Why Does Fruit & Fiber Make Me Gain Weight?

Fruits are high-fiber foods and offer many health benefits. Just as you can lose weight by eating fresh fruit and high-fiber meals, you can also gain weight if you eat too much. Fiber does not necessarily add to weight gain--in fact, it usually has the opposite effect. Fiber gives you a feeling of fullness, which usually means you'll eat less.

Significance

• Fruits are considered a low-density food. These foods do not add up to many calories, so you can be tricked into thinking you can't gain weight when eating high volumes of fruit. Some fruits contain more sugar than others and should be avoided if you do not want to gain weight.

Types

• Canned fruits that are packed in heavy syrup, highly concentrated fruit juices and dried fruits should be avoided if you want to lose weight.

Benefits

• Fresh fruits contain essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that can help protect you from chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.

Warning

• Buy organic fruits when possible. Non-organic fruits may have been grown with chemical pesticides and herbicides.

Expert Insight

• "Fruit is one of the healthiest foods in the world," says dietitian Katherine Tallmadge, RD, national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.