Apples, Apples, and More Apples
By Donna Stark
It's the beginning of fall and you know what that means, right? Apples! Piles and piles of glorious apples. From one variety to the next, there is nothing better than the sweet, crisp taste of an apple. Just ask the millions of people who love them! But flavor isn't the only reason why apples rank high on the fruit list, and neither are their health benefits. It's their versatility that pushes them to the top.
Apples, Apples, and More Apples
If you are looking for an ingredient that can be eaten on its own, baked into complete sweetness, or turned into something savory and warm, look no further than the humble apple. Apples offer so much versatility in both flavor and texture, that you really can't go wrong with them at all. Take a look at some of the ways you can incorporate more apples into your diet.
- A sweet treat - Have you ever had a serving of warm applesauce right after it has been made? You definitely have to try it! Making your own applesauce gives you complete control over the amount of sugar included, and if you want to skip the sugar altogether, it's easy to do so too. Just select a sweeter apple to cook with. You can also play around with different textures and flavors by trying different varieties.
- The perfect topping - From your bowl of oatmeal in the morning to your chicken salad sandwich at lunch to your side salad at dinner, apples are the perfect addition to your meal. They provide an extra little crunch, a dose of fiber, and just enough sweetness to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- A savory addition - Don't be afraid to add some diced or grated apples to your chicken and pork dishes. Toss some chopped apples onto your pan of roasted vegetables. Or bake some apples and mix them into your sweet potato mash. Savory dishes can easily be made better by adding a little bit of flavor from your favorite variety of apples.
- The healthy snack - We can't talk about apples without mentioning how great of a snack they are, so here goes. You can always just grab one and go with one. They are that easy. But if you really want to add some excitement to your snack, cut an apple into thin slices. Spread each slice with some almond butter and top with blueberries, coconut flakes, and granola. Just be careful. Your taste buds may explode!
An Apple a Day
Pumpkin spice is good, but apples are the better choice for the fall season. They're natural, healthy, easy to eat, and are the only fruit that can claim to keep the doctor away. Go ahead and enjoy one today!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Marcos, Calif.