An Apple Or Pear A Day Keeps The Doctor Away!

An Apple Or Pear A Day Keeps The Doctor Away!

You've heard the saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" and I've posted plenty about the health benefits of adding an apple to your regular diet. Eating an Apple A Day is my Healthy Habit #5 to practice in creating a lifestyle of health and wellness (See January Heart Health & Fitness Challenge).

Well, it didn't occur to me until last week when one of my clients, the Fabulous Miss P, said she didn't like apples that there could be some who really don't like the taste of apples! I love it when I hear a new perspective I didn't think of and I plan to give her a pear today to try - wish me luck! So, I've found a an alternative that is even juicier, sweeter and healthier than an apple - the Pear, one of my favorite foods!    Here are a couple of the health benefits of the delicious, juicy pear that the apple doesn't offer:

  • 50% more dietary fiber - 6 grams (this is important as higher intakes of fiber can help reduce risk of several types of cancer and eliminates toxins from the body & helps us feel more full, aiding in weight loss)
  • Vitamin K (not found in apples)

My favorite kind of pear happens to be the bosc pear as I find it sweeter. When buying pears, look for a clear (non-bruised skin) skin and buy organic when you can since eating the skin is where many of the nutrients are. To test ripeness, lightly press thumb to feel for softness & set out on counter to ripen (not store in refrigerator). So, an update to Healthy Habit #5 - Eat an Apple OR a Pear A Day.  I like to eat my pears raw, just like an apple, or cut up and sprinkle with cinnamon, or add to salads (Click Here for My Delicious Pistachio Pear Salad Recipe)and quinoa bowl mixes. Give it a try & have fun experimenting!