Nutrition and Weight Loss Ideas

Now is the season for those delicious delights — apples. The varieties will be in abundance. They are one of nature’s most wonderful treats and should definitely be a part of your nutrition and weight loss program.

You’ve all heard the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. There certainly isn’t a concrete proof of the truth of that statement, but there is plenty of proof that apples do provide respectable amounts of fiber, some Vitamin C, and potassium. Apples are also a good source of quercetin, a flavonoid that may help protect against heart disease.

Of the 7,000 varieties of apples available worldwide, only a few make their way to the produce section of your grocery store. Some of the most common varieties include Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, McIntosh, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Winesap, and Golden Delicious. Below are a few tips for buying, storing, and eating apples, especially as a great, crunchy snack.

Buying:

The skin of an apple is not always a good indication of its quality, so try to shop for apples by touch instead of appearance. Avoid wrinkled, bruised, or soft apples. Remember that each apple has a distinct flavor, so some are better for baking, while others are better for eating. If you’re not familiar with the different varieties, ask your grocer for their recommendations.

Storing:

Apples can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three months. They should be kept in a plastic bag with holes for ventilation. Check them frequently and remove ones that are bruised or brown. There is definitely truth to another old saying, “One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch”. If you keep your apples in the refrigerator, try to keep them away from strong-smelling foods, as they will absorb the odor. If you keep your apples out of the refrigerator, put them in a cool, dry place and eat them within a couple of weeks.

Eating:

Always clean the skins thoroughly before eating. Washing will remove dirt and pesticides, but only a good scrub or produce cleaner will remove the built-up wax. When you go to cut your apples, wait until just before you’re ready to eat them. Cut apples will turn brown if exposed to the air for too long. You can prevent this by dipping the cut apples into a bowl containing one part lemon juice and three parts water.

Can you hear the sound of that first bite into a fresh apple? Mmmmm — so good!

Have a great and healthy day. I’ll be back soon with some more nutrition and weight loss thoughts for you.

Shanti,

Ron
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