The Best Foods for Fall!

We tend to naturally turn towards carby, creamy treats as the weather gets colder – they provide solace, comfort and general deliciousness, after all, and our bodies do require extra calories to stay warm. But there are plenty of ways to get those calories – so why not chow down on these delicious foods that will perk you up during the changing season and keep you in the peak of health? Here are our picks:

Apples and Pears

Apples are chock-full of antioxidants, your defense against illness and aging! Ah, now you know where the old adage “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” came from. Pears, on the other hand, are packed with soluble fibre, which helps lower your LDL cholesterol. At their most delicious during fall, you’ll want to consume these two in every way, shape and form – whole or in pies, preserves, bakes and cocktails!

Potatoes

You’ve been told to stay far, far away from potatoes – but they’ve been a staple food in many colder countries for centuries, and there’s a good reason! They’re great sources of potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, folic acid, and protein. They’re starchy with a fairly high GI, so if you’re trying to lose weight, don’t chomp them indiscriminately – but a small chips or some baked potato every so often will do you no harm this fall! Grab some sweet potato instead (they make a great crumble!) for a good dose of beta-carotene, vitamin C and A, and fibre. Or splurge on some purple potatoes to boost your antioxidants.

The Cabbage Family

Cabbages are fantastic for you! Full of vitamins (C and K) and minerals (folate), antioxidants, fibre, and glucosinolates (anti-carcinogens), they’re easy on your pocket and tummy both. So grab some salad! Or you could chow on cabbage’s relatives cauliflowers, broccoli, brussels sprouts and kale – all of which are packed with nutrients.

Root Vegetables

Go underground this fall for some great nutrients+flavour. The humble onion is a fab source of vitamin C and fibre. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, an oxidant, which your body uses to make vitamin A – which boosts your immune system and strengthens your eyes and skin. They are also full of lutein and vitamin C (more antioxidants). Parsnips are also packed with vitamin C, as well as folates, potassium and fibre. Turnips, a distant cousin of the cabbage family, are similarly full of vitamins C and K, folates, potassium, calcium and fibre. Beetroots contain potassium and folate as well as betalains, which help to fight degeneration, and vitamins A, B and C. They’re rather full of sugar though, so consume with discretion!

Pumpkins

It’s a happy coincidence (or is it?) that pumpkins feature so prominently in fall festivities and foods. There are plenty of health reasons to up your pumpkin consumption – they’re THE best source of both alpha and beta carotene, which is fab for your eyes and skin, and their seeds are full of an omega-3 fatty acid (alpha-linolenic acid) that can help with elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as heart disease.

So eat your way healthy this fall! Stay away from those unhealthy pastas and stick to healthier carbs from root veggies and salads – you know you can count on Slim to curb any ‘white carb’ cravings!