Happy Apple Plan core to your ‘new you’ weight loss
January is a great month to adopt a healthier lifestyle with new ‘apple a day’ plan potentially key for those who want to lose some weight.
The ‘Happy Apple Plan’ reaps the benefits of eating an apple before a meal as part of a healthy diet, and is seen as a simple way to lose those extra Covid and Christmas pounds this winter.
Healthy eating pledges trip up when major change is required. The Happy Apple Plan simply suggests eating an apple before you start your evening meal.
Nutritionist Rob Hobson explained: “Consuming an apple before a meal will help to increase the overall fibre content, and help you feel full and satisfied for longer.
“It’s so easy too. Just snack on a fresh and crunchy British apple as you’re preparing a meal, then you’ll not only benefit from being less likely to eat a large meal, you’ll also benefit from the apples’ healthy flavonoids and fibres that can help to burn belly fat and promote satiety.”
Apples contain 1.2g dietary fibre per 100g, keeping us full and satisfied, particularly when consumed before meals. Research shows apples are three times more filling than a chocolate bar due to high fibre content.
Pectin, the fibre found in apples, helps to regulate bacteria in the gut which may also help to suppress weight gain and fat accumulation.
Although sweet tasting, apples release energy much more slowly than refined sugary treats and do not induce energy slumps.
Studies have demonstrated that high water density foods are effective in helping weight loss. Apples are 86 per cent water, so keep us feeling fuller on fewer calories and less likely to snack or binge.
Rob Hobson, who partnered with British Apples and Pears to devise this plan, added: “Apples are rich in polyphenol compounds that act as antioxidants, helping to protect the body from damage caused by excess free radicals and reducing inflammation in the body. Consuming an apple before a meal can help to increase the overall antioxidant content of your meal, making apples the go-to healthy eating addition.”