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| Fresh Apples. Photo by Scott Bauer. |
If you're new to Whole Foods Living, you're in for a (healthy!) treat. Each day this month (excluding the last four Sundays) I'll spotlight a healthy whole food, ways to live chemical-free and helpful cooking tips to keep your meals healthy. I'm even planning a nutrition quiz or two!
So, Are Apples Healthy?
Apples are packed with phytonutrients that help regulate blood sugar and balance the good bacteria in the digestive tract, according to The World's Healthiest Foods. To get the most nutrition from an apple, eat it in it's whole foods form. Apple juice and applesauce are a result of processing, and lack the fiber and vitamins found in a fresh apple.
Healthy Apple Recipes
One of my favorite quick breakfasts is crispy apple slices dipped in nut butter. From peanuts to almonds or cashews, you really can't go wrong. The combination of protein (from the nuts) and sugar (from the apple) is the perfect post-morning workout snack.
If you're looking for a healthy alternative to apple pie, try making sweet baked apples. After halving and coring an apple, place it skin-side down in a baking pan with a little water. Fill the apple with a mixture of organic raisins, chopped walnuts, a dash of cinnamon and a big squeeze of honey or agave syrup. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. This sweet treat will satisfy your dessert cravings without the calories of a fat-filled pie crust or chemically-treated refined sugar.
What are your favorite ways to enjoy fresh apples? Please share your ideas or links to recipes in the comments below! I'm always looking for a new ways to indulge in apples.
Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!
Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living
PS: Check back tomorrow for day two of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. I'll be sharing a yummy Berry smoothie recipe for the letter B!
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