Stuck in a food rut? Always eat the same meal on the same day of the week? Curious about ways to eat seasonal foods and reap some health benefits? Autumn is the season of vibrant colours with an abundance of fruits and vegetables and the brighter the colour the better these foods are for us packing an immune boosting and antioxidant punch. If it’s time for you to mix things up a little and add some variety into your food choices then our 6 amazing autumnal foods are just for you.
1 – Pumpkin
Sales soar at Halloween as huge volumes of pumpkins are bought only to be carved, decorated and then discarded. But this bright orange highly versatile plant is jammed full of nutrients. Top of the list is beta carotene which the body converts into vitamin A. The benefits of beta carotene may reduce cancer and heart disease risks, help protect against asthma and provide protection from natural aging processes.
How to add pumpkin into your diet.
Boil pumpkin and blitz for a tasty soup, mash with a little olive oil for a potato alternative, simply slice into wedges and roast or grate into muffins for a seasonal twist.
2 – Brussels Sprouts
Sadly brussels sprouts are still seen as something to avoid but in our view those who do are seriously missing out. Belonging to the cruciferous vegetable group known for their anti-cancer properties brussels sprouts are a great alternative to broccoli and a wonderful source of nutrients including vitamins K, C, A and B6. Filling, low in calories and a nifty source of vitamin C, brussels sprouts have a short season, so let’s make the most of it.
How to add brussels sprouts into your diet.
Boil or steam for a healthy vegetable accompaniment or for the more adventurous slice into stir fry’s and salads or pop into your juicer.
3 – Apples
Apple contains powerful antioxidants called flavonoids which help protect our cells from free radical damage which can occur due to our external environment, for example from smoking, city pollution and UV rays. Add to that a good dose of soluble fibre and vitamin C and the fact that apples are generally far cheaper on the pocket than expensive alternatives and the humble apple has a lot to offer.
How to add apple into your diet.
Simply eat as they are or stew with a dash of cinnamon for a tasty compote, bake for a sweet treat, add to savoury dishes such as pork or grate into salads.
4 – Parsnips
Parsnips deliver a wide variety of nutrients into your diet that can help lower the risks of serious medical problems such as cancer and heart disease. This is due to the wide range of vitamins and minerals they contain including folate, potassium and vitamin C together with a decent supply of dietary fibre.
How to add parsnips into your diet.
With a distinctive sweet, nutty flavour parsnips are a great treat with any roast, or can be mashed, pureed and even added to soups. For a healthy, crunchy snack slice thinly, dry and season with a dash of olive oil before baking in a moderate oven.
5 – Game meats
Wild game meat such as partridge and venison is a great source of protein offering a tasty alternative to chicken. Game meats are generally lean and therefore lower in fat and a good source of omega 3, omega 6 and iron.
How to add game into your diet.
Poach, roast, casserole, the options are endless when it comes to cooking game meats. Just remember these typically smaller leaner meats can dry out easily so keep a close eye on your dish.
6 – Kale
Autumn can be the start of coughs and colds with many of us falling victim to a seasonal bug or two. Add kale into your diet and you’ll be introducing a nutritional powerhouse giving your immune system a boost in iron, vitamin K and a whole host of powerful oxidants.
How to add kale into your diet.
Steam, boil, and add to stir fry’s or gently bake in the oven for a crispy effect.
To find out more about how NutriFit Clinic can help you achieve a varied healthier diet that supports your health goals get in touch for a friendly chat.
