Fiber can help slow digestion and contributes to feelings of fullness.

Whole fruit also requires chewing, which naturally slows the pace at which you consume it.

This doesn’t mean juice can never be part of a healthy diet, but whole fruit is generally an easy way to get the benefits of fruit while keeping its natural structure and fiber.

Fresh or Frozen?

Fresh fruit is excellent, but frozen fruit can be just as practical.

Frozen fruit is often picked when ripe and can be stored for much longer.

It can be particularly useful when certain fruits aren’t in season.

Frozen berries, for example, work extremely well in smoothies, oatmeal, and yogurt bowls.

A Simple Way to Eat More Fruit

You don’t necessarily need to completely change your diet.

Start with small habits.

Keep fruit somewhere visible in your kitchen.

Add berries to breakfast.

Take a banana or apple when leaving home.

Keep frozen fruit available for smoothies.

Choose a whole orange instead of juice occasionally.

Small changes like these can make eating fruit a normal part of your routine rather than something you have to think about.

The Bottom Line

Apples, bananas, oranges, berries, kiwi, mangoes, pears, watermelon, and other familiar fruits can all contribute useful nutrients to a balanced diet.