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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! While this was a necessity for many people, most families and individuals have found that consuming more meals at home has resulted in a healthier diet, a key factor in optimizing well-being and staying healthy. It is important to keep stocking our kitchens with an abundance of essential, nutrient-rich ingredients that can serve as the building blocks for healthy meals. Lean meats and poultry, seafood, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, including Michigan Apples, should be on your weekly shopping list.

Apple Berry Smoothie

 

Michigan Apples: A Budget-Friendly, Healthy Option

Michigan Apples are in season almost year-round, are very affordable, and are 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 well-being and immune system and may help manage several health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Looking for some new ways to add apples to meals and snacks? Try these quick tips to get in your apple a day and help get your recommended servings of fruit and vegetables.

Stay Healthy While Supporting Local Farmers

Buying Michigan Apples also supports local communities and the 775 family-owned farms where 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. There are more than 14.9 million apple trees covering 34,500 acres across Michigan. Growers pride themselves on a rich heritage of producing an array of fine Michigan Apple varieties.

Staying Healthy with Michigan Apples

With busy school and work schedules, 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 adds 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, here are some convenient combinations that show you how to pair Michigan Apples with other 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
  • Apple Dip = 5-6 oz. Vanilla Greek Yogurt + ½ Cup Peanut Butter + 3 Tablespoon 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

Smart Storage Tip

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

Find more Michigan Apple recipes for healthy living.

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Meet the Author

  • Shari Steinbach, MS RDN

    For 26 years, Shari has worked as a dietitian in the grocery industry, leading nutrition programs, health communications, and media outreach. She has served as a corporate spokesperson, appearing on major TV and radio networks, and has educated consumers nationwide through presentations, strategic social media, and influencer partnerships.