How to Eat Healthy this Autumn: Tips for Easing In More Fruits and Veggies Into Your Winter Diet
Hey Angels and Alphas,
The leaves have fallen off the trees, the temperature’s dropped, and winter’s on its way. If you’re like most people, this means it’s time to go into hibernation mode, but if you stick to your typical winter diet plan, that can be pretty dangerous. That’s because when you’re eating fewer fruits and veggies during the cold months, you’re more likely to develop nutritional deficiencies over time that can lead to serious health problems down the road. But it’s not all bad news.
What fruits and veggies are in season during the Autumn?
There are a lot of foods that are in season during the autumn. These include apples, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, beets, carrots, cauliflower. This list doesn’t even scratch the surface of all the different types of fruits and vegetables that can be eaten throughout the fall months. There’s a lot more than pumpkin pie waiting for you at Thanksgiving dinner!
Cook your meals from scratch
One way to make sure you’re eating more healthy is by cooking your meals from scratch. It’s easy, it saves money, and it tastes great. Here are some of my favorite autumn recipes that use fresh produce! Risotto with Roasted Squash Risotto with roasted butternut squash gets a spicy kick from chile de arbol peppers and cayenne pepper.
The mild sweetness of the butternut squash is a perfect pairing with the subtle heat of the peppers. Try substituting other squashes like kabocha or acorn in place of the butternut squash if desired. Mushroom Marsala Risotto Mushroom Marsala risotto makes a delicious vegetarian option for dinner or as an appetizer at your next dinner party.
Don’t be afraid of local produce
One of the best things you can do this autumn is take advantage of the local produce available. The best way to do that is by visiting your nearest farmer’s market, where you’ll find a range of healthy options that are in season at the time. In the winter, there are so few locally grown fruits and veggies available, which makes it easy for people to lose sight of the importance of eating healthy. Buying from a farmer’s market helps you avoid produce that’s been shipped from far away. Plus, buying at a farmer’s market means you’re supporting a small business and getting more fresh vegetables because they don’t have as long of a shelf life as store-bought produce.
Use herbs instead of salt
Fruit is an excellent snack, not only because it’s a great source of fiber, but also because it contains natural sugars that can help your brain stay focused. And if you’re looking for a quick energy boost, fruit’s vitamin C content will give you the right amount of pep.
Vegetables are another great choice — they’re packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that will keep your immune system strong all winter long. If you have time on the weekends or during the week, try prepping some snacks to take with you when you’re on-the-go.
Investing time into prepping your snacks will pay off big time later
Preparing your snacks ahead of time will save you so much time in the long run. Here are some tips for getting more produce into your diet this autumn.
-Serve fruit at breakfast instead of cereal or oatmeal.
-Add kale, spinach, or other dark leafy greens to salads or smoothies.
-Make a big batch of soup that can be eaten throughout the week.
-If you have a blender, try making a green smoothie packed with veggies like avocado, carrots, celery and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro!
-Add cauliflower rice to curry dishes, as well as cabbage slaw in burgers!
Snack on whole pieces of fruit
It can be really easy to let healthy eating slip away when the weather starts getting colder. But there are a few simple things you can do to get more fruits and veggies into your winter diet.
First, try making soups or stews that incorporate seasonal produce like squash, apples, parsnips, carrots, etc. You could also bake with pumpkin puree or make a smoothie with some frozen berries or fruit. There’s no need for these recipes to take up a lot of time – just start small!
Second, try adding some fresh produce like apple slices onto your morning oatmeal or yogurt. If you’re cooking eggs in the morning, throw in some spinach or tomatoes as well. And don’t forget about side dishes!
Keep meals simple and easy to make
One of the best ways to ensure you’re getting enough produce is by keeping it simple. Stir-fries are a great way to get a variety of vegetables without having to chop them all up, while roasted veggies can be tossed in with pasta or made into a soup. If you find yourself really craving something sweet, try cutting up some fruit and baking it with a little honey or cinnamon.
Start your day with breakfast that includes some sort of fruit or vegetable.
Leave a Comment