apple appy.

so in my functional foods a nutraceuticals class, I learned that there have been studies done which prove eating an apple prior to a meal will lower your subsequent caloric intake.  that sounds like a food with a function to me!

apples.  appetizing.  appetizer. 

the best part?  no culinary skills required! 

the goodies:

- 1 apple (I used a delicious ambrosia that was about the size of my head)

- optional: cinnamon

the fun part:

#1.) chop your apple.

#2.) sprinkle your cinnamon. (or don't.)

what your body will like:

#1.) sensory specific satiety: the SSS, as I will fondly refer to it, is just about the neatest thing ever.  here we go:  foods with fiber are harder to chew, and therefore take longer to eat: fact.  the SSS refers to sensing the specific repetition that occurs as you slave away, chewing your fiber filled foods (hard life, right?)... as you continuously chew, you salivate less, which sends a signal to your brain that you are full, or satiated.  

#2.) gastric emptying: this is also really fun.  viscosity is also referred to as water holding capacity.  foods that are high in soluble fiber can, and will, hold a lot of water which makes them move slowwwlllyyy through your body.  the longer it takes for your food to move from your stomach to the intestine, the longer it'll be before you're hungry again.  hunger and thirst go hand-in-hand, so eat an apple, and drink some water.  magic (or science)!