Sometimes you’ll come across discussions regarding a fruit only diet. People involved in conversations about a high fruit diet are usually considering whether to become vegetarian or vegan. People are aware of how dangerous it can be if they don’t eat enough fruit. Some of these people are interested in eating fewer carbohydrates or more protein. Fruit and nut diets can help with this.
One of the strictest diets is the fruitarian approach. It is the name for what happens if you only eat fruit. There are fruitarian diet dangers, with one of the biggest risks being nutrient deficiencies.
Being a Fruitarian
If you’re interested in a fruitarian diet, then you’ll know that fruit is great for digestion, but you may not have thought about eating only fruit and nothing else. Most people limit this to 75% fruit, but recommendations suggest that fruit should only comprise 50% of your diet. This would also include dried fruits and smoothies.
Is a Fruitarian Diet Safe for a Small Amount of Time?
If you choose to become a fruitarian, then you should educate yourself on the differences between vegan and vegetarian diets, as well as making the change slowly. You should know that what happens if you eat only fruit is that you can lose a lot of fat and protein. Therefore you need to add a range of nuts and seeds to every meal. This will also reduce the spikes in blood sugar that fruit consumption causes.
If you’re wondering is a fruitarian diet safe for a small amount of time, then you should keep in mind that you’ll want to be eating three portions of fruit per day, and mixing in fruits with high oil content, like bananas.
The Advantages
Fruits have a range of vitamins and minerals inside, and these can help reduce your risk of developing various health complications.
Losing weight is also a potential benefit, but as soon as you eat other food again, it will increase.
The Problems
If you’re thinking is a fruitarian diet safe for a small amount of time, there are some factors you should consider first:
Added weight: Fruit has a lot of naturally occurring sugar. If you eat too much of it, you can gain weight.
Diabetes: Fruitarian approaches to dieting can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels that are quite extreme. This can exacerbate diabetes, as well as causing trouble for those with disorders of the pancreas or kidneys.
Teeth: Fruit can cause erosion of the enamel that coats the surface of your teeth. The sugars within them are responsible for this. Apples and oranges are particularly problematic.
Malnourishment: Fruitarian adherents lack vitamin B12, D, and omega-3, as well as lacking iodine and calcium. This can lead to the development of tiredness and problems with your immune system.
Supplements can help you to create an appropriate nutrient balance, but fruitarians do not take ones involving dairy or soy, which limits the amount available. That is why malnourishment is such a big risk.
Cravings: Depriving yourself of food you used to eat a lot can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as the development of intense cravings.
Starvation: Without enough nourishment from fruit alone, the body can feel starved, and will reduce metabolism to retain energy.
Have a Word with Your Doctor
Speaking to your doctor is a good idea before you start a new diet. They will give you more detailed instructions on how to manage it.