Guide to Effective Workouts: Nutrition and Training Tips

Top 10 fruits highest in natural sugar, ranked by sugar content per standard serving:

1. Dates (Medjool)

Sugar: ~66g per 100g (about 4 dates)

Extremely sweet; used as a natural sweetener.

2. Lychee

Sugar: ~29g per cup

High in fructose; juicy and very sweet.

3. Figs (Dried)

Sugar: ~48g per 100g (about 4–5 figs)

Dense, chewy texture and concentrated sugar.

4. Mango

Sugar: ~45g per whole mango (~200g)

One of the sweetest tropical fruits.

5. Grapes (Red or Green)

Sugar: ~23g per cup

Easy to overeat due to small size and high sugar content.

6. Cherries

Sugar: ~20g per cup

Sweet varieties like Bing have more sugar.

7. Bananas

Sugar: ~14g per medium banana

Balanced with starch; ripeness increases sugar.

8. Pineapple

Sugar: ~16g per cup (chunks)

Sucrose-rich and tropical sweet.

9. Apples

Sugar: ~19g per medium apple

High in fructose; varies by variety (e.g., Fuji is sweeter).

10. Pears

Sugar: ~17g per medium pear

High water content and a mild sweetness.

1. Fatty Fish

• Examples: Salmon, sardines, mackerel, and trout

• Why: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which reduce inflammatory markers and improve heart and brain health.

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2. Leafy Green Vegetables

• Examples: Spinach, kale, collard greens, Swiss chard

• Why: Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and polyphenols that fight inflammation and oxidative stress.

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3. Berries

• Examples: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries

• Why: Contain anthocyanins and vitamin C, which help lower inflammation and protect cells from damage.

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4. Nuts and Seeds

• Examples: Walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds

• Why: Provide healthy fats, fiber, and magnesium—all known to reduce inflammation.

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5. Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)

• Why: A staple in the Mediterranean diet, olive oil contains oleocanthal, a compound with anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen.

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6. Turmeric

• Active Ingredient: Curcumin

• Why: Powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Works even better when paired with black pepper for absorption.

Top 6 anti-inflammatory foods that help reduce inflammation

Low-Sugar Fruits—great for diabetics, low-carb diets, or anyone monitoring sugar intake. These fruits have less than 10g of sugar per serving.

1. Avocados

Sugar: ~0.2g per whole fruit

Technically a fruit; rich in healthy fats and fiber.

2.Cranberries (Fresh)

Sugar: ~4g per cup

Tart taste; great for adding to smoothies or salads.

3.Raspberries

Sugar: ~5g per cup

High in fiber (8g per cup); low glycemic impact.

4.Blackberries

Sugar: ~7g per cup

Low sugar and high in antioxidants.

5.Strawberries

Sugar: ~7g per cup

Sweet, refreshing, and fiber-rich.

6.Lemons & Limes

Sugar: ~1–2g per fruit

Not usually eaten whole but great for flavoring with minimal sugar.

7.Kiwis

Sugar: ~6g per kiwi

Small, tart-sweet fruit with vitamin C and fiber.

8.Plums

Sugar: ~7g per medium plum

Good balance of tart and sweet; small portion sizes help control sugar intake.

9.Cantaloupe

Sugar: ~8g per cup

Hydrating and light with mild sweetness.

10.Peaches (Small)

Sugar: ~8g per small peach

Choose smaller, firmer peaches for lower sugar content.

Top 6 foods that commonly cause inflammation in the body

1. Added Sugars

• Found in: soda, candy, baked goods, sugary cereals, and sweetened beverages.

• Why: Excess sugar triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and contributes to insulin resistance.

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2. Refined Carbohydrates

• Found in: white bread, pastries, many breakfast cereals, and processed snacks.

• Why: These carbs are stripped of fiber and spike blood sugar, fueling inflammatory responses.

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3. Processed and Red Meats

• Found in: bacon, sausage, deli meats, beef, pork.

• Why: High in saturated fats and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), both of which promote inflammation.

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4. Fried Foods

• Found in: french fries, fried chicken, chips, onion rings.

• Why: Typically cooked in oils high in omega-6 fatty acids and trans fats, both linked to inflammation.

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5. Trans Fats

• Found in: margarine, non-dairy creamers, packaged snacks, and some baked goods.

• Why: Artificial trans fats are known to increase inflammatory markers like CRP (C-reactive protein).

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6. Excess Alcohol

• Found in: beer, wine, spirits (especially when consumed in high amounts regularly).

• Why: Alcohol disrupts gut health and promotes systemic inflammation when overconsumed.

A white measuring tape curled and extended on a plain surface.

Effective ways to gain muscle

  • Try to workout 3-5 strength training sessions per week, giving muscles time to recover. 



  • Make sure you lift weights that challenge you, aiming for a weight that you can comfortably lift for 8-12 repetitions. 


  • Gradually increase the weight, reps, or sets you lift over time to continue challenging your muscles.

  • Cut back on added sugars found in desserts, snacks, and sweetened beverages.

  • Allow for adequate rest between sets and workouts to allow for muscle recovery and growth.

  • Consume enough protein to support muscle growth, aiming for 1.6-2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

A person sitting on a sofa, holding their knee in pain.

Five common gym injuries

  • Avoid it by:

    • Gradually increasing your weight and intensity.

    • Notice when you were fatigued as these can cause strains.

    • Preforming dynamic warmups before weight lifting and prevent strains.

  • Avoid it by:

    • Squat and lunging with proper form.

    • If you have knee pain wear supportive knee wraps.

    • Mobility exercises which target the knees, hips and ankles.

  • Avoid it by:

    • Having proper form and good poser during all exercise routines.

    • Strengthen your core by doing oblique, lower ab and lower back training.

    • Warming up your lower back properly.

  • Avoid it by:

    • Wearing gym style gloves or straps.

    • Keeping your hands dry with powder or moisturized during training sessions.

Bowl of colorful salad with cherry tomatoes, boiled eggs, grilled chicken, corn, cucumbers, lettuce, purple cabbage, and green onions

Plant base proteins

  • Chickpea offers about 15 grams of protein per cooked cup. They are high in fiber, iron and other essential nutrients.

  • This has about 8 grams of protein per cooked cup. Also contains nine essential amino acids.

  • About 18 grams of protein per cooked cup. They are also rich in iron and folate.

  • Tempeh has about 20 grams of protein per serving.

  • With 3 tablespoons of Hemp seeds has 9.5 grams of protein. Hemp is also packed with magnesium. B vitamins, iron and omega-3 fats.