Among office workers, the fruit-only diet trend—skipping dinner and eating only fruit—has gained popularity. But is this weight-loss method reliable? Xu Qiuxiang, Director at Dalian Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, explains that skipping dinner and relying solely on fruit is not a sound approach.However, from a nutritional perspective, fruits contain significant calories and sugar. On hot days, some might eat half a watermelon for dinner, unaware that consuming half a medium-sized watermelon equates to 680 calories—roughly equivalent to three small bowls of rice. Combined with reduced evening activity, this excess energy is quietly stored as fat, leading to a growing belly. Instead of losing weight, it often increases.
It's worth noting that sweeter fruits tend to be higher in calories. Fruits like durian, lychee, longan, and coconut are calorie-dense, so be mindful not to overindulge.while fruits like cherry tomatoes, kiwis, and green apples are relatively lower in calories. Additionally, when eating fruit, ensure adequate protein intake by pairing it with a glass of milk or yogurt. To compensate for iron and zinc deficiencies, women aiming to lose weight should consume 1-2 ounces of meat or fish daily.
Secondly, fruit-only diets can lead to malnutrition of liver cells.The liver possesses the ability to break down fats and convert them into sugars or other nutrients. When the body lacks the oxidase enzymes and vitamins necessary for fat metabolism, fats accumulate in the liver, leading to fatty liver disease. Furthermore, fruits contain low levels of vitamin B, iron, zinc, and other essential elements, and are relatively deficient in protein. This can easily result in hair loss, skin sagging, and other issues.