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Staying Healthy with Michigan Apples

If you’ve found yourself doing more home cooking since the pandemic, you are not alone! According to the Home Cooking in America, 2020 Report, 40% of American adults say they are now cooking more. And while this has been a necessity for many people, most families and individuals have found that consuming more meals at home has resulted in a healthier overall diet which is a key factor in optimizing our wellbeing and supporting our immune system. As COVID continues, and the flu season ramps up, it will be important to keep stocking our kitchen with an abundance of essential, nutrient-rich ingredients that can serve as the building blocks for healthy meals. Along with lean meats and poultry, seafood, whole grains, low-fat dairy and plenty of fruits and vegetables, Michigan Apples should be on your weekly shopping list. 

Michigan Apples are in season, very affordable, and full of nutritional benefits to keep our bodies at their best. Apples contain antioxidants, vitamins, dietary fiber, and a range of other nutrients. Due to their many healthy attributes, having a least one Michigan Apple a day is a choice that will support your overall wellbeing and immune system and may help manage weight and several health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Looking for some new ways to add apples to meals and snacks? Click here to link to our chart that give you 30 ways to consume Michigan Apples daily.

Buying Michigan Apples also supports local communities and 775 family-owned farms where the growers work tirelessly to carefully nurture the land and their trees to ensure we have high-quality, tasty and nutritious fruit available almost year-round. With the start of fall and back-to-school or home school responsibilities you may be looking for some super simple options to make mealtime easy. Michigan Apples is here to help! Not only do apples contribute essential nutrients to your diet but they are a versatile ingredient that add fantastic flavor to recipes and meals. However, there are times when meal preparation has to be super-fast. For those days when you only have time to quickly “assemble” a meal, I’ve created some convenient combinations that show you how to pair Michigan Apples with other convenient, healthful foods:

Breakfast

  • Oatmeal + Diced Michigan Apples + Chopped Walnuts + Cinnamon
  • Greek Yogurt + Granola + Diced Michigan Apples + Drizzle of Honey
  • Whole Grain English Muffin + Almond Butter + Michigan Apple Slices

Snack Time

  • (Smoothie) = Frozen Banana + ½ cup Orange Juice + Peeled Gala Apple + ¼ cup Milk
  • (Dip for Apple Slices) = 5-6 oz. Vanilla Greek Yogurt + ½ cup Peanut Butter + 3 T. Honey
  • Michigan Apple Slices + Sharp Cheddar Cheese Chunks + Whole Grain Crackers

Lunch or Dinner

  • (Grilled Sandwich) = Whole Grain Bread + Turkey + Cheese + Thinly Sliced Michigan Apples
  • Grilled Pork Chops + Sauteed Michigan Apple Slices + Whole Grain Stuffing + Green Salad
  • Green Salad + Chopped Apples + Shredded Rotisserie Chicken + Feta Cheese + Vinaigrette
  • Cooked Cheese Ravioli + Michigan Apple cut into matchsticks + Chopped Walnuts + Parmesan

Are you home schooling this year? Check out the Michigan Apple Teacher Lesson Plan and enjoy your Michigan Apple Snack while learning about farming, agriculture, science, math and language arts. Lessons can fit all age groups!

Smart Storage Tip – Keep Michigan Apples crunchy and fresh by storing them in the refrigerator or a cool, dry space. Wash apples before using for recipes or snacks by rubbing skins briskly under cool running water.

Click here for more Michigan Apple recipes for healthy living.

 

Meet the Author

Shari Steinbach

Shari Steinbach, MS RDN
President
Shari Steinbach & Associates, LLC

For the past 26 years, Shari has worked as a dietitian in the grocery industry for two major retailers in the Midwest. In her retail roles, Shari has managed consumer health communication, health influencer partnerships, nutrition programs, and solution-selling strategies.

Shari has served as a nutrition expert and corporate spokesperson, providing food and nutrition advice through monthly television spots on ABC, NBC and FOX affiliates and local radio segments. She has also conducted numerous educational presentations to community groups and professional organizations throughout the country. Her timely nutrition and food product information and strategic social media messages have reached millions of consumers.