While there are so many restorative and regenerative whole foods that contribute to health and well being, one fruit, the apple, is famous for keeping the doctor away. Here’s how and why I chose apples as part of my mono fruit fast!
Apples
Growing up we didn’t eat a lot of apples. I have two clear memories of apples, one of my grandfather using a paring knife to take the skin off a Red Delicious apple in one long peel and the other of my mom surprising us on occasion with cold, tart Granny Smith apples. We didn’t have apples in our lunch bags or a bowl filled with apples on our kitchen counter.
As a mother of five hungry kids, I made sure we had apples for snacking. I always cut the apples up for my kids and served them alongside some kind of nut butter or cheddar cheese. When my kids were younger they didn’t like to bite into a whole apple and even now that they are older they still prefer to slice their apples.
As a natural chef and personal chef to many clients with health conditions, I am constantly researching whole foods, diets and fasting. Some time ago I came across a book titled “Regenerate: Unlocking Your Body’s Radical Resilience Through The New Biology” by Sayer Ji that is full of food based approaches to addressing health, healing, and a lifetime of well being.
The Fast
I completely followed Sayer Ji’s suggestions for this fast or diet which is to spend 1-3 days simply eating apples and drinking filtered water. For us coffee lovers, one organic, mycotoxin free (mold free), black cup of coffee is fine. I decided to skip my coffee for two days and my world remained A-okay.
Here’s the deal about this fast. There’s minimal prep work. Simply purchase and wash the apples. I bought several varieties to keep the diet interesting. After two days I only ate about seven apples total. There’s no limit on the amount of apples that can be eaten. I allowed my body to guide me. I was so certain that I’d be starving and ready to quit by the first apple. It was the total opposite, I felt completely satisfied and nourished.
One challenge that I addressed ahead of time was the decision not to cook for my family during this fast. Another option is to prepare family meals before starting the fast. I spent two days not stressing over planning, prepping, and cooking meals. It was relaxing and simple. I didn’t have to clean anything up. I could just be. Rest, digest, and reset.
During the fast I decided to really slow down. I didn’t go out and run errands, clean or make any plans. I stayed quiet by napping, reading, listening to music, gardening, and enjoying the sunshine.
Why try an apple fast?
Here’s what happened during this two day diet. I slept soundly, my energy increased, and I felt grounded and happy both mentally and emotionally. My insides felt clean. I can finally give context to the prescription of “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
Apples are medicine. Between “Regenerate” and my Natural Chef culinary textbook “Healing With Whole Foods” by Paul Pitchford, I gained insight into the numerous benefits of eating a daily apple. Some obvious benefits are that apples are full of nutrients, soluble fiber, and high levels of antioxidants. Sayer Ji points out, “Apples’ structured biological water will nourish and infuse your tissues with energy…their pectin will enhance detoxification.” Pectin also aids with digestion because it is a prebiotic that feeds good bacteria. What is even more exciting to learn is that apples are so nourishing because they contain healing plant stem cells .From another perspective, apples contain cooling properties which combat heat and dryness in the body.
Overall, this apple fast is a tasty way to give my gut a break, reduce inflammation, slow my life down, and nourish my body with a perfect, whole food. This is the path I chose to transition back into a more ancestral diet. If an apple fast doesn’t sound appealing, start eating a couple of apples each day and reap all the benefits embedded in this delicious fruit.
While I’m on the topic of apples, make sure to save and freeze at least six apple cores and the peels for an upcoming blog on apple scrap vinegar!
Wanice
I never knew that apples have all the benefits you shared in your blog. I’ll have to give this a try!
Jen Johnson
I love this and must try it soon! Thanks!
Tanya
Wow, I’ve always heard “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” as a kid. Now I know why! I want to try this Apple Fast. I love apples. Fuji’s my favorite 🙂