Autumn is upon us, and we should eat accordingly.
The leaves have fallen, and pumpkin spice everything is already on the shelves. Our Thanksgiving plans are a little up in the air due to the pandemic, but we still have to eat every day. One of the silver linings of the pandemic is that it has given people more time to do the things they love, like cooking.
I don’t cook all that often, but when I do I like to try new things, and the seasons can provide some great inspiration. So if your inclination is to bundle up for the winter and eat all sorts of healthy, savory fall foods, here are five suggestions for maximum deliciousness with health benefits to boot.
Winter squash- First, a fun fact. Winter squash are actually fruit, and come in many different varieties like pumpkin, acorn, spaghetti, butternut, kabocha and hubbard to name a few. They are full of A and C vitamins, as well as omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation.
Pumpkin is chock full of potassium, fiber, and B vitamins, and can actually help you lose weight.
An easy way to incorporate winter squash into your diet is to substitute it for pasta.
Cauliflower- Cauliflower is high in antioxidants, fiber, and can even help reduce the risk of some types of cancers. Much like squash, it can be a great substitute for pasta or rice.
Mushrooms- Mushrooms are very rich in D and B vitamins, as well as the antioxidant selenium, which helps repair cell damage and the thyroid. Mushrooms are especially great as a meat replacement.
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Apples- Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C, which helps increase collagen production. They are also great for weight loss, and are a natural source of energy.
Kale- Kale is known as a superfood because it is high in A and C vitamins, and contains high amounts of calcium and potassium. If you have never had a kale chip, you are missing out! They are super easy to make.
No matter what season it is, it’s important to pay attention to your diet. Hopefully incorporating these foods into your regimen will keep you healthy and happy during the cold weather months!