One of the big tricks in weight loss is getting filled up on foods that are high in fiber, no fat, and truly nourishing. Having an apple a day is one way to keep the fat away. Instead of grabbing a sweet (nutritionless) pastry, cheesy (full of fat) piece of pizza, crunchy (transfat) handful of  fried chips, or even a yummy (acidic sugar) chocolate candy bar – try a fabulous, tasty, filling apple that will help to fill you up on less calories and also be good for your weight loss efforts.

There are hundreds of varieties of apples to try – golden delicious, red delicious, Fuji, gala, McIntosh, Granny Smith, and more. Each has a special flavor, a natural hydration system, the energy your body needs, the fiber  to keep you healthy, and  nutrients galore. In fact, there are so many phytonutrients  in apples that are good for you, the scientists haven’t even figured out all the benefits.

Remember the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”? Well, if you have an apple a day instead of junk food, you can help yourself to keep the fat away. The trick is to find a nice, big one and eat it thoroughly and slowly. Feel the apple juice go down your throat as you completely chew it and relish every naturally sweet and flavorful bite.

The problem is that you might feel too full for your next meal. So, that’s another fat reducing benefit – eating less calories. And, if you wait until you are actually hungry to eat again, you can get some good things done and develop some new interests besides eating. Distraction will be another benefit for losing weight – find a good book, call a friend, do some internet exploring.

Golden Delicious Apple – my Dad’s favorite

Since you are eating something truly healthy and nourishing, you will be satisfied for longer than the junk food choices. You will have a sense of personal power and accomplishment that you are doing something good for you. And, speaking of something good for you. Here is an excerpt from the Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts and Seeds for Healthful Living to help you in your resolve to have better habits.

The apple stimulates all body secretions and is well known not only as a food but as a beverage (apple juice), health tonic, medicine, cosmetic and bowel regulator all in one. The large variety of minerals and vitamins strengthens the blood. Apples also contain malic and tartaric acids, which help prevent disturbances of the liver and digestion in general. It has been reported that where unsweetened apple cider is used as a beverage the formation of kidney stones is unknown. The low acidity of the apples stimulates salivary flow and thus helps to remove debris from the teeth and stimulates gum tissues. Studies also indicate that eating apples daily will reduce skin diseases, arthritis, and various lung and asthma problems. Apples are said to prevent emotional upsets, tension and headaches. The rind of the apple contains pectin, which helps to revmove noxious substances from the system by supplying galacturonic acid. The pectin helps to prevent protein matter in the intestines from spoiling.

Apples have also been recommended for obesity correction, skin eruption, poor complexion, inflammation of the bladder, gonorrhea, anemia, tuberculosis, neuritis, insomnia, catarrh, gall stones, worms, halitosis and pyorrhea.

Wow! That’s a lot of benefit. It’s time to start benefiting in more ways than one. Lose the fat and gain the health. With so many healthy elements in one snack, why choose the junk that has disease-causing toxins in it.

Typically, for the maximum weight loss, you don’t want to overdose on fruit. It’s best to only have two fresh fruits a day as part of your efforts. But, I have heard of some people who go on an apple fast occasionally to cleanse and have better health. They only eat apples for 2-3 days. That’s not a bad idea if you want to take a break from suffering and meal complexities.

Have an easy snack that could even take the place of a meal if you thoroughly chew it bite by bite. You will get filled up on a water-based diet item that will also give you some quick energy and wake you up. Try losing weight with an apple a day.