Fall, Autumn Health Fruits, Vegetables, Produce, Foods

There’s something magical about the fall season. The colors in nature are changing, a crisp breeze flows through the air, people come out of their summer relaxation mode and buzz with productive energy. But, my favorite thing about the fall, by far, is the abundance of delicious, nourishing foods that come into season.

Today, I’m sharing five of my absolute favorite fall foods and why they’re so healthy. I recommend you eat them in abundance — and, ideally, buy locally so you can ensure you’re getting the freshest, most nutrient-packed, and tastiest produce.

Apples

Apples are quintessential fall fruits, and they’re one of my personal favorite ways to curb a sweet tooth without adding refined sugar into my diet. When you stop eating refined sugar, you realize how sweet an apple really is. Apples are packed with fiber, vitamins (including vitamin C), and antioxidants, so they’ll help keep your immune system strong through cold season. My recommendation is to eat the entire apple instead of juicing it; it’s less of a sugar rush for the body, and you’ll get all the fiber. Make sure to choose organic apples, and also eat the skin. (That’s where most of the nutrients are!) Find a local farm that has organic apple trees, and go apple-picking to really take advantage of the season.

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Arugula

I’m a big fan of including a lot of green in your diet for optimal health, but arugula stands out as a serious, fall superfood. Arugula contains compounds that help protect the body from cancer and has detoxifying properties and loads of iron, vitamins, and minerals. And, it can be a great support for your immune system over the fall and winter months. It’s a fantastic, peppery base for a salad, so swap out your regular lettuce for arugula and give your health a delicious boost. Read more here about how to build a healthier salad.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are another fall staple that should make frequent appearances on your dinner table. They are a great source of fiber, manganese, potassium, choline, and B vitamins — and the antioxidants and other phytochemicals found in these cruciferous veggies have been proven to fight chronic diseases, including cancer. They’re so delicious when they’re roasted; try this Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Tahini Dressing recipe.

Pumpkin

Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween. They’re supercharged with vitamins and minerals and packed with fiber, iron, and vitamin A. Check out this Pumpkin Pie Smoothie recipe to combat sugar cravings and get all the benefits of pumpkin. And, don’t forget the pumpkin seeds. They have magnesium, zinc, and tryptophan — important for the production of serotonin, which can boost your mood. In other words, pumpkins make you healthy and happy, so look beyond your pumpkin spice latte and start eating more pumpkin.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are grounding root vegetables, which are especially warming, hearty foods to eat as the weather gets colder. Their deep, orange color comes from the presence of beta carotene, which can combat free radicals in the body and fight illness. They have a high concentration of antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and B6. Since sweet potatoes are so rich in nutrients, they’re generally a healthier choice than white potatoes. Roast them with coconut oil for a sweet and savory autumn treat, or try this root vegetable soup.

Pay attention to the foods you see at your local farmers market this fall. There, you'll get produce that’s not only more affordable — because it’s local and in season — but will also fuel your body with powerful nutrients. Along with these healthy produce options, don’t forget to add warming spices, such as ginger and cinnamon, to your diet to give your immune system an extra boost.