An Apple a Day May Help Keep Unwanted Pounds Away!
Maintaining a healthy weight can be a factor in reducing the risk of chronic diseases and overall well-being. The types of foods you consume, like an apple a day, are important for weight management, and physical activity levels, of course, play a role as well.
Over the years, we have seen hundreds of fad diets and celebrity eating plans promise fast and permanent weight loss, but rarely have they produced a lasting and healthy result. Besides, who wants to eat cabbage soup all day?
What works best is building an eating plan around various nutrient-rich foods, consuming adequate fiber, and eating appropriate-sized portions. Michigan Apples are a perfect example of a food that fits into this approach, and there is research to back up why they should be in your weekly shopping cart, along with other delicious, healthy, and affordable food choices.
To Build a Healthy Shopping Cart, Follow These Basic Guidelines:
- Consume at least 5 cups of fruits and vegetables a day, such as an apple a day.
- Opt for whole grains.
- Add in healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
- Choose lean protein from meat, poultry, fish, and beans.
- Consume low-fat dairy products.
Why Every Healthy Grocery List Should Include Apples
There are many healthy reasons for adding Michigan Apples to your weekly shopping cart and incorporating them into your meals. Apples contain natural fiber, and adequate fiber consumption has been consistently associated with weight loss. The fiber in apples provides a feeling of fullness; when you feel full, you tend to eat less. Also, the soluble fiber pectin found in apples slows the body’s release of glucose, preventing sudden drops in blood sugar that trigger hunger and can set off food cravings.
The recommended daily dietary value for fiber consumption is 28 grams. Unfortunately, the average American consumes only 10-15 grams of fiber. With all of the positive health research linked to fiber, it’s no wonder apples should hold a valued spot in your grocery cart. Eating just one apple a day, with the skin, will provide an average of 4.5 grams of fiber, and a tennis ball-sized apple contains only about 80 calories.
Building a Healthy Meal Plan With an Apple a Day
Now that you know how and why to fill your cart with healthy choices that include apples, it’s time to build a delicious meal plan. Eating healthier does take a bit of planning, but by spending an hour or so to create a weekly menu and shopping list, you’ll save money and time in the long run. We’ll help you get started with our one-week sample menu plan.
Please consult your physician with any health-related concerns, including changing your diet or starting an exercise routine. Information found at michiganapples.com is not intended to, and should not be used to, diagnose or treat any disease, and should never substitute for or replace your doctor’s advice or care.
For more Michigan Apples meal planning ideas, check out our recipes.
