Use apples to boost your fiber intake and eat healthier!

The old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” may not be entirely true, but eating them in snacks and meals can certainly help you eat healthier and benefit your health.  Read “How the fiber in apples can benefit your gut health and waistline” to find out more.

Here are 5 easy ideas that are tasty, quick, and can help your grocery dollars go further:

#1 Add them to your breakfast by having them in your oatmeal or other hot cereal

I like a bit of crunch, so I add diced apples after I cook my oatmeal.  If you like softer apples, add them before you cook your oatmeal in the microwave, on the stove, or in your slow cooker.

Experiment with different varieties to suit your mood or taste preferences.  For example, if you want a bit of sweetness without adding sugar, use a honeycrisp apple.  For a bit of tartness mixed with sweetness, try a cortland apple.

If you’re not sure what apples would be best, or you’re wondering about some of the newer varieties you are seeing in the store or at local farms and orchards, click here for some information.

Wondering which type of oatmeal is healthy?  You may be surprised at the answer.  Read “What type of oatmeal is best for you?” by clicking here. 

add apples to your salad

#2 Have them in your salad

Like a bit of sweet tang in your salad?  Skip the craisins that have added sugar and replace them with chopped apples instead.

Want some crunch in your salad? Skip the croutons and go for apples instead.

If you’re making chicken salad or egg salad, add apples!  Click here for a recipe for a healthy chicken salad that you might enjoy

#3 Include apples in a stir fry

Try adding apples toward the end.  Many Asian dishes play with the sweet and sour or sweet and heat combination, so using apples can work well! Different varieties of apples will give you different flavor effects, so experiment.

#4 Bake or roast them with chicken or pork

Really!  Slice or dice the apples and combine with your choice of spices or herbs, onions, leeks and/or mushrooms.

If you’re short on time, just pour the mixture over your pork chops or pork tenderloin, chicken breasts, or chicken pieces.  Then cover the dish with a lid and bake.

If you’re looking for a fancier look and have time, slit the chicken breast and stuff some of the mixture inside.

#5 Have them for a snack or dessert

Yes, I know it’s simple, but eating healthier doesn’t have to be hard, complicated, or expensive!

Apples are often one of the most budget friendly options for a healthy snack.  They are also available all year and even in places such as gas stations and airports where healthy choices can be limited.

Looking for other ways to “eat healthier”, lose weight or have a healthier gut?

Get some tips in the free e-book “5 Secrets to Successfully Changing How You Eat”. You can download it instantly by clicking here.

If you want some personalized help related to your eating habits or health, start by booking a free discovery call. We can talk about what you want to accomplish and see if working with me would be helpful to you.