Hi friends! Happy hump day and happy September!
It is hard to believe it is already September. While I love summer for all that it stands for- tons of outdoor time, kids off from school, and fun memories, I’m looking forward to fall!
Fall to me is Milder temperatures, fall fashion, the kids excitement, halloween, pumpkin everything, the beautiful foliage, and the feelings of new beginnings. With September arriving, more structure in our schedule is immediately added with school and I’m not going to lie…I crave routine!
I don’t know about you, but my meal planning and nutrition shift a little when summer comes. We grill ALL of the time in the summer and I typically avoid anything in the oven ;). Now that fall is here, I crave more comfort foods (who doesn’t) and my habits shift.
I wanted to share my top 6 seasonal fall foods that I shift to eating during the fall and why they should be at the top of your list at the famers market or grocery store!
PBB’s Top 6 Fall Seasonal Foods
Apples: Yes! Apples! The number one on my fall list…We love apples in our household! Not only are these great to eat as a snack, but they are awesome to bake with. Apples are fantastic for your health and easy on the budget during fall. You can also make it into a fun family event by going apple picking :) Some health benefits of an apple are: They are good for your heart, and may help reduce the risk of cancer, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and several other conditions. They are also high in fiber, contain tons of antioxidents and are super tasty and convinient. I love apples for pre/post workout and my kiddos love them too! They're also linked to a Lower Risk of Diabetes, and help your teeth, and contain compounds that can help fight asthma.
2. Sweet Potatoes: I love sweet potatoes cooked so many ways. I usually pan fry them, but they are also great baked. Sweet Potatoes are fantastic for your health and a slow burning carb! One cup of baked sweet potato provides nearly half of your daily vitamin C needs. The same portion also supplies 400%(!) of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A. Both nutrients are vital for supporting immune function, which is especially important during cold and flu season. They are an excellent addition to any diet.
3.Spaghetti Squash: I love me some pasta….but not necessarily the carbs that come along with it! Spaghetti squash is a great way to enjoy your comfort foods without the carbs. I usually bake mine in the morning and store it in the fridge for when I need it. Its rich in fiber, its high in anti-oxidents, and its a low glycemic food which is excellent for promoting weight loss.
4. Cauliflower: I’ll be honest in that I never used to like cauliflower! But, the more you “try” something, it becomes an acquired taste! I highly recommend jumping on the cauliflower bandwagon. You can get it year round, but it is also in season in the fall! It can be steamed, pan fried, or thrown on the grill! I also love getting cauliflower rice with a good stir fry! One cup of raw cauliflower provides over 75% of the daily minimum target for vitamin C. In addition to supporting immunity, this nutrient is needed for DNA repair and the production of both collagen and serotonin. Cauliflower is high in fiber (makes you feel full and good for digestion ), is an anti-inflammatory, and fights aging (YES!!!). Add it to your meal and you won’t be disappointed.
5. Butternut Squash: This is a newer item in our household but the benefits are undeniable! I usually steam or bake mine! Squash is actually among the oldest known crops, dating back 10,000 years to Mexico and Central America. It is a great hydrator, containing more than 87% water, is good for immunity and is excellent for your eyesight. It also contains:
More than 100% of your daily requirement of vitamin A
Nearly 40% of your daily requirement of vitamin C
About 15% of your daily requirement of magnesium
About 18% of your daily requirement of potassium
About 5% of your daily requirement of calcium
6. Pumpkin! I coulden’t make a fall food list if i didn’t mention Pumpkin! While I’m not a huge fan of pumpkin myself, after researching its benefits I’ll definitely be incorporating it more into my diet. It is high in fiber, has antioxidants, and minerals. We personally love pumpkin pancakes :)
Buying seasonal foods is a great way to be budget savvy! As you can see, there are some really great options that are good not only for our health, but for your wallet! Let me know if you try any of these items this fall!
xo
Alex