This time of year is when things begin to change, starting with the weather. As the temperatures outside begin to drop, it’s important to keep your health at the forefront of your mind and focus on feeding your body the rich nutrients it desires.
Luckily, with changing seasons comes new fall produce, allowing us to cook up delicious recipes and eat something different every day. There is a lot to choose from when it comes to produce in the fall, and the health benefits of the in-season fruits and vegetables can do wonders for your mind and your body.
These Fruits & Veggies Are Delicious AND Good For You!
Apples
It may seem like apples are always around, but apple harvest season is actually from August until November. The reason we’re able to get access to this popular fruit is because of cold food storage, but the best time of year to pick apples is in the fall.
Apples are rich with fiber and antioxidants, and are low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol. They’re an all-around healthy snack, which is why it is important to incorporate it into your daily diet during the next few months.
The healthiest kind of apple is the Granny Smith, due to its low sugar content and high amounts of fiber. Apples are great fruits to eat on their own or bake into treats like pie, bread, or even cookies. It’s easy to get your daily dose of fiber through an apple or two.
Pears
Pears are another fruit that we commonly take for granted, despite it being one of the healthiest fruits you can consume. Pear season begins in August and runs through October, and are commonly picked from the west side of the country and New England.
Pears help fight inflammation, good for your gut health and heart health, and are instrumental in protecting against diseases. They’re also a great aid for weight loss because of the high amount of fiber and water inside of them. That combination keeps you feeling full between meals, which can stop you from overeating.
Squash
Squash is a vegetable that is technically in season all year long, but there are so many different types of squash that they each get their own season. Winter squash is a popular fall produce, even though the name for it suggests it shouldn’t be in season until the coldest months of the year.
The most sought after winter squash types are butternut, spaghetti, and buttercup. These vegetables are a good source of vitamins (A, B, and C) and are high in antioxidants, helping your body fight diseases. Squash is also rich in potassium and magnesium, and is filled with water and fiber to keep you hydrated and your gut healthy.
Pumpkin
Once fall begins, pumpkins are everywhere! From being used as Halloween decorations to showing up in bins at the grocery store, pumpkin is popularly used to symbolize the changing of seasons.
Though most people would rather use their pumpkins for carving, there are actually several health benefits to cooking and baking with pumpkin. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, helping to boost your immune system and lowering the risk of certain cancers. Pumpkin is low in calories, making it a good aid for weight loss. Additionally, it can help your heart health, eyesight, and contains low amounts of sugar.
Pumpkin can be baked into nearly any recipe, but the most popular use of pumpkin is in pumpkin pie. Other healthy pumpkin-themed meals and treats include pumpkin vegetable soup, pumpkin oats, and pumpkin bread. Nearly every use of pumpkin is a good one, since the fruit itself is so good for your health and your heart!
Here at Southgate, our living spaces have full kitchens so you can cook up a special fall treat with the best seasonal produce!