Now that Summer is over, the bounty of the Fall harvest is ready!
Eating seasonally has so many benefits, and Fall gives us an abundance of delicious and healthy foods to enjoy.
Here are 7 healthy foods that are currently in season to include in your meal planning this Fall.
1. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is everywhere in the Fall, and while that Pumpkin Spiced Latte might be on your mind, the benefits I want you to think about come from pure pumpkin puree instead. Adding it to overnight oats, muffins, or even pancakes gives you a hefty dose of beta-carotene that fights illness and helps your eyes stay healthy.
2. Apples
Apples are another Fall favorite to enjoy. With loads of fiber, apples can help your heart stay healthy. Fiber also makes you feel fuller for longer, so you’ll be less likely to cave into cravings for candy corn and other not-so-healthy Fall treats. With all the varieties of apples available, they can be enjoyed as a crunchy snack, or include in some Fall baking like an apple crisp.
3. Root Veggies
Carrots, parsnips, radishes, sweet potatoes, and beets all land in this category. There’s nothing better than an easy side dish and roasted root veggies deliver. They’re also nutritious, and are the key to more vitamins A and C to keep your immune system nice and strong.
4. Squash
With so many different kinds of squash, you can find one to serve for dinner tonight. Butternut, spaghetti, and acorn squash are just a few examples. All of them have plentiful potassium that keeps blood pressure healthy. Personally I like to roast squash and also add it into my soups.
5. Pears
While everyone focuses on pumpkins and apples, don’t leave pears out. This healthy fall food is also a fiber-rich choice. Plus, it contains vitamin C and potassium, too. They’re delicious as a snack, in salads, or even roasted in the oven. Add a bit of cinnamon on a roasted pear and it makes the perfect dessert!
6. Cranberries
Fresh cranberries are often turned into that treasured sauce everyone loves at Thanksgiving. But throwing a few of them in your morning oatmeal or adding to stuffing and rice is a great way to use these yummy berries. Cranberries are rich in fiber and vitamin C. That beautiful color contains anthocyanins which reduce oxidative stress for better health.
7. Cinnamon
While not technically a food, cinnamon is the healthy fall spice you need. It adds sweetness without sugar and works in sweet and savory recipes alike. Cinnamon is a healthy addition to sprinkle onto roasted veggies (like those root vegetables mentioned above) or even your morning coffee, so you’ll forgo the cream and sugar.
These are some of my personal favorite Fall foods. I would love to hear yours! Leave a comment below.
If you are ready to shift into the Fall with some healthier habits, then I would love you to join me for my program. Click image below to join.
