Medjool Dates - Healthy or Not?
I have 4 mejool dates with 8 plain almonds every morning. It's like having a candy bar, and very filling and nutritious, not to mention a tried, true and very reliable laxative. They appear to be very high in sugar and calories, and I'm wondering if I should eat them as often as I do, or every other day. I'm not on a weight loss plan, nor do I need to be, but this is a place I can cut a substantial amount of calories. Any thoughts or information you'd like to share would be appreciated.
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17 Comments:
Sounds like you could be doing far worse. I wouldn't worry about it.
simon at 12:28PM on 03/03/09
If you don't want to lose weight, why would you want to cut calories? Or were you planning on replacing the calories with something you like better?
dbcurrie at 12:35PM on 03/03/09
Honestly, it's the high sugar that concerns me, and I would replace it with something a bit more beneficial.
SQ RIACH at 12:39PM on 03/03/09
This seems like a silly question. If you want to eat something with less sugar, than do it. How about a wasa cracker?
simon at 1:11PM on 03/03/09
High sugar? Well, yeah, if you're eating them instead of dinner. But four dates? Sugar isn't inherently evil. Sugar is what powers your body and your brain. It's not so good in excess, but neither is anything else. You can overdose on water, if you try hard enough.
There are only 3 ways to get calories -- carbs, fat, or protein. If you want to trade the carbs for something else, you could eat more of those almonds, and you'd be getting fewer carbs and more fat and protein. But really, if you like the dates, eat the dates.
If you aren't worried about calories and don't have any particular heath issues and your overall diet is well balanced, I see no reason to worry about this.
Or just eat something else.
dbcurrie at 1:34PM on 03/03/09
they are delicious and nutritious and even healthier with the almonds because the sugar won't get absorbed in your blood stream as fast so eat up
ssultan23 at 2:00PM on 03/03/09
If you don't have blood sugar issues and aren't eating a lot of other sugary things, I don't see anything wrong with the dates. I only wish I could still eat those glorious lumps of delight.
gentlyferal at 3:33PM on 03/03/09
Wish we could edit our comments. It just occurred to me: if you want to ditch the calories/sugar while retaining the fiber/vitamins/minerals, include a salad or other vegetable dish with your breakfast. I love coleslaw with a savory breakfast.
gentlyferal at 3:50PM on 03/03/09
I agree with the previous posters. Fruit is good for you! Plus, most people eating western diets don't get enough fiber, and the fiber in the dates is excellent for your digestive system
runnereater at 4:22PM on 03/03/09
Seems unnecessary to me. Calories = energy. Your body's used to the amount of energy it's getting. Cutting down will probably just make you hungrier sooner. If you're feeling uncomfortably full after breakfast, or getting a sugar rush and quick crash after eating this, then you could try something else. But it sounds like it tastes good and feels good and contains both energy/calories and nutrients.
tangledgray at 5:30PM on 03/03/09
A few posters mentioned sugar. The sugar in the dates is fructose, which is metabolized slowly, as opposed to sucrose (processed sugar) which is processed far more quickly (and can cause the sugar rush and quick crash). I could think of a thousand things worse to eat for breakfast!
shaogo at 5:54PM on 03/03/09
Dates and almonds... sounds delicious to me! Enjoy!!!
Pointy at 6:53PM on 03/03/09
I appreciate all of the responses. I think I need to clarify.....as a five year "successful" survivor of a 75 pound weight loss, I no longer have a weight issue, since I have made a lifestyle change that suits me and my body perfectly. I get the impression that this questions is viewed as silly. No question is silly, if it is a concern for someone. All seriousness aside, II am very impressed with the prompt responses that my question/concern has received on this site. I have the permission I needed to continue enjoy this healthful treat! Thank you...all!
SQ RIACH at 7:40PM on 03/03/09
Glad we could help, SQ RIACH - but do try a savory salad with breakfast sometime. <eyeing the stir-fried bok choy in the fridge>
gentlyferal at 10:14PM on 03/03/09
Honestly, your body requires carbohydrates to think--and if you work out in the morning, carbs are especially necessary. Eating carbohydrates at the beginning of the day rather than eating sweets at the end is better for your energy levels, anyway, and you're combining it with protein and fat to lessen your cravings.
That said, I prefer something more filling in the morning, like eggs and fruit or yogurt and fruit or some sort of healthy muffin and yogurt.
HeartofGlass at 5:55AM on 03/04/09
It is natural sugar, and you are eating it with protein (almonds), so you are getting nutrition for the calories. I say continue eating dates if they make you happy.
KarynMC at 12:14PM on 03/04/09
The medjool date and all other dates for that matter are very healthy. The carbs are complex not simple sugars. They are and were a staple food in the middle east. The date palm is known as the tree of life. It provides food and all sorts of other useful things. The Medjool Date is considered the king of dates because of it is size and sweetness. Unlike most other fruits dates are actually allowed to ripen before shipping and you unlikely to get the same from say apples, oranges, or tomatoes. You can check out the nutritional content of medjool dates at Medjool Dates Nutrition
kathyfb at 1:04PM on 07/13/09