Current Craving: Fruit Bowls

I have no idea why, but for the last few days all I have been craving is fruit, fruit, and more fruit.  I believe that marathon training is making my body crave healthier things in order for me to take care of myself during this process.  I also think the weather affects this too; whenever the weather gets nice, I find myself gravitating towards more fresh and seasonal food.  I've been averaging around 2 big bowls a day...I'm embracing it, though, for a these reasons:

1. It's fruit.  That's guilt free in itself.  
1. Those that watch their fruit intake over cutting back on processed sweets need a reality check.
2. It's fresh and whole food that really gives you health benefits.  Many people in the world don't have access nor the resources to have a simple indulgence like fresh fruit every day, and I am thankful for being fortunate to have these things at my disposal.  Some can't afford it, and some do not have it available. 
3. The antioxidants in the berries I eat are good for muscle soreness and getting rid of free radicals in the body created by my exercise habits.
4. It curbs my cravings for other sweets...to a certain extent..(:
5. It increases hydration and adds good carbohydrates into my diet (an essential for runners!).

I thought I would dedicate this post to my favorite fruits as of late and their benefits.  A lot of the time, after dinner, when I would usually crave sweets like ice cream, cookies, and chocolate, I would have a big bowl of fruit.  It honestly satisfied that sweet tooth, and, when it didn't and I still wanted those things, I knew I truly wanted those indulgences (so that is when I give in!). 

(From yesterday)This is a picture of what my fruit typically bowls look like...This picture is so pretty that I think I'll be making one shortly after this post.

Without further ado, here are my favorite fruits (all shown in the picture) and the amazing things that they do!

Strawberries

•  good source of 
• magnesium, vit C, potassium
• lowers blood pressure
• increases HDL, which is good cholesterol
• source of antioxidants/ fights against cancer

Blueberries

• good source of vit C and antioxidants
• high fiber
• improves circulation

Blackberries

•  high fiber
• fights cardiovascular disease and cancer
• high in Vitamin A, C, and K
• lowers cholesterol

Pineapple

• has bromelain (which reduces inflammation)
• high in Vitamin C, thiamine, B-6, and magnesium

Raspberries

• high potassium, calcium, and antioxidants
• fights inflammation
• high fiber
• fights cancer

Papaya 

• good source of potassium, folate, and fiber
• high in Vit C and A
• red fleshed vs yellow fleshed 
• red has lycopene, which reduces risk of cancer!

I got all of my research information from WebMD and Livestrong.com, by the way!