thought of another reason the apple plan might work

Actually, two more reasons - maybe all the extra fiber (about 15 grams a day) may have a slight laxative effect, causing your body to consume less calories ... or maybe all the extra actual-good-food vitamins your body gets tells it to let go of fat more easily. You know how the "experts" say "don't starve yourself, your body's metabolism will just slow down because it thinks a famine may be ahead." Well, maybe being sure to eat at least three apples a day tells your body "We're doing great, we've got tons of good, nutritious food, those extra pounds aren't needed.". What do you think?