An Apple A Day...

What if we told you there was a magical object, full of nutrients and vitamins, jam packed with immune-boosting and disease-fighting goodness? And that you can eat it, and it tastes good, too?

“Yeah, yeah” you might respond, “What are you going to say next--it grows on trees?”

Well….

Behold the power of fruit! Not every fruit grows on a tree, but whether you’re picking them from a vine or a bush or a branch, they’re a vital component of your overall #chronicwellness.

Yoga instructor Brenda Gober explains it this way:

“For smooth functioning of the body, you need a good amount of nutrients that are supplied by fruits in a natural way. When you become ill or develop health disorders, these can be avoided or treated with a healthy diet rich in fruits.”

Brenda notes that fruits are especially important in our modern, fast-paced world. “With a busy lifestyle, our eating habits have become packed with preservatives and processed foods that are not only deficient of essential nutrients but can also cause some harm to the body. Fruits boost your immune system and keep you in better health, she says. “When you eat fruits, your supply of energy increases in no time; this is one of the prime benefits of fruits that we can utilize in our busy schedules. This is the reason why athletes often eat fruit during and after exercising and why diets for pregnant mothers almost always involve fruits of some kind.”
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So how exactly does an apple a day keep the doctor away? Massage and myofascial release therapist Lisa Franklin explains that eating fruit can:

• Encourage regularity
• Improve your sleep
• Increase your oxygen levels, allowing for repair and healing
• Relieve pain
• Clear acne
• Help with hair and nail growth
• Help weight loss
• Improve cardiovascular health
• Improve brain function
• Increase stamina and strength
• Improve immune system
• Prevent chronic disease

Lisa adds that fruit juices can also be good, although it’s important to stay away from preservatives and added sugar: “While whole fruit is your first choice, fruit juice that is made at home without flavoring or preservatives is an alternative way to get fruit in your diet.  Juice bars generally provide juices or smoothies that are made only of fruit or they can add veggies for an event bigger boost!  Stay away from any fruit juices with sugar or additives.”

What about dried fruit, you may ask? “ Easy, portable and not messy, dried fruits can be another source of fruit intake,” Lisa says. “ Just be careful with any additives.  Many fruits have sugar added during the drying process, so read your labels!  Or dry the fruits yourself!”

Massage therapist and athletic trainer Stacy Ford addresses a common fear people have about eating fruit.”Many people are hesitant to eat fruit due to the sugar content. Bah!” she says. (Yes, she really said, “Bah!”) “If you have a specific health concern with sugar, consult your dietician, otherwise - Let them eat Fruit!”

Stacy explains that “Fruit has a naturally occuring sugar, fructose. Usually, the more ripe the fruit, the more sugar has been produced, making it taste sweeter to eat. Being a natural sugar and unrefined, your body welcomes it and uses it for fuel. With the added benefit of fiber, it helps to balance the total sugar (carbohydrates) your body uses, not to mention the cleansing effect of fiber in your digestion. Win, win!”

OK, so now you’re convinced that this magical object is tasty and good for you and easy to get… So how do you incorporate them into your diet?

Reflexology and Reiki practitioner and teacher Tracy McGovern calls fruits “nature’s sweets.” Here’s a few of her favorite ways to eat fruit:

1. Breakfast. Instead of cereal I dice up an apple in a bowl with some walnuts & berries.  A bit of nut butter with some coconut or cashew milk.  Sooooo yummy.
2. Granny Smith Apples and peanut butter.  So simple and so perfect.  Even better with some walnuts or some nice dark chocolate chips.
3. Sweet treat. I love to put blueberries in a bowl with dark chocolate chips and walnut pieces. Super satisfying treat. (Also super yummy with red wine)

This week we invite you to join us in saying yes to yummy, healthy fruit! Stay tuned for tips, fun facts, and inspiration--and don’t forget to share your own stories, ideas, and tips with us by tagging us at #chronicwellness and #cwquakertown.

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