Holistic Fall Bounty

 I think of warm, rich, colorful, and satisfying foods; think of root veggies like parsnips/carrots/beets, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens. Let’s go through some top in season and super nutritious picks. Immediately I think of …….

Pumpkins.

These are a Halloween treat NOT to pass on They are full of beta carotene, Vit A, and fiber. It is delicious in soups. I would also include your in-season squashes; butternut/acorn/spaghetti. These are all full in the above nutrients but also Magnesium and Potassium.

Root veggies.

Parsnips provide a great source of Vit K that your bones need and folate for cell health. Beets are rich in a nitric oxide to maintain healthy blood pressure. Sweet potatoes can be a super nutritious and comforting weeknight dinner when dressed up with some nuts, seeds, and salad. You can also slice up any mix of veggies you like and quickly toss in EVOO to roast in the oven.

Cruciferous.

#1 is the almighty broccoli. It has sulphoraphane which they are finding may protect you from some cancers. It is also a wealth of Vit C and K. Brussels are also a fall treat. They are great for your liver detoxification and they have cancer fighting properties. Cauliflower is another cruciferous in season. Try roasting cauliflower, I promise your kiddos will love it!

Dark Leafy Greens.

Kale, Spinach, and Swiss Chard are fall favorites full of Vit A,C,K.

Leeks.

These are full of anti-inflammatory benefits. Use them in place of onions while in season. They are also great in soups.

Fresh Cranberries.

Have a compound called anthocyanins which help to decrease your oxidative stress from any environment/food toxin exposures. Go get those free radicals.

Apples, figs, and Pears.

These are plentiful in fall. Apples contain flavonoids. They are anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, good for heart health, and may have anti-carcinogenic properties. #Skin on to get your fiber and polyphenols from your apples. Polyphenols are good for your gut, blood sugar maintenance, heart health, decrease inflammation, and combat those free radicals that damage your body.

I hope this list of yummy fall bounty foods, picked at peak harvest for maximum nutrition has inspired your meal planning.