Tried and True: An Apple a Day
Updated November 2020.
It might sound old school but consider our advice: Eat a piece of fruit or two or three daily to better your health. Apples are high in vitamins and nutrients, providing you with natural sugars that boost your energy, without adding a large number of calories –as other options such as fruit bars or chips might.
The best news is that after eating an apple, your appetite will be satiated and, even though you’ve chosen a snack with less than 100 calories, you will actually feel full. To steal a line from a well-known registered dietitian in the Boston area, Joan Salge-Blake, MS, RD, LDN, “Fruits and veggies will fill you up without filling you out!”
As the holidays approach and you are surrounded by sugary sweets at parties and work events, it’s ok to indulge on fruits and veggies. During this time of year, people often spend large amounts of money on diet plans, pills, and books to help keep off the pounds. However, small adjustments to diet and selective food choices can produce the same result. An apple a day is inexpensive, adds fiber to your diet, helps your heart, increases stamina for exercise, and battles body fat according to a recent article in the AARP by “Fat to Fit” coach Carole Carson.
So, how many ways can you eat an apple?
Slice an apple into pieces for easy snacking while at work or on the go. Then, try some of our tasty recommendations:
- Choose a sharp cheddar cheese and slice thinly to pair with the apple for a late morning snack.
- Put a spoonful of peanut butter on a plate or in a container for dipping.
- Bring a bottle of blue cheese salad dressing to work and dip apples to accompany a sandwich at lunch (a crunchy replacement for chips!).
- Hummus is surprisingly good with apples, perfect for a late afternoon high-fiber snack!
- Drizzle caramel over apple slices for a sweet treat after dinner.
Did you know? Besides weight management, apples also have some unique superhero powers, including anti-aging, healing antioxidants, anti-growth effects on cancer, decreasing risk of chronic diseases, and helping to manage type 2 diabetes. The Oregonian called apples one of the “underrated superfoods” and we’d have to agree.
So, next time you head to the grocery store, put apples on the top of your list. With guests in town for the holidays, a bowl left out on the kitchen counter will make healthy snacking easy. Arm your kids with apples in their lunch boxes to carry them through the day. And pop one into your briefcase or purse for energy when you need it.
Love hearing these health tips? See a registered dietitian or board-certified doctor online with Amwell. Our providers are available 24/7, 365 days per year to assist you and your family with any health concerns. Download the mobile app for free in the iTunes and Google Play stores for access anytime, anywhere.