A woman surveying the apples in a grocery store

Three Apples a Day to Lose Weight

In the modern-day supermarket, apples are something that never disappears. No matter what time of year it is, there will be apples. But does that mean there is still a season for apples when they’re at their cheapest? There is, and that would be from about mid-July until spring.

A woman surveying the apples in a grocery store

Apple season isn’t that difficult to spot. Have you been to the market lately? Apples are in abundance right now, at relatively bargain prices. And variety? For snacking, you’ve got your Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Honey Crisp; Red and Green Delicious to name a few. And don’t forget the more tart Rome and Granny Smith, both of which are ideal for baking.

When you load up on apples starting around October, which is National Apple Month, expect to save even more. And you’re going to save something else, too. Calories! Researchers have compelling proof that three apples a day will get rid of fat. Apple nutrition facts bear that out.

Nutrition Facts

It’s so simple, they say. Three apples, one 30 minutes before each meal. That’s it. Sound too good to be true? There is a medical explanation for why the most common of all fruits can make such a big impact.

For starters, three apples will add 15 grams of dietary fiber to your diet. Research of apple nutrition facts from Tufts University say that alone will reduce your calorie consumption by ten percent. But wait! There’s more.

Natural Appetite Depressant

Apples contain something called pectin, which according to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition eliminates the urge to eat for up to four hours. Pectin, the same stuff that makes jelly get thick, swells up in the digestive tract giving a sense of fullness. Pectin also sends a signal to the brain to stop eating and don’t we all need to hear that message from time to time?

Many who have taken the three-apples-a-day challenge report that if they are careful to munch down an apple a full 30 minutes before mealtime, not only are large meals out of the question, it’s difficult to eat more than a small amount of anything. And by the time that sense of fullness starts to wear off (about 4 hours) it’s time to eat another apple.

Cheaper Than Diet Pills

Nutrition expert and Everyday Cheapskate reader Robyn Flanders, M.S., R.D., says that apples are a lot cheaper than diet pills when taken as a diet supplement, and they are 100% safe. As a bonus, making apples part of your regular diet can slash cholesterol, reduce the risk of lung cancer, diabetes, asthma, stroke, and heart disease. Imagine all that for only about 80 calories per apple.

And just because you ate one before dinner, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy another for dessert!

Baked Apples

Super easy, nearly decadent and so nutritious!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 326kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 apples any variety
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar light or dark
  • 1 tspn ground cinnamon more or less to taste
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Cut the top off each apple. Core each one, removing that center part with the seeds.
  • In a small bowl mix the dry ingredients together. Add the butter and cut it in until the butter is in small chunks and everything is well combined.
  • Place apples standing upright in a small baking dish.
  • Bake in the pre-heated oven for about 30 minutes, or until apples are super fork-tender and the filling is bubbling!

Notes

An apple-coring device like this Apple Corer makes the job a lot easier! 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1apple | Calories: 326kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 108mg | Potassium: 286mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 453IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

 

apple pie in cast iron skillet

apple pie in cast iron skillet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.70 from 10 votes

Best Apple Pie in the World

I'm married to an incredibly discriminating apple pie connoisseur. Overpowering spice, an annoying blast of lemon, bottom crust too soggy, "curdled" filling, overcooked, undercooked—I've battled every possible variation. I can confirm that this is The One. This is the recipe that makes all my husband's Apple Pie dreams come true.
Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 451kcal

Ingredients

The Crust

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening NOTE 2
  • 1/2 cup butter, salted cold, and cut into small pieces
  • 1 tbsp white granulated sugar (omit for a savory crust)
  • 1 egg at room temperature
  • 1/2 tspn salt
  • 1 tbsp vodka NOTE 1
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • coarse sugar for top garnish optional

The Filling

  • 6 - 7 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut up thinly or other tart variety of apples
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar or substitute brown sugar
  • 1 tspn ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp butter, cut into slices

Instructions

Crust

  • Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
  • Cut in shortening and butter using a pastry blender or fork, until it looks evenly lumpy, with lumps the size of a small pea.
  • In a separate bowl, mix egg, water, and vodka together until combined. Pour into flour all at once and blend with a fork until dough forms a ball.
  • Evenly divide into two pieces, form them into disks, wrap and seal in plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least an hour, if not overnight. 
  • Once dough is chilled, preheat oven to 450F.
  • Roll out one disk and press it into a pie pan (traditional glass, ceramic or cast iron skillet(s). Do not prick the bottom with a fork! You do not want to make holes in it. Place it into the 450F oven for just 5 - 7 minutes, or until the bottom just begins to puff up and form "bubbles" and hints at turning brown. Do not take your eyes off of it! This will happen quickly. Remove from oven and fill with apple filling (see below). NOTE 3.
  • Roll out the second disk, lay over top of the apples. Cut holes into the top crust to allow steam to escape. Fold edge to fit and press down gently. Don't worry if it does not fully seal, since the bottom crust has been par-baked. It will meld slightly as the pie bakes. Sprinkle the top with sugar, if desired.
  • Bake at 450F for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 375F and bake for another 35 minutes or until beautifully browned. Remove from oven to cooling rack. Yum!

Apple Filling

  • Peel, core and cut apples into medium-thin pieces
  • Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl or cup
  • Pile prepared apples into par-baked pie shell, distributing evenly.
  • Pour the sugar cinnamon mixture evenly over apples.
  • Lay butter slices over the top of the apples and sugar mixture.
  • Proceed to finish pie with the top crust (see above)

Notes

See Hands Down This is The Best Apple Pie in The Whole World for more specifics and photos for how to make the world's best apple pie!
1. Here's why vodka belongs in your pie crust: The vodka makes the crust flakier and lighter. It stops the gluten in the flour from developing, making the crust tender and super flaky. It will cook out, so no worries when it comes to serving this to your entire family! Just make sure you follow exactly including the "par-bake" step to make sure you avoid the heartbreak of a soggy bottom. You can substitute plain white vinegar for vodka, but with a slightly less tender outcome.
2. You can use all shortening (in place of half shortening/half butter, or conversely, all butter).
3. When making this pie in a cast-iron skillet, instead of par-baking in the oven, I set the skillet on a stovetop burner set to Low to Med-Low. Seriously! And I stand over it like a hovering mother bear. I wait until the pastry starts to turn white-ish and begins to puff. Also, my experience is that the bottom crust will not become “browner” or burnt during the baking process, even during the 15 mins. at 450F. That bottom pie crust is stubborn that way. Just make sure you don’t overdo it on the stovetop—but don't "under-do" it, either. You want to give it a really nice headstart.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 451kcal | Carbohydrates: 97g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 164mg | Potassium: 371mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 57g | Vitamin A: 633IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg

 

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