keep our energy levels up. That’s one reason people who eat a lot of junk food always seem tired or lethargic. Another is that they are often overweight or obese.
With one-third of its population officially obese and two-thirds merely overweight, America is now the fattest developed nation on Earth. This growing rotundity has not only affected the self-worth and self- esteem of our citizens, it is also affecting their health. According to a recent report, obesity is now the number one form of preventable death in the U.S., ahead of smoking!
Eat more Florida citrus!
As we mentioned, junk foods are primarily to blame, as well as more sedentary lifestyles. Like most big problems we can’t solve it overnight. But one thing we can do is replace unhealthy snacks with healthy ones. This simple substitution could cut the average American’s caloric intake by around 400 calories a day, and he would lose weight.
Snacking is sometimes ignored or overlooked by so-called diet gurus. They talk about portion sizes and control, but rarely discuss what happens in between or after meals. That bowl of ice cream or half a bag of potato chips you ingest every night could add several pounds to your waistline each year. One easy way to stop the downward spiral is to replace sweets and salty snacks with Florida citrus fruits.
Why fruit?
Fruits are chockfull of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, all of which have been shown to protect us from chronic and fatal illness such as heart disease and certain types of cancer. Oranges, grapefruit, and other Florida citrus fruits are also comparatively low in calories and are highly portable. You can enjoy them at work, at school, or at home for a quick and satisfying snack.
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.
Shop Now
