Apples Anyone?
by Pam Brooks

Sometimes, breaking a problem down into small parts can make a big difference in moving forward. Thinking about one little change to start with instead of expecting across-the-board changes can diffuse feelings of defeat that come from trying to tackle the whole problem at once.

This concept came to mind when I read about a Three-Apples-A- Day diet plan. Since I live in the Pacific Northwest, in the heart of apple country, and many of my friends make their living from some part of the industry, I was naturally interested in what three apples could do for a dieting person.

The essence of the plan is to eat an apple about 30 minutes before each meal. The fiber from the apple fills you up so you don’t overeat. Since it takes about 20 minutes for the body to register the feeling of being full after a meal, the delay time works in the dieter’s favor.

Of course, the apple plan also includes a low-fat diet plus exercise at least 3 times a week. But you knew it couldn’t possibly be that easy, right?

I’ve been toying with the apple plan for the past few weeks. I must admit that I eat less at meals when I include an apple before. It’s almost difficult to eat that many apples in one day because the apples are so filling. Anyway, it’s a cheap experiment and you know the old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." At any rate, apples are gluten-free, and besides, we need the money for our distressed apple industry!

– Pam Brooks