An Apple A Day...

This morning I got full off of an apple. Don't worry I had already eaten my morning oatmeal before work. This was my morning snack, but i actually didn't finish the apple because it was HUGE. I didn't know that was possible. Yesterday my dad gave me a box of apples that someone who he works with had given him, and he knew I'd love them. Right he was. A ginormous box of perfectly LARGE Fuji Apples? Yes please. I feel very good about that.

I've always been an apple lover, but they have to be perfectly crisp. I don't do mushy. Does anybody though? I don't think I've ever heard someone who preferred their apples slightly mealy. Sick. You've heard the old adage..."An apple a day keeps the doctors away." Well, I think it's true. Here are some of the benefits of why you just might consider eating an apple a day.

- Disease prevention.  Studies show that eating apples can help reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, and lung disease. Some studies have shown that eating apples can help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's too. The phytonutrients, flavanoids, and fiber found in the apple's skin is where the nutrition lies, so eat the peel too!

- Lower cholesterol. Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber which which helps control the buildup of cholesterol on your blood vessel walls.

- They are filling. Apples are a great snack because you can eat them on the go. They don't have to be refrigerated. They are inexpensive. They are tasty...duh...

- They are sweet. If you are craving something sugar an apple is a great cure to this craving. Cut it up and put it on top of a salad, eat it in your yogurt or oatmeal, slice is up and dip it in a low-fat fruit dip.  So many delicious options. 

These fruit dip recipes are easy, healthy, and pair well with apples and any other fruits! 

Easy Cinnamon Fruit Dip

1 cup plain vanilla yogurt

1 tsp cinnamon

2 Tbsp honey

Healthy Fruity Fruit Dip

1 cup fruit flavored yogurt (I usually use strawberry or raspberry)

1 container of fat free cool whip

Pumpkin Fruit Dip (Great for the holidays!)

1 block of fat free cream cheese

1 container of fat free cool whip

1/4 cup canned pumpkin 

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp cinnamon

Yogurt Fruit Dip 

This is probably the easiest one...

1 cup of vanilla yogurt

1 small package of fat free sugar free pudding mix (you can get creative here with any flavors)

Happy Dipping!! (And thanks Papa Les for the delicious gift!!)