Finally, the heat is letting up and the leaves are turning brilliant shades of red, gold and orange. I love this time of year. But don't let the cooler weather seduce you into bad eating habits. Too many people become sedentary in the winter months and start eating heavy comfort foods. Before long, they've started gaining weight.
Today I'm going to give you suggestions for healthy super foods that are perfect for the fall weather.
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Rutabaga: You might not have even thought about this versatile vegetable lately. If ever. But try adding a few to soups or casseroles. They pack lots of fiber and vitamin C.
Apples: Full of antioxidants and fiber. Eat the skins, too, because of the flavonoids. Apples go a long way in adding zip to an otherwise boring salad.
Pears: Contain vitamin C and fiber. Eat raw or bake with a little cinnamon.
Tangerines: You can eat these as a quick afternoon snack or pack them in your lunch bag. They contain beta-carotene and vitamin C. If you have kids, you can keep a bowl of fruit on the table so they can grab a healthy snack to munch on. When you use a variety of fruits and colors it's a beautiful fall centerpiece, as well as a way to entice your whole family to eat healthy snacks.
Pomegranates: According to a recent UCLA study, this fruit has more anti-oxidants than a glass of red wine. If the juice is too tangy for you to drink , use it as a marinade.
Kiwi: In this tangy fruit you'll find potassium, cooper and Vitamin C. I like to add these to fruit salads to give them some extra kick.
Grapefruit: When you eat this fruit your body is getting 75 percent of its recommended daily dose of vitamin C. Plus, it contains lycopene and anti-oxidants.
Dates: This tasty snack is high in fiber and potassium. Eat plain, as a snack, or use in desserts or to sweeten a salad.
Sweet potatoes: Try roasting these and adding a little cinnamon. It's like having dessert–without all the sugar. Not only do they have anti-inflammatory properties that can aid your digestions: but they're full of vitamin A and iron.
Winter squash is full of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A. Best seasoned with flavors like ginger or cinnamon.
Brussels sprouts contain Vitamin K, foliate and iron. Add a little balsamic vinegar to give them a new flavor.
Turnips: The leaves (turnip greens) contain folate and vitamins A and K. The root is a good source of vitamin C.
Parsnips are a good source of calcium and fiber. These have an unusual, nutty taste and can be used to add extra flavor to rice or soups.
Cauliflower: A popular way to serve this is to steam and then mash and use in place of mashed potatoes. Not only is it a good source of vitamin C, but it has Phytonutrients that can lower cholesterol.
Pumpkin: I saved the food that most represent Autumn to the every last. Nothing says fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving like a pumpkin. You can use it in pies, cakes, waffles and muffins. It contains fiber, potassium, and B vitamins.
Remember, one of the best places to find the freshest fall produce is at your local farmers market. Don't let autumn be an excuse to let up on your healthy way of living. You can enjoy all the colors, tastes, and textures of fall and still eat nutritious foods.
Images via Thinkstock
