An Apple a Day: The Fun Challenge That Keeps the Doctor Away!

Have you ever heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”? It’s a classic reminder that our parents used to encourage us to eat more fruits and vegetables. But how true is it? Recently, during a lunch meeting at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield in Syracuse, colleagues Melissa Klinko and Ted Byrnes from the Corporate Communications department decided to put this saying to the test. What started as a casual conversation turned into an enjoyable competition that not only filled their stomachs but also brought lots of laughter and camaraderie!

It began innocently enough while they were eating lunch in the office, with Dr. Nicholas Massa, the Excellus BCBS Vice President of Medical Affairs, seated nearby. During the meal, Ted mentioned that he often has an apple a day. Curious, Ted and Melissa turned to Dr. Massa and asked, “Is it really true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away?” He pulled out not one, but TWO shiny apples from his bag and enthusiastically said, “Absolutely! Including fruits and vegetables in your daily diet makes a significant difference.” And just like that, the challenge was on!

The Great Apple Challenge

Ted and Melissa committed to eating an apple every day for the next 30 days, not only to hold themselves accountable but also, let’s be honest, to have a little fun along the way. They decided to send each other photos of their eaten apples or snapshots of them enjoying the fruit. This simple idea turned into a daily highlight, and a reminder to not only to eat healthier but also to connect and share a laugh at work.

Every time one of them sent a photo, it wasn’t just about the apple; it became a moment of shared joy and motivation. “Look at this yummy apple I just ate!” one of them would text, accompanied by a goofy photo. The challenge transformed eating fruits into a fun and engaging team sport.

Why Apples Are Awesome

“Now, you might wonder, what’s so special about apples? Apples are not only delicious; they’re also packed with nutrients! They are a fantastic source of fiber, which helps keep your digestive system happy. The soluble fiber, pectin, found in apples can help lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels. Plus, they’re rich in Vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and keeps you healthy. To maximize the nutrients, eat apples with the skin on, as half of the fiber, along with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, is found there. Regardless of how you eat them, apples provide excellent health benefits,” said Amanda Shanahan, Excellus BCBS Manager of Employee Wellbeing.

Employee wellness has become increasingly important, with studies showing that healthy eating habits can lead to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved overall well-being in the workplace. The challenge these two employees embarked on serves as a reminder of how small changes can lead to significant improvements in our health.

As the days of their apple-eating challenge rolled on, Ted and Melissa enjoyed trying various types of apples, cutting them up and snacking on them throughout the day. If they ever forgot to eat one, they would double up and indulge in two! Each day brought a new adventure, and the best part was that they were doing something good for their health while having a blast!

So, the next time you hear, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” remember this little challenge and all the fun they had. Eating fruits and vegetables doesn’t have to be boring; it can be a delicious experience filled with laughter, connection, and tasty treats.

So, grab that apple, take a bite, and maybe even snap a photo to share with a coworker or friend. Who knows? You might just inspire them to join the apple-a-day club too!

Check out Fruitsandveggies.org for more healthy eating tips.