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Michigan Apples Make Breakfast Healthier!

September is both Better Breakfast Month and Cholesterol Control Month – a perfect time to talk about the many ways you can add Michigan Apples to your morning meal to obtain several healthy benefits, including their ability to lower cholesterol. When Michigan Apples are included in your breakfast, the morning meal gets a big heart-healthy boost! Let’s make breakfast healthier.

 

 

 

Check Out These 5 Amazing Apple Health Facts

1. Reduced LDL

In a 2012 study conducted by Ohio State University, the daily consumption of apples was associated with reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad” cholesterol. Their research showed that middle-aged adults who consumed one apple a day for four weeks lowered their levels of LDL cholesterol by 40 percent.

2. Rich in Fiber

Apples are rich in fiber. A single medium-sized apple contains about 4.5 grams of fiber, about 17 percent of the recommended daily intake. A portion of apple’s fiber content is made up of both insoluble and soluble fibers called pectin. The pectin blocks cholesterol absorption in the gut and encourages the body to use, rather than store this waxy substance. The fiber in apples may also help improve satiety and cause weight loss while lowering blood sugar levels and improving the function of the digestive system.

3. Vitamin C

Apples contain about five percent of the daily value of Vitamin C, an essential dietary nutrient that has many important functions in the body including growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body.

4. Heart Health

Potassium is the main mineral in apples. High intake of potassium may have beneficial effects on heart health and blood pressure control.

5. Antioxidants

Apple peels are packed with polyphenols. These antioxidants prevent cellular damage from harmful molecules called free radicals.

Add Michigan Apples to Make Breakfast Healthier

There couldn’t be a better time of the year to add Michigan Apples to your healthy breakfast routine. Everyone is back to their fall work and school routines, and the fresh apples are plentiful at local stores.

Take a few minutes to look at how you are starting your day. Are you rushing around and skipping breakfast or do you have a sense of calmness? Are you consuming a well-balanced breakfast to provide your body with the energy and nutrition it needs to get the day moving in the right direction?

If not, here are some tips to help you make a healthy breakfast a priority:

• Keep healthful, quick-assembly ingredients on hand for busy mornings. Instant oatmeal, whole grain cereal, English muffins, nut butter, yogurt, milk, 100% juice, Michigan Apples, bananas, and dried fruit.

• Plan some time on the weekends to make wholesome muffins and quick bread that can be frozen for use on those super busy mornings. Check out the recipes below.

Healthy Breakfast Recipes

To get you started, check out this week of delicious breakfast recipes featuring the goodness of Michigan Apples.

MONDAY

Apple Oats

• • Oatmeal topped with diced Michigan Apples & Walnuts
  • Fat-Free Milk

TUESDAY

Apple Breakfast Parfait

• Greek Yogurt Parfait with Sliced Michigan Apples and Granola
• A glass of 100% Fruit Juice

WEDNESDAY

Almond, Michigan Apple & Cinnamon Smoothie

Recipe Source: Blue Diamond

INGREDIENTS:

• • • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon – plus more for garnish
    • 1 Michigan Apples – cored (Fuji, Gala)
    • Half of a banana
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • 2/3 – 3/4 cup Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla
    • 1 tablespoon creamy roasted almond butter
    • 1 ice cube

DIRECTIONS:

1. 1. 1. Combine the cinnamon, apple, banana, honey, 2/3 cup almond milk, and almond butter in a high-powered blender.
      2. Blend, starting on low and moving to high, for 2 minutes, or until smooth.
      3. Add the ice cube and blend again. Add a little more of the almond milk if you like your smoothie on the milky side.
      4. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Tip: Serve with a whole-grain English muffin

THURSDAY

Whole Wheat Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Recipe Source: Diamond Nuts

INGREDIENTS:

• • • 2 cups whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour
    • 2 teaspoons baking soda
    • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 cup Diamond of California chopped pecans
    • 3 large eggs
    • 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
    • 1/3 cup vegetable, canola oil, or melted coconut oil
    • 1/3 cup smooth unsweetened applesauce
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 2 cups shredded/grated apple (about 2 apples)

DIRECTIONS:

1. 1. 1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
      2. Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or use cupcake liners. This recipe makes 15 muffins, so prepare a second muffin pan in the same manner.
      3. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pecans together until combined. Set aside.
      4. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, maple syrup, oil, applesauce, and vanilla together until combined.
      5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stir a few times, then add the grated apple.
      6. Fold everything together gently until combined and no flour pockets remain.
      7. Spoon the batter into liners, filling them to the top.
      8. Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F then, keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
      9. Bake for an additional 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The total time these muffins take in the oven is about 23-24 minutes, give or take.
      10. Allow the muffins to cool for 10 minutes in the muffin sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool until ready to eat.

FRIDAY

Easy Apple Breakfast Cobbler 

Top with plain or vanilla low-fat yogurt for a little more protein

SATURDAY

Apple Walnut Snack Cake

Tart Michigan Apples and crunchy walnuts make these moist, whole-grain bars a perfect breakfast for on-the-go.

SUNDAY

Apple Breakfast Burritos

Makes 4 servings (serving size: 1 burrito)

Photo and Recipe Source: Cookinglight.com

INGREDIENTS:

• • • 4 large Michigan Honey Crisp Apples, sliced
    • 1/2 cup orange juice
    • 1/4 cup lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
    • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
    • 1/8 teaspoon cornstarch
    • 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
    • 4 multigrain tortillas

DIRECTIONS:

1. 1. 1. Preheat oven to broil. Slice apples into wedges.
      2. Place apples in a medium saucepan over medium heat and bring orange and lemon juices to a boil. Add cinnamon and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until tender. Mix cornstarch with the juices for a thicker mixture.
      3. Microwave the tortilla for 20 seconds, or until soft. Spoon 1/3 cup apple mixture onto the center of each tortilla and roll and tuck burrito-style. Lay burritos seam side down in an oval cast iron dish.
      4. Top with remaining apples and walnuts (if any), sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over top, and broil for 3 minutes. Serve and savor.

Nutrition Information: Calories 284; Fat 9g (sat 0.7g, poly 4.7g, mono 0.9g); Protein 9g; Carb 46g; Fiber 14g; Cholesterol 0mg; Iron 0.7mg; Sodium 118mg

 

Find even more breakfast ideas with Michigan Apples!