Just like many of us, apples are a staple in Leah Itsines‘ kitchen. Not only do they make a delicious and nutritious snack, they come with a plethora of health benefits as they are rich in antioxidants and fibre. Apples are also said to assist in weight loss and understood to even reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancers.
When trying to cut down on their sugar intake, many people opt out of fruit as well, but there are so many reasons as to why apples should remain a part of a balanced diet! Even more so with the skin kept ON as this is where all the magic happens.
Here are some of Leah’s favourite ways to enjoy the goodness of apples, along with a super easy energy ball recipe to stock you up on snacks for the week!
Add into your smoothies
Many people skip green smoothies because they can have an “earthy” flavour, but adding an apple can change the whole deal! A beautifully ripe apple can give so much sweetness to a juice, that those earthy flavours won’t be a problem. Pop it in, skin and all, for maximum health benefits.
Enjoy with nut butter
An apple is a great snack, but pairing it with peanut butter gives it a little “treat” factor. Simply cut your apple into segments and spread it with your favourite nut butter, or just dip it straight in.
DIY sweet treat
Why not make your own sweet treat! Core the apple and thinly slice into rounds. Line a baking tray and sprinkle the apples with a touch of cinnamon. Bake at 130 degrees Celsius for 2 hours, after one hour flip to cook evenly. Store in an airtight container for a quick on-the-go snack.
Pair with hummus
Nut butter is amazing, but a hummus and apple go AMAZINGLY WELL together. The sweetness of the apple really complements the savoury flavour of the dip.
Grate and sprinkle
Apples are a perfect way to top off your meal. I love grated apple in the morning on top of yoghurt with some granola, or on top of warm oats. Apples also cook down really well, becoming soft and sweet.
APPLE ENERGY BALLS
Makes: 12-14 balls (depending on size)
Ingredients:
- 5 cups of walnuts
- 1 tablespoon vanilla essence
- 1/4 cup almond meal
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1 apple, cored
- 5 cups of desiccated coconut
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Method:
1. Place walnuts, apple, vanilla essence, water, almond meal, half of the coconut and dried apricots into a food processor
2. Blend this mixture for 2-3 minutes or until it has come togetherTake a small about of this mixture into the palm of your hand and roll into a small ball
3. Repeat until all the mixture is gone!
4. Roll each ball in the remaining desiccated coconut
5. Leave in the fridge for 30 minutes before eating! These can last up to a week in the fridge (if they last that long in your house… certainly not mine!)
Leah Itsines for Aussie Apples.
