Dates! Who knew?

**lauraelmore1033** · 03-02-2011, 11:47 AM

I just found out from WW that dates are a 0 point food. They are stinkin' delicious! I just had two dates as a snack and I swear I am purring. So satisfying! Of course, they have the same number of carbs as 2 pieces of bread (or a banana) so you have to watch it, but, Dang! Yum!

**indysteel** · 03-02-2011, 11:53 AM

I love dates, too. In answering another question on TE about low glycemic food choices and Larabars, which use dates as a sweetener, I did a bit of research and discovered that dates are high on the glycemic food index. So, while they may be zero points according to WW, there are other fruits--like bananas--and vegetable choices that might be better in terms of avoiding a spike in blood sugar.

But if they're in lieu of something like a cookie, then have at it!

**7rider** · 03-02-2011, 12:07 PM

A friend of mine carries a baggie with dates - soaked in rose water - on rides. My DH is so into dates, that for a while, that's all he'd buy "fruit-wise" for the house. I ate so many dates last summer that I can't stomach the thought of another one for a loooong time!

**GLC1968** · 03-02-2011, 12:42 PM

I've never had a fresh date...what do they taste like? I might have to seek some out!

(you do realize that dried dates are not zero points, right?...just checking!)

**OakLeaf** · 03-02-2011, 12:57 PM

I don't remember what variety they were, but I've had "fresh" (and I do mean the quotations

) dates once. They tasted quite a bit like apples, to me.

**GLC1968** · 03-02-2011, 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by OakLeaf

I don't remember what variety they were, but I've had "fresh" (and I do mean the quotations

) dates once. They tasted quite a bit like apples, to me.

Yeah, I just did a google search and saw an article in the LA area referring to them as firm and crunchy...sounds apple-like to me!

**OakLeaf** · 03-02-2011, 01:19 PM

I'm pretty sure I got them at an Asian grocery - might be the place to look, if you were interested.

**lauraelmore1033** · 03-02-2011, 02:07 PM

Hmm, mine was definitely not crunchy. Was soft and caramelly. Well darn. Probably good ride food though. Better than bars anyway...

**maillotpois** · 03-02-2011, 02:11 PM

Yeah I think the zero point is for fresh dates and the ones you usually get (the carmelly ones) are considered dried dates, and thus, not zero points. Sorry.

I have never seen fresh dates - will need to look for them.

**lauraelmore1033** · 03-02-2011, 02:16 PM

The package says California medjool dates and I bought it in the produce section. Doesn't say anything about "dried" or "fresh", but those are probably the 3 point dates. Ah well. Still a pretty good snack...

**OakLeaf** · 03-02-2011, 02:22 PM

Fresh dates look something like this

, dried dates are brown and somewhat wrinkly and have a very sugary skin.

**maillotpois** · 03-02-2011, 02:24 PM

Dried dates are like candy. And if you stuff a walnut half in there, it makes an awesome on the go snack - worth every point!

**lauraelmore1033** · 03-02-2011, 02:26 PM

yeah, if I'm in the mood for somethin' appley, I'll just eat an apple...

**emily_in_nc** · 03-02-2011, 06:03 PM

Downside of dried dates (which are totally delicious): very sugary and stick to your teeth. If you eat them on the bike, make sure to rinse your mouth with plenty of water afterwards to avoid dental issues.

**Crankin** · 03-02-2011, 06:18 PM

I used to be addicted to date shakes. Fresh dates in a vanilla based shake, which I used to get at the farm stands on Baseline Rd. in South Phoenix and Tempe. Like several times a week, on my way home from work.
Don't know if the dates are still there, most of the farms are gone.
Oy, I sound like my grandfather: Remember when...?

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