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Fall has finally arrived, and if you’re one of those people who simply adore this season – welcome to the club, you aren’t the only one! The majority of people love fall because of the amazing seasonal foods it brings, so keep on reading and find out why eating in-the-season is the best thing you can do for your health. Just check out our tips and enjoy!
Why is eating in-the-season so important?
Yes, we know that almost all fruits and vegetables are available all year round these days, but you know what? Eating seasonally has more benefits than you can even imagine, and the first one is a lower cost. This is because local produce is often much cheaper because of the decreased travel time and expense. Besides that, we must also say that seasonal, freshly picked foods taste better than imported produce that doesn’t even grow in your area. Needless to say, seasonal foods are also higher in minerals and vitamins – the further they have to travel, the more nutrients they lose. Exposure to the sun, heat, and air is said to reduce nutrition content even more, so bear that in mind and completely switch to seasonal foods!
Which foods to eat this fall?
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In order to help your body function properly, you need to provide it with enough nutrients which are crucial for healthy development. The same goes for your skin, which needs extra nourishment as soon as fall arrives. So, apart from switching to top quality moisturising skincare products, which will keep your skin properly hydrated, you should also incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables into your everyday diet. For example, apples are always a fantastic choice as these are rich in antioxidants – molecules that fight the free radicals which can speed up the process of ageing and result in different illnesses. There are also pumpkins, which are a true fall staple everyone loves to use in the kitchen. Did you know that pumpkins are high in beta-carotene, a plant-based form of vitamin A which is vital to vision and healthy skin? That’s right, and you should also know that pumpkins are rich in fibre and vitamins C and A. Spaghetti squash are becoming increasingly popular these days, too. These are a healthier alternative to traditional spaghetti as they have fewer calories (42 calories per cup compared to 250 calories in regular spaghetti). Just give them a try, check out our super easy fall recipes, and you’ll see what we were talking about!
Pumpkin chocolate chunk cookies
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If you’re a huge fan of classic chocolate chip cookies, but you want to upgrade your favourite recipe a little bit, you’re definitely in the right place! There are pumpkin chocolate chunk cookies which are much more delicious and flavourful than regular ones, and the first step you should take is to preheat oven to 180°C. Then take a large bowl and add 2/3 cup of whole-wheat pastry flour, 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Then take a medium bowl and whisk 2 large eggs, ¾ cup of unseasoned pumpkin puree, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 3 tablespoons of canola oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir the wet ingredients and 2/3 cups of chocolate chunks into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and consistent. Place the cookies onto a baking sheet (about an inch apart), and bake them for 10 to 13 minutes or until they become lightly golden on top. Once they’re done, you can enjoy your fabulous fall cookies!
Spaghetti squash alfredo
On the other hand, if you’re craving carbohydrates but you’re still aware of the fact that pasta isn’t the best possible choice, you should opt for spaghetti squash alfredo instead and make a super delicious yet healthy dish. First of all, you’ll need a bigger spaghetti squash (around 2kg). Cut it in half, scoop out, and discard seeds from the halves. Prick the outsides with a sharp knife and season the insides with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Then cut its sides down, put it on a larger microwave-safe plate, and microwave it for about 10 minutes until it becomes tender. While the squash is in the microwave, take a small saucepan and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Let it simmer for 5 minutes and then whisk in 1 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese. Use a fork to scrape the flesh of each squash half into strands and add the sauce onto the squash. Top each half with 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese and broil them for 1-2 minutes until bubbly. Bon appétit!
As you can see, eating seasonal foods has so many amazing benefits, so make sure to take advantage of them and stay healthy this fall. We’re sure that you’ll love those fabulous, delicious foods and the recipes we’ve suggested, so bear them in mind and you’ll see a huge improvement once you decide to give seasonal foods a fair shot!
