I am also learning the different kinds of apples, it is so disappointing to bite into a pretty looking apple and just get mush. My favorite apple used to be Winesap, but I haven't seen them in years, I wonder if Winesaps just lost their popularity or maybe they are all going to apple juice.

Just wanted to clarify that I was not suggesting that the only thing anyone eat is 9 servings of fruits and vegetables. That is just one of the Hopkins recommendations for preventing Diabetes and High Blood Pressure. I know I am not the only one who joined MFP because sugar and blood pressure numbers were at the point where the doctors were telling me that I was going to be on medication if I did not do something. The report is quoted below. I signed up for the Hopkins health alert on weight management and this was just the first overview material. IF there is anything else that they send that looks helpful I will pass it on.

I absolutely agree that this is the time of year when it gets hard for me to even get 5 fruits and vegetables, much less 9! Today was spent mostly on the road, so I was lucky to get in 3 servings-2 of watermelon and 1 banana. Thats why challenge is an accurate description of my efforts, its not something I will find easy, now that there is little at the farmer's markets.
Another challenge for me is finding non-fatty protein. I really wish I didn't gag whenever I tried to eat any fish except for processed tuna. I eat a lot of nuts!

Eating To Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
• Maintain a desirable weight (a BMI of less than 25).
• Limit saturated fat intake to nomore than 10%of total calories (less
than 7% if you have high blood cholesterol).
• Limit dietary cholesterol to less than 300 mg per day.
• Get 20 to 35 g of fiber per day; include several servings of whole
grains and plenty of soluble fiber.
• Aim for nine servings per day of a variety of fruits and vegetables.
At least one vegetable should be dark green and at least one fruit
or vegetable should be orange or red.
• Choose an overall balanced diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables,
and whole grains.

Eating To Prevent High Blood Pressure
• Maintain a desirable weight (a BMI of less than 25).
• Limit daily sodium intake to no more than 2,300 mg a day, which is
the equivalent of about 1 teaspoon of table salt (sodium chloride).
If you already have high blood pressure, restrict sodium intake to
1,500 mg or less each day, about 2/3 teaspoon of salt.
• Increase intake of fruits and vegetables to get enough potassium.
Aim for nine servings per day.
• Consume two to four servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy products
each day for adequate calcium and protein.
• Include plenty of whole grains, fish, and skinless poultry.
• Restrict intake of fat, red meat, and sugary foods and drinks.
• Limit consumption of alcohol to no more than one drink a day for
women and no more than two a day for men. One alcoholic drink
equals one 12-oz beer, one 5-oz glass of wine, or one shot (1.5 oz)
of 80-proof spirits.